We want to help teachers spot autism
GMB’s Jonathan Swain and daughter Immie tell Amy Packer about a campaign to help schools do better
MOST people would expect a health diagnosis to come from a doctor. Or, if it involves special educational needs, for it to be spotted at school.
But for years doctors, psychologists and teachers missed the fact that Immie Swain, daughter of GMB’s Jonathan Swain, was struggling as an unrecognised autistic person.
It wasn’t until Immie was 15 and her mum, Nicole, read the novel Watching You by Lisa Jewell that the truth came to light. Sensing one of the characters, who was autistic, was like her daughter, Nicole arranged for a clinical assessment in 2019.
Jonathan, 49, said: “Immie was about to start her fifth school.
“Knowing what we know now, it was obvious she’s autistic but no one spotted it. It can be so much harder to see the signs in girls as they work so hard to try and ‘fit in’ with those around them.
“Looking back, we have always parented Immie as if she was autistic but now we have the diagnosis it is a huge relief.”
Once they knew what to look for, the family, from London, realised Immie, now 17, had been displaying many of the symptoms of the neurological difference.
She said: “For an autistic person school is overwhelming, it takes a lot of energy for us to be there. We’re sensitive to things like light, sounds and smells.”
Realising she could have been helped sooner if her symptoms had been spotted has inspired Immie to team up with The National Autistic Society and the Autism Education Trust.
They have produced a video titled Immie’s Signs to Spot Autism, which will be shown on ITV’s GMB today and used in 24,000 schools in the UK.
“School has always been hard, exhausting and overwhelming,” said Immie. “Some days I couldn’t go at all. I would cry when I was getting ready and when I’d arrived. A teacher would try and take me into the classroom … but I would be having a meltdown.
“I would go grey, shake, throw up and sometimes run away. Occasionally I’d run so far I got lost and had to call my parents.”
Things didn’t get easier on the days Immie sat down at her desk. “It takes me longer to process information being thrown at me,” she said. “Instead of looking at the teacher or board, I’d look down or stare at the wall. This isn’t because I’m disinterested – it’s the opposite, I’m concentrating.
“There would often be times where I wouldn’t talk at all due to the stress brought on by school.”
But the times young autistic people do speak in class can be equally problematic for them.
Immie said: “Sometimes I would talk about a subject I was interested in constantly because I was feeling awkward and the social rules weren’t clear.”
Any deviation from the usual routines can also cause issues.
“A supply teacher or a change in seating plan would throw me off or even cause a panic attack,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to concentrate for the rest of my lesson. [Autistic kids] like rules and we like sticking to them.”
Diagnosis is often made harder because some girls who are autistic try to hide their struggles.
“Autistic people pretend everything is OK,” said Immie. “It’s called ‘masking’ and it’s draining for our mental health.
“I’d say things like, ‘I need a drink’ or ‘I need to go to the toilet’ but this was just an excuse for me to leave the classroom.
“I was overwhelmed and needed time out to recharge… I was often found hiding in the toilets or under a sink.”
Break times brought issues. “The playground was impossible to manage. I’d struggle with friendships. I would spend lunchtimes reading by myself.”
Immie believes schools need to listen if parents raise concerns. “Children can pretend everything’s fine and then when they get home, have meltdowns.”
That’s not to say she wasn’t helped. She said: “Teachers are important and I’ve met some amazing ones. But I wish this video had been around when I was struggling at school.
“Diagnosis changed everything. I have been awarded full-time support at school via an education, health and care plan.
“Having a supportive adult in the classroom helps me manage the school day. I can attend full-time for the first time in years.” ■ Good Morning Britain is on STV & ITV Hub today from 6am.