Advocacy for Listening to Students: Voices from the Youth Spectrum
Gerard, Quinn, Noah, and Annabelle share their experiences on the importance of being listened to in educational settings. They emphasize how having support and being heard positively impacted their mental well-being, confidence, and academic success. These heartfelt accounts highlight the significance of fostering open communication between students and educators to create a safe and supportive learning environment.
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Presentation Transcript
1- Gerard Hi I am Gerard, I am 13 years old and I was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum in May 2022. I want to talk about how when I have issues at home, school and outside of both I can be able to be let to stay in a room and talk to an adult that can help. When I talk to an adult it can release some stress and anxiety and can make me feel safer there. I has a day recently where I could talk to someone and it released me of stress and anxiety. If I didn t have that support I might not be in a healthy state I am now and I could be refusing to do lessons or go to school. It s good that I can talk to someone and I can be more healthy in my mind and not let it grow and grow. All schools need to talk to their students before it gets worse.
2- Quinn Hi my name is Quinn and i am 12 years old. My hobbies are playing drums and just music in general. I think it is important for teachers to listen to children because the way to build a relationship with a teacher is to get along and if teachers are doing something that the kid does not like for example being shouted at you would have to speak to a teacher to sort it out, Because when i had a teacher calling me out on having autistic traits, i felt like i needed to improve my behaviour i thought i was being the one that was being naughty, rude and wrong so i told a teacher and they listened to me after that, things took a turn for the better. So please do this for me and the other students in the county, please listen to the kids because one of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another person has to say.
3- Noah My name is Noah Wells. I am 16 years old. I think it is important to listen to young people because we are the next generation, we can make a change. An example of a time I was listened to was when teachers started using my support plan, before this I struggled to access my lessons, I had an intense feeling of being overwhelmed every time I entered a classroom but once they started to listen to me and my needs I was able to access my education successfully. When I was listened to I finally felt like I was wanted in the classroom, like it was a place I was allowed to be in, I felt less like an alien. I know my thoughts are valued when I see an improvement in my grades, I was finally able to access my education so I was able to improve.
4- Annabelle My name is Annabelle, I am 13 years old and I really enjoy art. This is what happened when I need support and was listened to I was struggling last year at the start of year 7 and I didn t have any support. My mum contacted the school and arranged for me to speak to someone. That someone helped me the whole way through year 7. They helped boosted my confidence and helped me manage anxiety. They helped me attended classes and to always believe in myself. They were the person who got me the provisions I have now. They really cared for me. They are why I m able to confidently stand and tell you about when I was listened to and the differences it made. All it took was someone to hear my voice
5- Francky My name is Francky and I am 16 years old. I think it is important to listen to young people because it is the young people who are going to make the most change. An example of a time I was listened to was when a teacher changed my seat in a lesson to accommodate my needs. Although this may seem like a small thing for many, for me it made all the difference. I felt more comfortable going into the lesson and my grades improved drastically. When I am listened to I feel important, like me and my needs are seen. I know my thoughts are valued when people listen to my ideas and needs.
6- Bekah No one would listen to me, And I thought I d be stuck forever, I thought they understood me, So I let down my guard. It was my mistake though, But I left that awful place, And I moved to somewhere new, They heard my emotions and feelings, And I felt listened to. Hi, my name s Bekah. I m 16 years old and this is my story. For thinking my school wanted the best for me, I was used to getting blamed, That I can guarantee. Since I was a kid, I ve loved musical theatre, My idol s Emily Kinney, and I d love to meet her. Once I was finally respected, I felt happy, safe and free, I ll never forget what happened, But at least now I can finally be me. I always felt mistreated, Once I was made to face a wall, I felt so stuck and helpless, They didn t understand me at all. I am diagnosed with autism, And don t forget about my adhd, I ve struggled with this but it s who I am, And they ll always be a part of me, I learnt something along the way, And I say it all time, Those who mind don t matter, And those who matter don t mind. To them I was only trouble, So I deserved to be where they put me, This happened everyday, But it was cruel, unfair and mean. I m a creative person, I live outside the box, I always feel respected, or maybe not. Just remember that when you give us time, To say the things we need, It can make the biggest difference, So listen to us please I moved schools at 13, Because school got pretty hard, For someone with adhd, This was the worst feeling ever,
7- Ellie My name is Ellie and I have autism and ADHD. I m 15 years old. I think it s vital and essential to listen yo children as then you don t have to assume. After I got diagnosed, my teachers weren t aware of my ADHD was referred to as non-working tactics. And you may ask me, What kind of teacher would assume before they know the answer is anyone that is human. And that is why we need to listen to children especially with different needs. Finally, I have been listened to! I am now in my base and I feel listened to. But, there are still many different children with different needs out there struggling. And what are their teachers doing about it? Nothing but assuming. Teachers have a duty of care. So care for us! Not just them. Not just for yourself. Care for us. As a great person once said: without respect, relationships are lost. We re all different, and if someone can t value your differences and respect your values and beliefs then they don t deserve a front row seat in your life. Thank you.
