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Using the Self-Reflection Tools to Support Your Learning
In this section, you will have the opportunity to REFLECT:
access tools for self-reflection related to privilege, prior knowledge and allyship skills
be challenged to reflect on and question your current schema about Autistics
identify biases that may be influencing your decisions and causing unintentional harm to Autistics
While you may access any of the modules and reference materials in any order, you will likely find it helpful to use the tools on this page to check your own understanding, biases and familiarity with the content prior to deciding where to go next on your journey towards increased allyship.
Need help using the tools? Access About the Tools.
Rationale
Self-Reflection is essential for true allyship. In keeping with the ACES model of Allyship, only when we acknowledge our own privileges and positionality compared with those who have been historically marginalized can we begin the journey towards allyship.
The Tools
Four self-reflection tools are included in this section:
1) Self-Reflection: Examining Neurotypical Privilege (Google Form)
2) Educator Prior Knowledge Check: Autism and Autistic Realities (Kahoot!)
3) Autism Level Up! Continuum (PDF Reference Tool)
4) Autistic Insights and Reflections Journal (Canva template)
You may find each of the above tools to be useful for different reasons, depending on your training, experiences and other prior knowledge, but they are not required. They are provided specifically to support your own self-reflection process so you can identify areas of professional learning that you want to prioritize within the modules.
For help using any of the tools, access About the Tools.
I hope these self-assessment tools support you on your journey towards being an Active Ally to Autistics and helping to leading change in your school and community.
It can be really hard to uncover the reality that some of our prior learning may have caused harm, but as Autistics, we can tell you systemic knowledge about Autistic realities is very outdated compared with the rapidly growing knowledge that is coming from Autistic led research and the efforts of Autistic advocates and educators across the globe.
Privilege can undoubtedly cause exclusion and lead to harmful inequities, but by recognizing your own privilege, you can leverage the power you have in your schools and communities to amplify Autistic perspectives and effect change. By mindfully considering how your own experiences and ways of processing and interacting impact how you are perceived, understood and accepted in the world, you will be better equipped to take action as an ally.
Having privilege is not anybody’s fault. It is a societal construct based on the needs of a majority population. But only by first recognizing the inequities that result from privilege, can we take meaningful action to dismantle oppression and ableism caused by systemic and societal attitudes, perceptions and treatment of Autistics.
What do you know about Autistic realities?
Try out the Autistic Knowledge Kahoot or scan the QR Code to access this quiz.
Game Pin: 04587840
The Autism Level Up! continuum was created by an Autistic-Allistic partnership to help users on different stages of the journey "level up" their knowledge, skills and efforts. Instructions for using this reflection tool have been taken directly from the PDF below which can also be accessed on the Level Up Home Page in 10 languages:
Instructions:
1) Identify your current level
2) Immerse yourself in that level. Embrace it!
Make sure you that you have a solid foundation from which to grow
3) Determine your next step
4) Stretch your understanding and beliefs, and get out of your comfort zone.
It is the only way you will Level UP!
5) Repeat
Note. Don’t skip any steps! Success at each step relies on success of all prior steps! They are all needed...we wouldn’t have included them all if they weren’t necessary.
As you explore the modules, you will likely wonder about specific topics, question past practices, and discover new content you want to explore further. These reflective journal pages have been provided to help you incorporate these reflections into your decision-making. You may use and customize the pages to suit your needs, or you may use another template or tool of your choosing, but you are encouraged to document your wonderings, reflections and ideas, either digitally or on paper, so you can refer back to them when consolidating your learning, setting goals and deciding on next steps.
The Autistic Insights and Reflections Journal was created to be used digitally or printed and filled out, depending on your preference. To use it digitally, just access using the link provided and Canva will prompt you to edit as a new design.
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