For me, being able to communicate socially is not the same as communicating in a teaching context. It is important to explain the difference. I have learned to communicate socially, but in a teaching environment, it is easier when I am the teacher, and I am passionate about the subject. I can talk for hours about topics that interest me.

Image by poli_ from Pixabay

Classroom Communication with an Autistic Teacher

When I am teaching, social situations do arise, such as greeting students when they arrive and making small talk during lessons, for example, asking students what they have done at school or over the weekend. However, these are common experiences I am familiar with now, and teaching is about passing down my knowledge, explaining what I know and have experience with. I am mostly in control of the conversation as a teacher. I have never taught any neurodivergent children or adults, that I know of, but I can attune myself to the traits of an autistic student. Yet, I don’t feel I am necessarily better at managing these than a teacher who is not autistic.

Social Communication with an Autistic Teacher

When I am communicating in a social environment, it is unpredictable, informal, and chatty, and I must share my feelings, which are areas I have learned, but it is spontaneous. In small talk, there are social cues I do not always understand and certain expectations I cannot always predict straight away. Nevertheless, I have learned to handle social situations, and at this stage in my life, I can manage them well.

Final Thoughts

I enjoy a one-to-one teaching environment, but I have never taught in a classroom. I am passionate about the topics I teach, and I love passing on my knowledge.

There are autistic teachers, lecturers and researchers, but only some likely disclose that they have autism. Addressing autism and employment in academia and any work environment is essential because discriminating against people on the spectrum can be a complete waste that ends up with talents never being utilised.

Sources and Further Reading:

Autism and Employment in Academia | LSBU Research Blogs

https://sandrathomjones.com/

Meet Our Autistic Faculty – SPHARC

Building Future Communities Research Centre | London South Bank University

Critical Autism and Disabilities Studies | London South Bank University

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