Thread by @FIGSUK

Dear #edutwitter, particularly those of you in Mainstream Secondaries: our closed group is full of current crises for Yr7 girls, diagnosed #autistic and also awaiting assessment, who are absolutely breaking. Harming, not eating, in full blown panic mode, anxiety attacks 1/

... showing signs of potential co-occurring debilitating serious MH conditions like OCD & eating disorders. Some have been rejected from #CAMHS following referral. Some have been accepted but the waiting lists are so very very long. We’re asking for increased awareness of the 2/

...disparate experiences of #autistic pupils in secondary, but in particular #AutisticGirls.

As hugely committed teachers we know you’re also probably on your knees professionally & personally, that you have so much responsibility to fulfill. And we thank you for all you do 3/

... but any understanding you can gain about how to keep that particular #AutisticGirl safe could make the difference between her being in school or entering an extended period of significant mental health crisis.

She may need a range of tailor made ‘reasonable adjustments’, 4/

...but she’ll definitely need at least one trusted adult in school. Someone she can rely on.

Her parents/carers may we’ll be explaining how different she is at home - you may not see any of the difficulties at school. Please listen to them. Please plan together. Please don’t 5/

.... ignore what’s being said. Please stand up for her, alongside her family. Because she’s 12. And she’s terrified.

Working together, school & home can support her. She can learn to feel secure, she can learn to learn again. The other outcomes are catastrophic

Thank you /END

@commaficionado

@SHendry1 - we read and shared your article this morning - thought you might be interested in this thread. With very best wishes,