Jump to content
alexon

Do you know of any teachers diagnosed with AS ?

Recommended Posts

Hi,

 

I am a secondary teacher with AS

 

Shortly after I was diagnosed I was sacked.

 

I am taking this to an employment teribunal, and it sits in a couple of weeks.

 

One of the arguements that my former employer is making is that - because i have aspergers I will be unable to interact with teenagers because of their immaturity and unpredictability.

 

My former employers are of the opinion that there are no teachers with diagnosed AS. - I think that is rubbish, but I have no evidence otherwise.

 

Do you know of any teachers diagnosed with AS ?

 

If you would prefer to message me rather than post, then that is also welcome.

 

thanks

 

Alexon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

that is unfair dissmissal. i get on better with teenagers than those of my own age.

 

there is an aspergic teacher or 2 on the forum 'aspie village' a friend of mine with nvld is a teacher facing similar prejudice.

 

autuniversity is another place to look and also autscape chat.

 

im an unemployed student with a bphil in autism as in an education degree. some of the tutors on the course are autistic all university degrees.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hi,

 

thanks Kilamanjaro

and thanks too special talent123

 

I have evidence to contradict many of my former employers arguements, however it is just the bit that no teachers have AS that i have difficulty refuting, hence the reason for my original post.

 

 

alexon ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Alexon

 

I'm sorry I can't answer your question specifically. How long have you been a secondary teacher and how long were you employed for in your present/former school?

 

There are various legislative procedures that employers need to follow in dismissal cases - i.e. they can't just fire you on the spot. This is illegal.

 

Did you tell your latest employer about your diagnosis or did they find out by other means (i.e. from your doctor)

 

If they found out without your knowledge, then this is a severe breach of confidentiality and you definately have a counter-claim to this. The doctor/person who gave this information to your employer could be struck off/sacked if your express permission wasn't sought first.

 

I really hope this works out for you - do keep us posted.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hi,

 

I was a secondary teacher for 11 years - 6 years with my most recent employer.

 

There were a lot of procedures that they did not follow.

I have had a lot of legal advice and think I have a good case.

 

I expect this to be in the media within the next month, i will post a synopsis once the tribunal is over.

thanks,

alexon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi, I know of a secondary tacher with AS he is teaching main stream, and is very well liked by his pupils. He is a really good teacher, I doubt many of the pupils know his diagnosis many do think he is whacky... but his teaching methods work well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Alexon

 

I wouldn't wish this upon anyone and certainly would never hope to be in a position to wish somebody luck during a tribunal case - but.... if you have a sound legal case, then I wish you every success. 11 and a half years is a big achievement.

 

Your employer/LEA will have to pay the price: this is either reinstatement or lots of compensation and bad press. They might think twice if they know the case is going to court.

 

This will also have a negative impact on Aspergers in general and remove an excellent role model (i.e you) from the system if the school wins. But I hope you've found yourself a good solicitor and witness(es) that understand and who can speak up in your favour.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
it is just the bit that no teachers have AS that i have difficulty refuting
I'm finding this very hard to understand. You're a teacher, and you have AS, case closed. If you've taught for 11 years, I struggle to imagine what difference diagnosis can possibly make, especially against the backdrop of over a decade of experience. Do keep us posted on the publicity and the tribunal. I really hope it all goes in your favor.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

dear mannify

 

i am sorry but i just reported your post to a moderator it was an accident - i pressed the cancel button but i think it was sent.

 

i did this because i am not very well just now, and pressed the report button instead of the reply button.

 

I have no wish to report you, as there was absolutely nothing wrong with your post.

please accept my apologies.

 

Sorry alexon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hi,

thanks to all for your messages of support.

 

I have managed to get a lot of useful information which answers my original post, and increases my confidence.

 

I will keep the forum informed how the case goes .

thanks again,

 

Alexon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi

- update -

 

The Employment Tribunal is going well, but slowly - it ran out of time, the rest will be heard in another three months.

 

Thanks,

alexon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i wish you well in the Employment Tribunal and your preparations. Have you asked your union for help?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hi thanks,

unfortunately union is not sympathetic, and are more of a hinderance than a help. I have a good lawyer, and they are helpful.

