Today I had the pleasure of entertaining two research students from a local university studying MAs in autistic spectrum conditions (ASC). Since this is a particular area of interest of mine, the local program lead for the MA course recommended that they came to our school and had a look at the provision we are developing for students with needs on the autistic spectrum.
The students were self-funded from Greece, with specific interests in autism. As Europe prepares for the beginnings of free choice in schools for students with specific needs, their studies are timely. Greece, along with several other European countries is bracing itself for ‘inclusion’!
I spent some time referring to research I have written, articles published and good practice at our school that has been recognised by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’. Then we discussed how their research projects could be developed within our school, and I referred them to a reading list I have found useful in the past.
Inclusion for me is so much more than just in our school; to be truly inclusive you have to see the bigger picture and support the wider community. I relish the opportunity to support others striving to make a difference for young people abroad, and it compliments last week’s visit to France well..
ASC reading list
Allan, J. (1999) Actively Seeking Inclusion: Pupils with special needs in Mainstream schools
(Routledge Falmer)
Bowler, D. M. (2007) Autistic Spectrum Disorders, psychological theory and research (John Wiley & Sons Ltd)
James, W. (1890) within LeDoux, J. (2002) Synaptic Self – how we become who we are (Viking Penguin)
Jones, G. (2002) Educational Provision for Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome –
meeting their needs (Fulton Publishers)
Pollak, R. (1997) The Creation of Dr B; a biography of Bruno Bettelheim (Touchstone)
Willis, P. (1977) Learning to Labour (Saxon House)
