'Sea-glass survivors': Autistic testimonies about education experiences

Added on 19/06/2024

Type de contenu

Journal article of the type Testimony ( ; english)

Jacqui Shepherd , Beth Sutton * , Simon Smith * , Marysia Szlenkier *
'Sea-glass survivors': Autistic testimonies about education experiences published in the journal "British Journal of Special Education" Preprint, 14 pages , doi: 10.1111/1467-8578.12506

*Three co-authors had publicly identified as autistic. [Learn more about this mention]

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Summary/Presentation

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.

For your information:

(1) References in blue are resources listed on our site.

(2) Authors listed in this bibliography whose names are in color have published other resources referenced on the site. Clicking on the name allows you to see the list of resources they have published and shared on the site.

(3) Authors whose names are followed by an asterisk have publicly disclosed being autistic.

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