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Autistic Teacher Accommodations

Marian

Hi,

Three weeks ago I received an Autism diagnosis at the age of 33. I have been teaching for 11 years. I love my job, especially as it’s a job with a steady routine, lots of scripts, and I get to talk about what I love all day (the kids are great too - much easier to talk to than other adults!) However, in recent years, there have been many times when it has also felt overwhelming.

Are there any other Autistic teachers out there and, if so, what accommodations have you found helpful? My Head has been very supportive and has recommended that I ask for some in the new year.

The things I find most stressful are emergency cover lessons, parents evenings, and days where I have no breaks due to extra duties etc.

Parents

  • I’m a primary school teacher and I don’t feel that any of the suggested accommodations I’ve seen online are practicable. I struggle when my routine is upset but stuff happens that nobody can control or predict. I don’t have to do assemblies or inter-house events which are too noisy and crowded but I do have to go to church services (Catholic school) and playground duties which can also be noisy and crowded. I don’t have to meet parents in parent teacher meetings (I’m a PPA cover teacher not a class teacher) but I do have to when I am on the gate or when I dismiss a class. I don’t feel that I can ask not to do those things because it wouldn’t be fair on the other teachers if I get out of them and they have to do my share.
    But I REALLY struggle when the timetable changes and if I have to teach to someone else’s planning rather than mine. End of term is particularly hard because extra events happen and I end up crying in the car park at the end of the day. 
    Sorry, this hasn’t been at all helpful to you but I do understand how you feel. My head is supportive but just doesn’t understand and i simply don’t know what he could do to help.

Reply

  • I’m a primary school teacher and I don’t feel that any of the suggested accommodations I’ve seen online are practicable. I struggle when my routine is upset but stuff happens that nobody can control or predict. I don’t have to do assemblies or inter-house events which are too noisy and crowded but I do have to go to church services (Catholic school) and playground duties which can also be noisy and crowded. I don’t have to meet parents in parent teacher meetings (I’m a PPA cover teacher not a class teacher) but I do have to when I am on the gate or when I dismiss a class. I don’t feel that I can ask not to do those things because it wouldn’t be fair on the other teachers if I get out of them and they have to do my share.
    But I REALLY struggle when the timetable changes and if I have to teach to someone else’s planning rather than mine. End of term is particularly hard because extra events happen and I end up crying in the car park at the end of the day. 
    Sorry, this hasn’t been at all helpful to you but I do understand how you feel. My head is supportive but just doesn’t understand and i simply don’t know what he could do to help.

Children
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