In this conversation, Amanda McGuinness and Pete Wharmby, discuss the challenges faced by Autistic students in relation to school attendance. They explore the misconceptions surrounding school avoidance, the need for a supportive educational environment, and the importance of understanding the unique needs of Autistic children and teens. The discussion emphasizes the role of educators, the impact of parental support, and the necessity of long-term strategies to address the mental health and well-being of Autistic students. They also highlight the importance of listening to Autistic voices and empowering parents to advocate for their children.

Key takeaways

• The narrative around school attendance should focus on the environment, not the child.
• Teachers are trying their best, but often lack adequate training on Autism, impacting their ability to support students.
• Sensory needs are crucial for Autistic students and should be prioritized in schools.
• Attitudes and judgments from teachers and peers can significantly affect Autistic students' experiences.
• Resilience is often misused as a measure of a child's worth or ability to cope.
• Parents must advocate for their children and trust their instincts.
• Long-term support is essential for Autistic students who have experienced trauma in school.
• Empowering Autistic voices in education can lead to better understanding and support.
• Schools need to normalize understanding and accommodating Autistic needs rather than treating them as exceptions.
• Parenting an Autistic child requires confidence and a willingness to challenge societal norms.

Pete Wharmby Bio:

After being diagnosed as autistic at theage of 34 in 2017, I have immersed myself in working to improve autisticawareness, acceptance and making the world a more suitable place for theneurodivergent community. I have spoken at a wide range of events andconferences since 2020 in the UK and in Europe and North America, both inperson and remotely, sharing my insight and experience of being autistic andADHD with businesses, governments, educational establishments and more.

I am active on LinkedIn, Instagram and onYouTube, where my channel is at over 3000 subscribers. I am a bestsellingauthor: my first book, What I Want to Talk About, was published by JessicaKingsley Publishers in September 2022, and my second book, Untypical, waspublished by HarperCollins in March 2023, with the paperback released in March2024. I have also written a number of articles, interviews and book chapters,and appeared on BBC Radio 2. I am a former secondary English teacher and a father-of-one.

Pronouns: he/him

Website: www.petewharmby.com

Instagram: @PeteWharmby

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-wharmby

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/PeterWharmby