Autistic People Celebrated: Third Spaces as Sites of Liberation

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: Beyond the Spectrum: The Promises of Autistic Ability

Abstract

This research investigates how environments outside of schools, that use non-traditional approaches to teaching and behavior management with Autistic people, can inform how K12 schools design programming and deliver instruction. This study investigate four different programs: a judo program, a boxing program, an equine-based program, and an arts program, all tailored to Autistic individuals. The results suggest that K12 schools should privilege community over individualization, re-conceptualize the linear approach to learning, and carefully consider the nature of Autistic students responses (verbal and nonverbal) to inform their own instruction.

Author

• Erin McCloskey, Vassar College