Aspergers and Teaching

LegacyUser

I've often thought about going into teaching (primary) but feel it's unwise due to my diagnosis. I suspect some here will also dismiss it as a bad idea fair enough. I'm not great with kids....well the younger ones who might come screaming crying etc. Communication skills have improved through the years but still struggle with some things. Don't know if I'd manage well with an angry parent or the like.

Think this is just a pipe dream really

sillyruby

if its something your really interested in try get a bit of practical experience volunteer in a school...they are always looking for few people to help out with reading and other curricular areas. You'll soon realise if your up to it then!!

up for anything

It might be difficult for you but not impossible I would think. You would probably have skills that a non-Aspergers teacher wouldn't have. I don't know enough about it to know but I remember seeing a program about a guy with Tourettes Syndrome who became a primary teacher (albeit in the States) so nothing is impossible if you want it enough.

NicsM

OP, my boyfriend has Asperger's and ADHD and after 3 years teaching PE and English in secondary has just started the PGDE to be fully qualified so I wouldn't say it's a pipe dream at all. I'd recommend getting involved in coaching or working in children's summer camps to gain experience working with children.

Coaching sports was what inspired my boyfriend to become a teacher, it also helped massively with his communication and teamwork skills. You could maybe consider working in a residential summer camp in America or something similar? I did the camp leaders programme a few summers ago and it was honestly one of the best things I've ever done, professionally and personally. Like others have said, nothing is impossible and if you really want something, go for it! Best of luck.

franklin ben

franklin ben wrote: »

I'm not great with kids....well the younger ones who might come screaming crying etc.

Do you mind me asking why it is you want to do primary teaching? Anyone I know who has been interested in it wanted to do it because they were good with kids. Primary teaching (especially in younger years) has a major babysitting aspect, rather than just teaching. You have to keep the kids under control, look after them, share your attention and try your best to notice when there's something wrong. Of course, if you're not good with kids, it doesn't mean you'll always be, and I'm sure over time you'll learn how to deal with them, but I wonder if primary teaching is quite what you expect it to be?

Your diagnosis wont stop you reaching your goal, it will just put an extra little hurdle in. But if this is definitely what you want, there's nothing stopping you.

LegacyUser

Thanks for the comments Reasons for teaching, I've a few...holidays is not a priority but won't go into detail here as i don't think they're coherent and maybe idealistic or textbook. I've some thoughts on how things in the classroom could work and what might learning interesting or enjoyable

I don't have that instant connection with kids in the 'john is the best boy today! encouragement you often hear around the classroom/corridor. In saying all that I know some older teachers who are not exactly that way and some men (not to generalise but that's usually when they have older classes and are getting them ready for secondary level a lot of work to grind through in 5/6th class. Don't get me wrong i want to express some of those sentiments if a child is feeling bad or upset but I've a mental block and a social one for that matter. People know me as a bit awkward and I'd feel funny doing a 180 and feigning sincerity. Don't know how fixable that is even with practice or experience. My assertiveness and self-esteem are not great I know some people on the spectrum some sometimes make off the cuff remarks or say insulting things without realising it but that's not me.

My Irish would need to improve a lot admittedly that is fixable. Don't think I'm good at intervirews that's partly fixable. Also if I went for it it would basically another attempt at college I've gotten through other courses before just the whole eternal student thing, get a job er now etc. Suppose I shouldn't care what others think...but have even thought of emigrating to pursue this so as not to tell family that i'm interested in it as I feel they'd put me off due to how they know me the label and the state of the profession in general