• Question: Do you think that there should be protocols put in place by schools and universities in order to reduce the stress of changing schools on individuals with Autism?

    Asked by anon-184157 to Lorna on 8 Nov 2018.
    • Photo: Lorna Camus

      Lorna Camus answered on 8 Nov 2018:

      That’s a very good question, and yes indeed!
      Currently, primary and secondary schools have some systems in place to help with transitions, however, research finds that autistic children and teenagers are not involved in the planning of their transition, which means they don’t probably don’t have as much control as they could over what will happen and how that will meet their needs/goals.
      As I focus on the transition to secondary school, I’m not sure how it is for universities, but I think they probably have even less support for autistic students, even though this is a massive change (for anyone!).
      I’m hoping that once I identify factors influencing mental health during the transition, I will be able to propose ways of helping in that domain, but right now I’m not sure how we can put such protocols in place I’m afraid!

Comments

  • Photo: Nathan

    Nathan commented on :

    Firstly, consider if this is really an autism issue – these times stressful for everyone.

    Rather than putting all the focus on schools and universities whose primary role is to educate, consider this steps can and should be taken by other parties. For example, parents explaining the change and involving the young person in it.

    I might also suggest it’s important to consider how we respond to stress. Stress can be good in focusing the mind – if someone isn’t in any way stressful, is it really worth doing?