 

thanks again,

alexon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Alexon, my advice would be to post a message on the forum at the website of the teacher's union, nasuwt.org.uk. You'll probably get a response if you ask people to respond to you privately.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm so sorry you're experiencing this. I wish you the very best and hope the outcome is in your favour. How do you feel about is resuming in 3 months? I once had to give evidence in court and the judge made a mistake so it all had to start again and it took months. I really hated it hanging over my head for all that time (I was a witness by the way, not the defendant!). I really hope they get punished for doing this to you :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

 

Posting on the teachers website is a good idea thanks.

 

I have managed to overcome the specific difficulty of "no other teachers have aspergers"

 

The 3 month wait is a bit irritating, but I have little option but to accept the delay. :-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That you experience difficulties in finding teachers with AS only shows that they have no problems teaching, and they see no use in disclosing their condition. 8|

Along a similar line of thinking, you could fire everyone who's shorter than 5 feet. :P

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know personally a good teacher with Asperger.

 

A known case is Vernon L. Smith, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002, who is professor of Economics. He has Asperger, and talks about it in a video of CNBC that you can find in http://pairal.net/asperger/aspies.php (the second one, under Temple Grandin).

 

He talks specifically about his experience with teaching at 2'30".

 

Best luck!

Edited by pairal

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have learned one thing about employment and ASD, keep the latter quiet as it is a death sentence to employment as there is not enough known about it in the general public to understand how ASD can be useful, it is a disorder and disorders are not wanted.

 

As to teachers with it, well in my time given what I now now I can remember the best teachers I ever had did display signs of it and myself I have no teaching qualification but the college I attended for a foundation degree part time a couple of years ago urged me to seek a teaching qualification because of my ability to teach others what the tutor failed to communicate, I was even credited by students in their exams even an MA student who never quite understood an aspect she needed to know.

 

When asked why it is I can do what I can naturally do I replied to say what I see is my failure to communicate when people don't understand so I try different approaches until understanding is gained as one thing that is true about many ASD people is a level of creativity that enables different thought.

 

But given the reasons for the OP's dismissal, I say go for it take them to task over their inability to accept the differences that exist within society, for sure with all this diagnosi that is going on it is as if teachers are seeking to absolve themselves of any blame for their inability to teach when it was teachers of the past taught everyone when diagnosi was not common as it is now.

 

But the teacher in question was obviously interviewed to be found acceptable and they obviously held the correct examinations, so where is the problem, there isn't any except one persons prejudice. As to immaturity when dealing with teenagers what does the prejudiced know of that and of the individual abilities of the teacher, has there been complaints ? If not, there is no problem only prejudice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

 

 

.....When asked why it is I can do what I can naturally do I replied to say what I see is my failure to communicate when people don't understand so I try different approaches until understanding is gained as one thing that is true about many ASD people is a level of creativity that enables different thought...

 

This is very enlightening - I use different approaches too until understanding is gained. I never considered it to be an AS trait - however on reflection, perhaps it is - I will need to give it some thought.

 

There are other aspects to my case history- which as the tribunal it is still ongoing, i can't really disclose any more just now.

 

thanks for the useful insight

 

alexon

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi

I am a qualified teacher diagnosed with Aspergers, I worked in schools for 5 years as a substitute and then specialised as a Dyslexia Tutor, I currently work for the Education Boards at university level. I have never had any complaints or issues working as a teacher -only found the slcial aspect at luchtime etc difficult. No problems interacting with children of any age. Is that any use to you?

 

It's ridiculous to say there are no teachers with Aspergers, people with ASD are working in all areas, others just don't realise it as they don't fully understand the the many different variations that it can present as, nor do they appreciated the subtle differences that I know I feel all the time but other people just don't realise what is going on underneath.

 

Good luck with your Tribunal.

 

Starlight

Edited by Starlight

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

HI sorry you've had this experience but YOU were a teacher with AS for 11 years even though it was undiagnosed. The diagnosis did not change who you were all of a sudden. If you were good enough to teach all that time you are good enough to continue to teach with a diagnosis. So either they have been very unfair and sacked you for no good reason or they wanted to sack you for something else and used your diagnosis as an excuse - also very stupid as if there was an issue with your teaching it should have been addressed for it's own merit.

 

Hope you find the information you need to help you win your tribunal.

