Blog: Autism Acceptance Month

For Autism Acceptance Month and the BIAZA World Autism Acceptance Campaign, Laura, instructor at Reaseheath College, writes about her experience as an Autistic individual: 

Hello! My name is Laura.

In November, 2022, I joined the team at Reaseheath College where I am now working as an Animal Management Instructor, delivering lessons at Reaseheath Mini Zoo to Further Education, Animal Management Students.

As a proud, openly Autistic, member of Staff, I wanted to share my experiences in light of Autism Acceptance Month.

From a young age, I appreciated that I was ‘different’ – I enjoyed alone time, had minimal friendships, and became engrossed within my interest in animals. I pursued my interest and underwent a Degree in Zoology with Animal Behaviour at Bangor University. I have found my happiest place working on farms and wandering around Zoos with a camera that is now, primarily, encompassed with Giraffe photos.

I received my Autism diagnosis at the age of 19, after spending my entire Childhood and 99% of my Teenage years undiagnosed and unaware of my neurodiversity. I can now appreciate that I navigate the World differently (Not wrongly!) and that I can thrive in environments where I am equipped with understanding and appropriate accommodations. Through the challenges and setbacks, I often face as an Autistic individual, I can simultaneously celebrate my strengths – My empathy, kindness, love of animals and aptness to support others.

I chose to create this post to spotlight Autistic individuals and to recognise the positives which may coincide with Autism: A strong attention to detail, honesty, punctuality, and kindness. I am often described by my Manager as being ‘tenacious’ (Unwilling to accept to defeat). I work in a role that requires adaptability and the prevalence of last-minute changes, both of which are 2 difficulties that can be associated with being Autistic, a breeding ground for meltdowns and shutdowns, but I can show up, try my hardest and encourage my Students to do the same.

To be able to fulfil my role within the College, I have been equipped with a number of accommodations, that have heightened my confidence and ability to reach out for help. Some of which include: Access to quiet places to reduce sensory overload and overwhelm, being provided with information in an alternative format (I.e.: Written down in smaller chunks) and access to various means of 1-1 support. The environment can be challenging, as somebody who thrives on routine and likes to know about the ‘why’s’ in life – Why that particular animal has been moved, why the meeting has been cancelled at the last-minute, why there are fewer Students in my class than usual. But, despite this, I am beginning to settle into my role well.

Today, in support of Autism Acceptance Month, I share my gratitude and appreciation for the Animal Management Department at Reaseheath College. Who, since my interview day where I proclaimed, “I’m Autistic, I will do things differently!” have been the *most* incredible support herd. Also, the HR and Teaching and Learning Departments, for the support, guidance, and comfort of knowing that I work in an environment that really does engage with PRIDE values through and through. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are incredibly important to me, I aim for everybody to feel accepted and heard.

I also highly appraise the recent initiative by Reaseheath Mini Zoo in light of Autism Acceptance Month, where sensory bags were provided to support Autistic Children, Teenagers and Adults who may require sensory support while visiting a busier environment. Another prime example in which staff have considered inclusivity.

Of course, a heartfelt thank you to my incredible Students for welcoming me into the College and for encouraging me to be my unique, goat-obsessed self.

I am proud to be Autistic and happy to be thriving in an inclusive environment.

- Laura, Instructor at Reaseheath College

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not a reflection of BIAZA's positions.