When we think about schools, we often focus on the students' needs. However, schools are also workplaces for many adults, including teachers, teaching assistants, administrators, and support staff, some of whom may be neurodivergent.
While we frequently develop strategies to help autistic pupils thrive, how often do we consider what our autistic colleagues might need?
In this article, I will focus on 10 practical strategies schools can implement to create an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent staff, along with actions you can take right away.
1, Clear, direct and accessible communication
Just as with pupils, autistic employees often benefit from clear and concise communication. Ambiguity in instructions or feedback can cause anxiety, which in turn impacts job performance and wellbeing. Consider providing communication in multiple formats – verbally during meetings and in writing via follow-up emails or memos. This approach ensures that everyone is on the same page and avoids misunderstandings.
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