Being autistic helped me as a teacher aide
When I found out I have autism as an adult, I was unsure of the pathways that would accommodate my disability. Since I had already dropped out of university, I had more opportunities to try out my pathways as a newly graduated high school student. My best friend told me I can attend TAFE (Australian trade school) for free. "Why not", I thought. I enrolled in a course to obtain a formal qualification as a teacher's aide or SLSO (school learning support officer). I enrolled because I originally wanted to be a teacher, but I was unsure of my pathway.
When my work placement rolled around, I found myself anxious and excited to work in a school. I worked one-on-one with a small group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are suspected of being on the spectrum. One boy I worked with was unable to read at age 10, and the school could not reach his parents. Despite working with this small group of students for 4 weeks, I found that being autistic myself allowed me to connect with the students I worked with. I found that I do not need to mask as much around neurodivergent students, and they relate to me.
A big win for me was when a non-verbal student spoke to me and helped his classmate! His classroom teacher even said he does not talk to her, so to me, this was a big achievement. Students who are often absent made the effort to show up more in class as well when there is a teacher who cares in the classroom.
Whenever I talk to a teacher-in-training who is hesitant to be a teacher, I always direct them into a teacher's aide position. I find that it is easier to build rapport and that it is an overall easier job load than that of teachers. However, as expected, working in the classroom can be very overwhelming. Autistic strong sense of justice will kick in when a student is neglected in the classroom, or unfair treatment occurs by staff.