Lara Schaeffer : Autism in Education

An Odyssey with Anum Farooq (Odyssey Global Media)

Conversation with Lara Schaeffer, a gifted professional on the Autism Spectrum with over two decades of experience in the education sector.

As rates of Autism continue to rise, what is the actual reality of educators on the Autism Spectrum in the education system. At Odyssey Global Media we are committed in supporting the vulnerable, bringing to light hidden truths, dismantling stigma and stereotypes through grassroots narrative. We stand together for a wholly inclusive society in theory and in practice. Join us in this upcoming, eye-opening episode as we dive into the complexities of autism, particularly within the educational system. Our guest Lara, who was diagnosed later in life, shares her personal journey with immense courage and raw authenticity. Our conversation touches on the societal barriers faced by individuals who are autistic savants or highly intelligent. Is the current education system truly inclusive? Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that aims to enlighten and inspire change in how we view and support autistic individuals in education and beyond. Lara in her own words: 'Diagnosed/identified as autistic in 2019 near the end of a successful 28-year career in independent education where I served as both teacher and administrator, I am an autism specialist (officially certified IBCCES in 09/22 and taking my research, education, experience, and expertise far further since then).
Most recently, I have authored and produced Uncovering Autism, a 2-hour on-line course designed for for EVERYONE aged 12 through adult, including non-autistic people to learn to be better allies, autistic people to gain language to help others understand them and their autism better, and people who suspect they might be autistic.
My entire prior career was in high-school education, and I know all too well the lack of informed, accurate information about autism in society. I hope to change that with Uncovering Autism and, in the process, to begin to make real change to both understanding of autism as well as the stereotypes and stigmas associated with it.
In 2022, I innovated guided self-assessment to screen for autism in adults, allowing many who are autistic but previously unidentified to gain crucial understanding about their neurotype and how they experience and react to the world and to others.
As well, I mentor autistic people of all ages, helping them construct and adopt individualized ways to handle daily and longer-term challenges. And, I assist with the period of self-discovery which often directly follows an identification/diagnosis which is currently an area where autistic people are sorely underserved. I am also a certified practitioner of the PEERS program which was developed at U.C.L.A. in America.
Because of my lived experience as an autistic person, I work well with those who have an autistic neurotype to help them improve both their day to day and accumulated experiences. Being the parent of an autistic daughter who is currently 23 years old (and was not identified until she was fifteen) further enhances my knowledge, experience, and skill set.
I am devoted to spreading educated awareness about autism and neurodiversity worldwide through my writing, public speaking, and professional development opportunities. Consulting with companies, employers, friends, and family members of autistic individuals and providing general information to any group or constituency are roles I am honored to play.' #Autism #education #odysseyglobalmedia