Episodes, Sue Sheppard
Emotional Based School Avoidance: How Can Schools Help Autistic Pupils? with Dr Sue Sheppard
In this week’s podcast, Dr Sue Sheppard, an educational psychologist with over 30 years of experience in autism joins Dale. In this enlightening episode, we delve into the important topic of Emotion-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and how schools can better support autistic pupils.
Dr Sheppard discusses the alarming statistics surrounding school attendance for autistic students, with more than a quarter being persistently absent. She highlights the crucial need for understanding and empathy from educators to create a supportive environment where all students feel they belong.
Some key points from the episode include:
- The shift from viewing school avoidance as “refusal”.
- Understanding the push and pull factors at home and at school.
- The importance of communication and being listened to, emphasising that students need to feel heard to foster a sense of belonging.
- Practical strategies for schools, including the significance of individualised support and creating autism-friendly environments.
“What hasn’t worked is just as important as what has worked”.
Dr Sue Sheppard
This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.
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About Dr Sue Sheppard
Dr Sue Sheppard is a senior educational psychologist with over 30 years of experience in autism. She has been a consultant to the Lorna Wing Centre for Autism (part of the National Autistic Society) since 1996 and was a close colleague of the late autism research pioneer, Dr Lorna Wing. She is embedded in the DISCO diagnostic training team which is nationally and internationally recognised.
Sue has worked as a specialist Educational Psychologist for numerous London boroughs and has been instrumental in setting up provision for children with ASD across early years, primary and secondary. She continues to work in schools and with families and undertakes specialist psychological assessments of autistic children and young people. A key focus of her current work is the well-being of autistic girls.
Sue is Real Group’s specialist EP for autism and module leader for Real Training’s postgraduate courses in autism. She has also been a specialist speaker in autism at University College London.
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