Empowering Every Teacher: Launching a New CPD Opportunity for ASN-Inclusive Classrooms

When Audit Scotland released their data stating 40% of all school children in Scotland were classed as ASN (Additional Support Needs) neither parents of ASN children or teachers were surprised.

With almost half of every school needing Additional Support, it could be claimed that every school in Scotland is an ASN school and therefore every teacher in Scotland is an ASN teacher. But surely you cannot be an ASN teacher without a specific degree, qualifications or training? Surprisingly this is not the case, ASN Teaching requires on the job learning only.

As a parent to ASN children, Autism and ADHD, and a teacher this was something I knew was not right for all involved. Yet as a parent I also knew I was uniquely qualified amongst my teaching peers.

When the jotters were marked, lessons were planned and terrible TV was on, I spent my time researching PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy), RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) and how to better support my children as they navigated life in a world built for the neurotypical. Ok I couldn't join in the chat about what was happening in Corrie, but I could give hints, tips and insight with the pupils in their class.

So when I came across the research supporting ASN parents as ASN experts, thanks to the incredible parents at EmpowerED, the spark was ignited. I now had the evidence in black and white to support what I already knew to be true, ASN parents are experts through lived experience. So why were we not valuing their input and voice?

We are.

Founding Neurodivergence Connect with Jamie, we worked night and day - thanks to non sleeping neurodivergent children and in two weeks we had found our parent experts, created a website, social media following and more importantly encouraged nearly 300 Scottish teachers to sign up to our events.

On the night, the first night, when we would finally be bringing parents and teachers together - breaking down barriers and creating true home/ school collaboration I was terrified. Would it work? Would it help? Would it be worth all the effort? Then I was reminded of the simple truth, not once had we had any negative criticism of our idea - teachers welcomed it, parents wanted it and professionals including councilors and MSPs were supporting us.

The hour passed quicker than I ever thought. We discussed PDA, Autistic Burnout and Communication Diaries. We shared thoughts, strategies and resources - everything we set out to do. We had done it.

The feedback was just as positive as the initial support and so as we prepare to host our second event the terror I once felt is replaced with renewed hope, optimism and belief in what we have created in Neurodivergence Connect.