Autism Awareness Day

April 2nd

As we recognise Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, it’s a time to acknowledge the diversity in us all.  Neurodiversity is a term used to describe how our brains work differently. All children bring individual interests, strengths and challenges to the learning they engage in. 

‘Neurodiversity is about celebrating and embracing difference and diversity across humankind, and looking at how we can support neurodiversity across all contexts.’

-Dr Beth Saggers, Professor, School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of technology

As educators we continue to develop an understanding and a vision of how our classrooms and teaching approaches are changing to meet the needs of our students. For example, when we ask students to do their 5L’s and be ready for learning, the expectation is that all students will have; legs crossed, hands in lap, ears listening, lips closed and eyes looking. 

Whilst this works for most students, it doesn’t work for all. Today this picture is changing – if we want students to learn, we need to let them be themselves. If it takes all their energy to focus and do their 5L’s, then there won’t be room for the learning we are asking them to do. For some students the 5L’s expectation, looks different – sitting on wobble cushion, headphones to support noise reduction, lips humming, eyes/ hands on fidget/ or colouring task.

Knowing what our students bring to the classroom, is important for all of us. Working together we are better able to support children in being themselves and letting the learning happen!

Kind regards,

Georgina Sprigg

Deputy Principal/ AIT teacher