I’ll start with a disclaimer, I work in specialist school for children. It is my job to educate them to the best of my ability. Now those children have to have a diagnosis (label if you like) to access our provision, to be referred to us by the local authority.
In the minds of myself and the team I work in that label is left at the door. That child is now Jack, David, Tyler. Their strengths, personality, interactions and interests define them. We work to build the confidence and identity of every student. Every day is a new day. Nothing is taken personally and we greet each other as friends. I am Joe, not sir not Mr White. Any student is free to come into my office, ask for a push on the swing. Show me their classroom or work they are proud of.
We do not tolerate any student being picked on but we do not punish.
Discipline is through education and supporting the student to develop the skills needed to interact with their peers. We do not suspend students. We look for reasons for challenging behaviour, we adapt timetables curriculum, communication methods. Everything and we try and try and try again until we have built vital trust and rapport with every student.
The infographic below shows this is not the experience for all children who have a diagnosis. The Autistic spectrum is vast and we must all strive to include all in a positive education where barriers are removed and everyone is encouraged to flourish.
I very much like the words in your banner, to discover abilities before applying a label; also your focus on educating the child, not the label. If there were more schools like yours there’d be a big difference in the statistics quoted in the infographic.
Thank you for your comment. There are quite a few in Kent, we are all (18 schools) meeting today to talk about how best to support our students so they dont become a statistic
I hope your meeting is productive with many ideas to ensure a great outcome for students.
Some great progress made.
That’s good to hear! 🙂
Where do I find out about your schools. My son has ADHD with behavioural problems but in process of being looked at for asd. He struggles at school and is being picked on. He has recently self harmed and I don’t know what to do for the best. He says the children pick on him for being different and he takes everything they say to heart. I’m so worried I don’t know what to donfirnyhr best it where to turn.
I have emailed you.
Your tweet came at a great time. I have just been trying to support my sister who’s daughter is struggling at school. They are the opposite of everything you and your school are doing and it’s a nightmare. She can’t see a way round it. I can go to her today and say there are ways and things should be different. Thanks for the tweet!