Autism Insights & The Invisible Demands Of School Life with Prof Dawn Adams
What do autistic students wish we knew?
Every day in schools, autistic students navigate sensory, social and communication demands that often go unseen. While we may notice behaviour, we don't always see the invisible effort it takes to participate, connect and learn.
In this conversation with Professor Dawn Adams, Director of the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University, we explore what autism is, how it can present differently from one student to another, and why there is no single autistic experience.
Together, we unpack common myths and misconceptions, the importance of respectful language, masking, autistic burnout, and practical ways we can create classrooms where autistic students feel understood, supported and able to thrive.
One of the things I loved most about this conversation is that Dawn continually invites us to look beyond behaviour. Rather than making assumptions, she encourages us to become curious about what a student might be experiencing beneath the surface. It's a simple shift in perspective, but one that has the power to transform the way we understand, connect with and support autistic students.
If you've ever wondered what school feels like for an autistic student, or wanted practical ways to create a more inclusive classroom, this conversation is for you!
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What autism is and why there is no single autistic experience.
How autism can present differently from one student to another.
What masking and autistic burnout are, and why they matter in schools.
How looking beyond behaviour can transform the way we support autistic students.
Practical ways to create classrooms where autistic students feel understood, supported and able to thrive.
And so much more…
Who is Professor Dawn Adams?
Professor Dawn Adams is Director of the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University and one of Australia's leading autism researchers. Her work focuses on improving the lives of autistic people through research, education and collaboration with the autistic community.
Passionate about translating research into practice, Dawn works closely with schools, families and professionals to help create environments where autistic children and adults feel understood, included and supported. Her work challenges us to move beyond stereotypes and recognise the unique strengths, experiences and support needs of every autistic person.
Why does this conversation matter?
Autism is often misunderstood. Too often, we focus on what we can see without considering what might be happening beneath the surface.
This conversation matters because it reminds us that behaviour is only one part of the story. Many autistic students are working incredibly hard just to navigate the everyday demands of school. When we replace assumptions with curiosity and take the time to understand a student's experience, we create the conditions for greater learning, belonging and wellbeing.
Understanding autism isn't about having all the answers. It's about being willing to see the student before the stereotype and recognising that small changes in our understanding can make a profound difference to a young person's life.
You can quote us on that…
“I wish that educators knew how hard autistic students are working to be in your classroom.”
Professor Dawn Adams
"A student who looks calm may not be calm. They might just not want anyone to know they're not coping."
Professor Dawn Adams
Contact
Professor Dawn Adams Website | LinkedIn
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