 

Also even if (and I don't for a moment believe it) that there are no other teachers at all anywhere with AS that is still no a good enough excuse to get rid of you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I said this to a friend who is a lab tech in a college of further education, where those that attend courses there are mostly teenagers from school, he said they can't do that as that is discrimination and as it happens they have their own aspie tutor whom the students love for his difference in the way he makes a dry subject very interesting, often with stuff not related to the syllabus, but the background information and trivia that often accompanies subjects which all help to make that subject more interesting and I know for one, make a subject interesting, then there is more likelihood that subject will be learned.

 

But as another said above it could be your employers are using your AS as a convenient reason to eject you, they being not very clued up on aspergers apart from the generalisations anyone can find on the web. But it may not be that you were in line for ejection in the first place, it could be they saw an opportunity to save money.

 

But when your employers are forced to retain you, I do hope you will let your pupils know you are with Aspergers, because for the aspie kids that are told so much these days about what they can't do as opposed to what they can do, you stand as a shining example of just what an aspie is capable of, you will inspire hope with those that have little.

 

I have been asked to become a leader of a local scout troop, I told them that might not be a good idea because I have Aspergers, but on hearing that, I am under more pressure to join now, as they say scout troops have aspie kids in them, aspie adult involvement is wanted for the very same reasons as I mentioned above adult aspies inspire hope.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is very enlightening - I use different approaches too until understanding is gained. I never considered it to be an AS trait - however on reflection, perhaps it is - I will need to give it some thought.

 

There are other aspects to my case history- which as the tribunal it is still ongoing, i can't really disclose any more just now.

 

thanks for the useful insight

 

alexon

 

I wouldn't call that an ASD trait in fact normally the opposite is true, great that you can manage it and hope I can do the same someday.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wouldn't call that an ASD trait in fact normally the opposite is true, great that you can manage it and hope I can do the same someday.

 

As a late diagnosed aspie, I have had to find my own way in life, but I always remember it difficult to make myself understood and this really mattered in the world of work so I worked on the problem and developed new ways to look at things and so came up with a strength where I personally can explain in different ways, it is a learned procedure I taught myself how to do it as I had to, it was a matter of work it out and swim or just sink into unemployment and the evil that brings and if you are familiar with long term unemployment will be familiar with the dispair and depression of being without focus.

 

There is something else that can help with ways of seeing and that is art, I did a foundation degree in art, I didn't pass because I dropped out just before the exams to pursue another idea as the wolf was almost through the door, but in art there is something called critical studies, my daymare, it does actually teach one how to look at anything differently, now it was me in that that not only could I see in accordance with what fashions existed through the ages, but I could see in a way not defined and this taxed the tutors, they could see the logic, but they could not find a label to post it under. But perhaps it was their understanding was defined by what they had been taught and that was it, whereas I have been trying to understand the basics all my life and so could see further than accepted labels.

 

One thing of many late diagnosed aspies erstwhile describes as with mild aspergers that I have communicated with, is that they have taught themselves how to exist and in this I recognise we have a capability of learning far beyond any syllabus, because we have to deal with the basics the NT doesn't have to think about. It is as if we can self program, we see where we are not getting through and so we keep trying until we do find the correct combination.

 

But this is where I believe the young diagnosed are at a massive disadvantage, because they are being told at an early age what they can't do, whereas us when we were young and undiagnosed, the world was our oyster we were totally free to make our own way in life, sink or swim, it was totally up to us and so look at many through the ages who psychologists reckon to have displayed AS symptoms, Einstein for example it might have been in which case look at how high an aspie can fly.

 

I understand these days aspies are barred from the armed forces, yet I was in the armed forces, six years as an aircraft technician, state of the art electronics and more ancient ones that were still in use from WW2, my expertise repaired airliners and fighter jets, I had a reputation on the squadron- a bit odd, but the dogs bollox when it came to fault finding and anything involving intricate repair with an ability limited by rank only as I regularly stepped into areas way beyond my supposed ability which was governed by rank. But it was my oddness hindered by progression through the ranks, I was not a people person, as I found more comfort amongst machines.

 

You see I believe aspies are at an advantage once they tune in and I do ask why it is all that is known about asperger's comes from people without the condition studying the young when aspies would be better served by psychologists studying those that are high flying in their chosen fields of expertise. ?

