Moira inspired to fight for children with autism
LIVERPOOL mum of three Moira Riley has graduated from Edge Hill with a BA (Hons) in Childhood and Youth Studies – and says her degree has made her more determined to fight for equality and inclusion for autistic children within education.
Moira, who has a 13-year-old son with autism, said: “I’m interested in young people and educational inclusion including social and community inclusion for autistic children.
“My son has autism and this is something I’ve always seen as a positive and something to be celebrated.
“But through looking at autism critically, I was surprised to how medically based existing research and theory was.
“Within education, autism is seen as a deficit that often leads to exclusion. But I believe a lot of problems and inequalities stem from misunderstanding, so I’m hoping to continue my studies with a Critical Autism Masters at Edge Hill to challenge this negativity.”
Moira, 39, who used to work as a teaching assistant, wanted to come back to education after not excelling at school when she was younger.
After completing the Fastrack course she was able to get a place on her degree and even found herself studying alongside her daughter who is in the first year of her Nursing degree at Edge Hill.
She said: “The Fastrack course was intense but prepared me well for the degree. Being a mature student it was all a bit daunting but my tutors were really supportive.
“During lockdown I worked as a carer in a supportive living setting and considered pausing my studies, but I’m so glad I made the decision to carry on.”
Professor Tom Cockburn, Head of Social Sciences at Edge Hill, said: “Moira is an excellent example of someone who has taken the chance to return to study after raising a family. With planning and determination it’s amazing what people can achieve.”
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