"Understanding the individual, but then you've got 30 of them, that's really hard," with Melanie Grabowski

Summary

In this episode, Martin and Poppy interview Melanie Grabowski, a teacher and researcher, about her career journey and her work on anxiety-based school absence in autistic children.

Melanie shares her experience working with children in gymnastics clubs and Montessori schools before transitioning to mainstream classrooms and eventually homeschooling her own children.

She discusses her research on anxiety-based school absence and the importance of listening to and validating the experiences of parents and children.

Melanie offers advice for schools and educators on supporting children with autism and emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and individualized approach to education.

Takeaways

• Melanie's career journey includes working in gymnastics clubs, Montessori schools, mainstream classrooms, and homeschooling.
• Her research focuses on anxiety-based school absence in autistic children and the factors that contribute to school distress.
• Listening to and validating the experiences of parents and children is crucial in supporting children with autism.
• Schools and educators can create a more inclusive and individualized learning environment by considering the unique needs of each child.
• Homeschooling can be a beneficial option for children who struggle in mainstream schools, but it also comes with its own challenges.