Learning From Autistic Teachers

Review
This book should be on the syllabus of any teacher training program. Each chapter provides expert insight into the strengths and challenges faced by autistic educators with vivid and empathic illustrations of their day-to-day lives. Contributors make compelling calls for systems-wide adaptations of school environments to accommodate sensory, communication, and other differences. It also provides the next generation of autistic educators with practical strategies for navigating educational contexts, and using autistic strengths to benefit the most marginalized students. Both autistic and non-autistic school professionals will learn much from this book.--Kristen Bottema-Beutel, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Special Education at Boston College
Schools that aim to be informed by the neurodiversity paradigm must engage with neurodiversity amongst school staff as well as pupils. Harnessing the expertise of neurodivergent school staff can promote creative and effective solutions to the challenges of true inclusion. This must-read volume of perspectives from autistic educationalists makes an essential contribution to that effort.--Professor Sue Fletcher-Watson, Professor of Developmental Psychology, University of Edinburgh
There are a number of books which focus on how to make a school setting inclusive for students who have been diagnosed with autism. This book focuses on the experiences of autistic teachers where each individual shares their struggles and successes and provide information on what worked for them to be successful teachers. It is also about self-discovery and the importance of understanding autism at a personal level. This is a useful book for anyone who is interested in understanding lived experiences, and for those who are considering of making organisations inclusive for staff with different needs and strengths.--Dr Prithvi Perepa, Lecturer in Autism Studies, University of Birmingham
Finally, a book that harnesses the professional experience and personal insights of autistic educators! Learning From Autistic Teachers is a must-read for anyone dedicated to making our schools more inclusive and accessible.--Meghan Ashburn Creator of Not an Autism Mom and That Au-Some Book Club, Educational Consultant, author, and teacher
This book offers a rare degree of insight into what autism is, and what it means in a school environment. These autistic educators have seen what autistic children go through in education, from both sides. Schools will always be neurodiverse places, both among the children and the staff; to be truly inclusive, they need to get to grips with what neurodiversity means in practice. The writers here are exceptionally well placed to help them to do that.--Fergus Murray, autistic teacher and co-founder of Autistic Mutual Aid Society Edinburgh (AMASE)
This is a wonderful and hopeful book. The powerful, perfectly crafted chapters reveal the crucial contribution that autistic teachers can make to education. The inspiring and diverse range of contributors also means that those lessons are drawn from many with their own experience and insight. It is a vital read for all those who care about autism and education.--Professor Liz Pellicano, Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University
An honest insight into the world of autistic educators, sharing their passion for the profession and showing the true depth of empathy that they have for their students.
This book is a valuable resource for all educators, parents and policy makers, as well as autistic people considering a career in education and those wishing to support their autistic pupils and colleagues.
We must nurture our autistic and otherwise neurodivergent educators and recognise their true value not just to autistic students but to the profession as a whole.--Kabie Brook, Autistic activist and advocate, Co-founder of Autism Rights Group Highland, National Autistic Taskforce Director
An essential read for any education leader or professi