“I like you being here”

Sutton, Beth S.

doi:10.1086/717106

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 36 publications

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“…He also develops social scripts and even mini biographies of people to help him in social situations and, of course, prepares customised worksheets for the autistic students he is working with. Beth's strengths are little trumpeted in her testimony but she has triumphed academically through getting a Bachelor's and Master's degree, securing a doctoral scholarship and having an article published in a high‐ranking academic journal (Sutton, 2021), all this despite her challenging experiences in formal education and, not least, the gaps in her foundation learning. All the writers challenge the deficit model of autism by demonstrating their strengths in terms of strong interpersonal connections, creative imaginations and harnessing the power of monotropism to help others.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Sea‐glass survivors’: Autistic testimonies about education experiences

Shepherd,

Sutton,

Smith

et al. 2024

British J Special Edu

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This article is different. Original testimonies are reproduced, in full, from three autistic adults who reflect on their education experiences. These accounts evolved from a webinar which explored autistic ‘voice’ through research presentations and lived experiences, and this co‐authored article seeks to communicate these reflections to a wider audience. The testimonies are brought together, interpreted and analysed through the lens of the social model of disability exposing the ableist systems in which these adults had to operate. All share the challenge of trying to fit in to a socially, neuronormatively constructed education system, experiencing marginalisation, lack of understanding and lack of appropriate support. However, all three writers emerge as more than ‘sea‐glass survivors’, weathered and worn, having developed survival strategies, but demonstrate their determination to improve lives for those who follow in their wake. This article draws attention to the need to listen to autistic people more frequently, but more importantly to involve them as architects of change for the future. The article was co‐created by three autistic people, who identify as neurodivergent, in discussion and collaboration with the lead author who is an autism ally, autism and education researcher, and parent to an autistic son.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%