How to provide an inclusive environment for Autistic learners with, waiting for or without an autism diagnosis.

How to provide an inclusive environment for Autistic learners with, waiting for or without an autism diagnosis.

Carly Miller, University of Leeds

Date: Wednesday 29th November 2023

Time: 4pm – 5.15pm (UK time)

Venue: This is a free online event.

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, and it is estimated that more than one in 100 people are autistic. However the process to get an autism diagnosis is not quick and learners arriving from other countries may not have been given a diagnosis.

So how do we provide an inclusive environment when we do not know which members of our classroom might be experiencing barriers?

In this session we will look briefly at the social model of disability and the diagnosis process in England. We will then focus on the challenges Autistic students may face and the ways we can all help make things more inclusive and accessible.

Bio: Carly is a Disability Coordinator at the University of Leeds, but has worked in many areas prior to this. Having worked in both schools and universities, in pastoral support services and now providing disability advice, Carly understands the barriers that can be in place for people accessing the right support.

In recent years, Carly realised she is autistic. She completed a BA in History at the University of Bradford, and a MA in Librarianship at the University of Sheffield whilst being unaware of her own disability and so unable to access any support. This gives Carly a personal insight into what it means to be able to have the right support in place for your studies.