If I were a Teacher… - Cogitations of People on the Autism Spectrum About the Teacher’s Vision

Abstract

This article is part of a broader study on adults with autism. The main assumption of the series of studies is concerned with listening to and hearing the voices of those most affected - those with a diagnosis of autism. The collected material, which is based on our own experiences of people with autism, allows us to present views on the teacher’s role- the educational space’s creator. Thus far, we have introduced the experiences and comments of teachers and therapists; now, we can listen to the voices of students, parents, and people with autism. This study employed the netnographic method. The study involved a group of people diagnosed with autism, and a meeting closed online for those who agreed to participate. Reaching out to a large group made it possible to analyze the results of the statements given by ranking and creating meaning bundles. Furthermore, by differentiating according to age and gender, it became possible to conduct a deeper qualitative analysis concerning specific statements that seem representative of this group of people.
The first conclusion is that the approach to the teaching/learning process differs. This is due to symptoms that are specific to autism, as well as the different educational and therapeutic approaches. The second is related to the use of punishment that, in addition to the forbidden ones (such as physical), often evolve into psychological and social punishments, such as isolation, marginalization, or a lack of interest. It seems equally important to draw attention to the ineffective attempts to impose (often referred to as violating) recognized normative forms of functioning and the treatment of these people as not fully intellectually capable, which is not a condition.
Purpose of the research. The research aims to present the educational reality described by the people who are the most concerned in this study, i.e., those who have been diagnosed with autism at various stages in their lives.