 

I believe an aspie makes a good teacher and have no doubt an aspie teacher is the best teacher as from memory the best teachers I ever had, those that inspired me in some cases displayed what I now know to be aspie traits.

 

Honestly, people should be looking at where the AS advantaged can thrive not what they can't do, but that requires a bit of positivity and imagination that is sadly lacking in Britain of today's society.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with much of what Sa Skimrande has just said :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hi,

 

thanks for the continued messages of support.

 

the tribunal sitting ended this week, there are written submissions in a few weeks, then a decision will come out, and if successful, there will be a remedies hearing a few weeks / months later - eg how much cash.

 

at least some of the many points claimed seemed to have went in my favour.

I will post if/when there are significant developments.

 

 

thanks :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I do believe you should make point of this if it is you are not re employed, how, build a case and go to the press, someone will take it up given the fact that ASD is very much in lime light these days. But employers need shaming for anything to change for ASD people and if things don't change all those kids told what they can't do in life will reach adult age very soon and will be without work.

 

But if you are re employed, make a point of it anyway !

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hope it goes well for you :) . An ed psych I spoke to recently said that her friend has AS and is doing great as a teacher. I know little more than that; it's second-hand and anecdotal, but encouraging, nonetheless.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is terrible :( I hope everything sorts itself out for you. I think a member on here called LancsLad used to be a teacher and is diagnosed with AS.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

 

I am a secondary teacher with AS

 

Shortly after I was diagnosed I was sacked.

 

I am taking this to an employment teribunal, and it sits in a couple of weeks.

 

One of the arguements that my former employer is making is that - because i have aspergers I will be unable to interact with teenagers because of their immaturity and unpredictability.

 

My former employers are of the opinion that there are no teachers with diagnosed AS. - I think that is rubbish, but I have no evidence otherwise.

 

Do you know of any teachers diagnosed with AS ?

 

If you would prefer to message me rather than post, then that is also welcome.

 

thanks

 

Alexon

 

Do I know of any teachers diagnosed with AS? I can't say that I do. But how many teachers with AS have been diagnosed?

 

How did your tribunal go by the way? It seems to be a case of unfair dismissal. You're still the same teacher they employed at the beginning. The only thing that has changed is you have had a diagnosis. Do they follow the same procedures if you're diagnosed with a kidney infection or a swollen knee or a tendency for headaches?? Besides you've been truthful and honest with them by telling them. That should be heralded.

 

I hope you're still teaching. I'm pretty certain a couple of my teachers might have had AS in the dim and distant past but who's to say? Would it have made any difference if I'd have known? These are trying times and everyday you read something else which pulls the strings of your heart. Every other week you hear something which makes you weep deep down and wonder - what is this world coming to...?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Amberzak one of our members is diagnosed AS.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was a teacher in a sixth form college for three years, then a study skills tutor for two years, and now I do a bit of lecturing while I'm back studying again. There were a lot of things that I found difficult about teaching, especially organizationally, but I taught myself a whole lot of coping strategies for those. I love being in the classroom. I did find the work stressful, but that was about the long hours that I didn't have the emotional energy for, rather than relating to students. I really enjoyed that, especially one-to-one work like supervising their coursework.

 

I hope you get a good result from the tribunal. Sounds like discrimination under the Equality Act, to me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hi, thanks for the responses.

 

I found organising my workload fairly easy once i knew what the syllabus was - it was often very hard to find out what the syllabus was though !!

 

i found the politics of the organisation difficult to deal with.

 

thanks for your responses.

 

It looks like the tribunal won't be over until september - which will be over 2 years from dismissal.

 

i am in fairly good spirits, but things are dragging on a bit.

 

thanks again for the encouragement

 

:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not a teacher, but I am a teaching assistant attached to the SEN department in my school. Our Senco has AS, and it is thought that I do too. Doctor certainly seems to think so, but I cannot really afford to get a private diagnosis as there isn't funding for over 18s around here.

 

I struggle with social aspects of the job- communicating with staff. I have no trouble working with the students though, and I seem to be good at my job. I also find it very difficult when there are last minute changes of plan. People seem to think that I'm a bit kooky, but that it doesn't affect my work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...