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Posted on March 29th 2021
Autism Awareness Week - What Happened at HBAED
We held a series of autism awareness events at HBAED, to tie in with World Autism Awareness Week, 29th March - 4th April 2021.
At HBAED we aim to encourage autism awareness every day, to highlight and celebrate both the challenges and strengths that ASD can bring. See below for details of some of the events that took place.
Online parent/ carer event
Parents and carers of pupils on the SEND register were invited to an online event where they heard more about our approach to ASD awareness, and had a chance to ask questions and offer feedback.
One parent wrote: "Thank you for presenting the zoom meeting yesterday. As parents, your enthusiasm and the school's approach is really appreciated and it is encouraging that both the Year 7 Head and Principal found time to participate."
Ms Price says: "Thank you to the parents and carers who joined our online ASD Awareness Event. What wonderful discussion about the superpower that your boys have."
Autism awareness sessions
All pupils in Years 7-10 took part in an autism awareness session, with some of the material created by pupils. The session included a video clip of Stephen Wiltshire, a young man with autism, who is able to see the skyline of a city and then draw every detail of it from memory. "I’m not surprised Stephen Wiltshire is autistic," said Kody, Year 10. "He can remember so much."
Autistic pupils at Harris Boys’ felt that the awareness events were positive and helpful. They "clarified every single point about autism for everybody to learn……..I’m glad to have autism," said one student.
Other pupils made discoveries and had such interesting questions and responses. "It’s been a realisation," said Leon, Year 7. "I now know what people feel like on the inside."
I now know what people feel like on the inside.
We put up posters around the school with information about autism, ready for the awareness sessions that all Year 7-10 had in class.
Autism book displays and information
Ms Meade, our librarian, displayed books which are written by autistic people or which include autistic characters in them, and also photos of famous autistic people, which attracted a lot of attention.
Many boys noticed the footballer Messi has autism. "He’ll have a different view of football to other people," said Lewis, Year 8. "His way has affected his performance for the better." Abdullah, Year 10, added: "That’s so interesting to me…..I had no idea Messi is autistic."
Ali in Year 10 is reading The Way I Jump, a book written by a young person with autism who is not able to speak. Ali, who is an avid reader, feels this book "brings you closer……..I know someone who is autistic."
[The events] clarified every single point about autism for everybody to learn……..I’m glad to have autism. [HBAED student]
For further information please contact our SENCO Katherine Price, k.price@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk
