Unusual: A reflection on my schooldays as an unidentified Autistic

Autistic writer and advocate Gabi Compton reflects on how her schooldays, as an unidentified Autistic child, resulted in trauma, and the role this has played in shaping the adult she has become.

Introspection on education

Currently in Australia, parents are scurrying to find the right educational setting for their Autistic children beginning school for the first time. Or for their children changing schools for the first, or second, or third time, as previous educational settings have become untenable or unworkable or detrimental to their child’s mental, emotional, social or academic health. Or all of those things. Our school year follows the calendar year, and I know many, many parents who are searching desperately to find the perfect fit for their Autistic poppet for the new year. Or, more accurately, who are searching for an adequate educational fit for their child.