Winner announced for World Autism Acceptance Month art competition
The winners of the North East Autism Society’s inaugural World Autism Acceptance Month art competition have been announced.
Parents and autistic young people: 'What we wish schools knew'
Mainstream education still presents a barrier to many autistic people and their families, with a lack of support in schools leading to profound impacts on education and life for autistic people.
Over Autism Acceptance Month, we reached out to young autistic people and their parents and asked what they wished schools knew about autism.
This is what they told us.
Natalie, from Washington, mum to boys aged 17 and 11, said: “I would like teachers to understand that each child learns differently and not everyone can compete to the same set of standards.
“It’s also important that each child feels included in activities. both my sons have missed out on things a school because they have been overlooked, struggle to perform, or don’t have that perfect smile for the cameras.”
One Newcastle mum, with a 13-year-old boy, told us:
"I wish schools knew that the parent is the true expert on their own child. Our school refused to listen and the local authority saw me as 'just a parent' against a team of school professionals. So many schools think they know children better than their parents. My son was so badly broken by his experience that he will never return to a school."
Angela, from Hartlepool, said: “I wish schools understood children’s needs. We got turned down so many times for an Education, Health and Care plan – the school had no idea what masking was.”
Another parent, Claire, told us: “Don’t overlook the invisible or situational needs of a student who is articulate and can walk and talk.”
One parent to a 13-year-old girl said:
"I wish schools understood that not all autistic children are the same. What works for one child might not work for another. Just because a child presents as fine doesn’t mean they are not struggling or has unmet need."
One parent to an autistic 8-year-old boy told us:
“Recognise that every day can feel like climbing Everest for us, work with us not against us.”
Another parent, Laura, said:
“Let’s educate schools on masking! A child can be bright, articulate, kind, caring, loads of empathy - but to school it looks like an anxious child due to an over-anxious mum and of course they are fine in school so it must be a home issue.”
Kelly said schools should know “that often our children know themselves quite well and should be included in any support planning, in a way that is meaningful for the child.”
Tania, the parent to an autistic girl, said: “Even though my child is super clever, doesn’t mean she doesn’t have support needs. She may look like she is the model pupil but is struggling with lots of anxiety.”
Theo, aged 12, told us:
"Different people have different ways, not all autistic people are the same! Don’t change my words for me if I say that is how I am feeling then that is how I am feeling."
One 12-year-old told us they want schools to “involve me in my support planning.”
Will, aged 13, said: “Listen to me, and give me time to build up trust.”
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