Depending on how narrowly the diagnostic criteria are defined, there are different data on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Currently, a worldwide prevalence of 0.6% - 1% is assumed (cf. Umweltbundesamt, 2020). Based on an average class size of 25 students (SuS), a child with ASD appears in approximately every fourth class. The probability that a teacher will have a student with autism in the classroom at some point during his or her professional life is therefore relatively high. However, many teachers are not prepared for such tasks and only begin to deal with the phenomenon of autism when students with autism are in their class. Many teachers then report unusual behaviors and describe these students as "stubborn" or "only does what he/she wants". It can be helpful for teachers to see the world through the eyes of their students and to realize that the students in this case are not "stubborn" at all. They can recognize both the difficulties and the strengths of the pupils. This means, then, that there must be a shift in perspective. To facilitate this for the students, reports from people with ASD will be presented in this workshop.
However, it is not only the change of perspective that can be missing. Above all, it is about raising awareness of the perception of people with autism. In the workshop you will get information about general abnormalities in people with autism, good framework in school and general problems and solutions in people with autism in school. In the workshop we will address frequently asked questions with the help of illustrative examples: What exactly is an autism spectrum disorder? What are typical behaviors and what are myths? Why should a diagnosis be made at all? What options may be available to me for support at school? What should I keep in mind when working with a child or adolescent with autism in school?
