Should Schools Include Autism Education?

Schools teach students about math, science, history, health, and so many other important subjects. But there is another topic that deserves a place in education: autism awareness, understanding, and acceptance.

Autistic students are already in our classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, sports teams, and school communities. Yet many students may grow up without ever learning what autism actually is. When people do not understand differences, it can sometimes lead to teasing, exclusion, stereotypes, or unfair assumptions.

Teaching about autism could help change that.

Autism education does not have to be complicated. Schools could teach students that autistic people may communicate, learn, socialize, or experience sounds, lights, textures, and emotions differently. They could also explain that autism is a spectrum, meaning no two autistic people are exactly alike.

Most importantly, students should learn that being different does not mean being less capable or less deserving of respect.

As someone with autism, I know how important understanding can be. Growing up, certain environments and sensory experiences could be challenging for me, but I also had strengths, interests, and ways of learning that were uniquely mine. Having people who were patient and willing to understand made a difference.

Imagine how much more welcoming schools could become if children learned about neurodiversity at an early age.

Autism education could encourage students to ask questions instead of making assumptions. It could teach classmates why someone may need headphones, extra time, a quieter space, movement breaks, or another way to communicate. It could also remind students that you should never judge someone’s intelligence based on eye contact, speech, behavior, or social skills.

This is not about separating autistic students from everyone else. It is about creating more inclusion.

Acceptance starts with education.

When children are taught that different brains experience the world in different ways, those differences can become something to understand instead of something to fear or make fun of.

So, should schools include autism education?

My answer is YES.

Not just during Autism Acceptance Month. Not just in special education classrooms. Autism education should be part of building a school culture where every student knows that everyone deserves kindness, dignity, inclusion, and the opportunity to be themselves.

What do you think? Should schools teach students about autism and neurodiversity?

— Daniel Gillespie 
Acceptance. Understanding. Advocacy.