AUTISM INCLUSION TEACHER

I’d love to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you… I’m Cass Humphrey and I’m fortunate to be working at this gorgeous school in the role as Autism Inclusion Teacher (AIT). Over the past 8 or so years I have supported HEPS as both a Special Educator and a Behaviour Coach and am familiar with the amazing educators, programs and supports that are in place. 

My educational background is: classroom teaching Reception through to Year 11, leadership/ coordination in inclusive education & counselling within R-12 sites, Primary and Secondary schools; working within the Education Department’s Student Support Service team and taking on additional studies in Developmental Education and Social Work. Being able to write this down makes me super proud as I’m the first person in my family to be able to attend university and take on additional studies.

I’m extremely excited to take on the role of AIT as I think there are many exciting changes happening within society which I hope to be able to bring in and compliment the already outstanding work that’s happening here at HEPS. I believe that in order to achieve fair and inclusive education we need to: have a strength focus, incorporate student interests and voice, reduce societal barriers which reduce an individual’s ability to access and participate fully within community and make sure we see and treat each young person as an individual. 

Each school’s AIT is working differently; here at HEPS we are using this day a week position to:

-increase teacher and SSO’s awareness and understanding of not just of Autism, but of neurodivergence (individuals who have diverse ways of thinking, learning, processing and behaving- eg. Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's, ODD, PDA etc)

- develop a positive disability culture

-increase all of our young people’s understanding of neurodivergence

-increase understanding around the importance of sensory needs, and the impact this can have on learning and mental health needs

- and many other exciting things.

Whilst I won't be working one to one with our neurodivergent students, I will be assisting all educators to support your children.  Personally, I believe that learning is like a road map; you are at one location and you need to get to another, and there’s many routes that can be taken in order to achieve this. I feel it’s my role to help our young people, their teachers and families access the route that is going to support them in achieving amazing things.

At the beginning of Term 3 I will send home a parent/carer survey to those who have a neurodivergent child/children. You all have a wealth of knowledge about your child and this information will ensure that we take into consideration your thoughts, your experience and your knowledge.  After this I hope to meet and chat with you all at a morning tea (date TBA).

I’m really excited to be working at HEPS and look forward to meeting and getting to know you all.

Cass Humphrey