Autistic Leadership: Lessons in Empowerment
In this weekly course, autistic students become divergent leaders by engaging in exploratory activities and accessible discussions through the powerful lens of autistic history and culture.
Lindsey Anderson
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(264)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 in-class hoursClass Experience
Autistic teens (self-identified or diagnosed) will learn what it takes to be a leader in their communities through cultural, historical, and personal understandings of autism. This class is the only one of its kind with highly unique historical social justice content instructed by a neurodiversity consultant and AMFT who self identifies as autistic. Our neurology might mean we are different but it does not mean we are incapable. Regardless of how we communicate or experience the world, our voices and meaningful contributions need to be known. -General Weekly Topics- Week 1 and 2: Autistic Leadership History and Background; Discuss Community Creation Project (due on last week) Week 3 and 4: Being a Leader Means Knowing Yourself: Mental Health, Communication, Community Week 5 and 6: Autistic Leadership in Practice and Optional Project Shareouts Powerpoints, brief videos, images, and written text are included in each class to provide well-rounded access. As a neurodivergent consultant, program coordinator and educator of ten years, I utilize principles of the Disability Justice movement and models of self-determination in my syllabus. These methods foster pride and self-efficacy as we learn self-regulation. I am a proud autistic professional who believes in the power of meaningful mentorship and positive representation for neurodivergent youth.
Learning Goals
Students will:
-create an end-of-class leadership project and design their own community
-have a clear concept of why autistic leadership is a valuable life-long skill
-gain insight into their own leadership styles
-define understandings of personal and communal access needs
-big picture thinking
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Although the history of autism is fascinating, it is incredibly painful and difficult. The history of autism includes institutionalization and discrimination. Please note this topic will be discussed with sensitivity and an open space for learners to process their emotions or reactions both in and out of class will be facilitated.
Supply List
Bring something to type or write with for note-taking if that helps you remember and learn.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.8
264reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I identify as autistic and am CAMFT/CABBS Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who came into this work after discovering my own needs as a neurodivergent person. I have worked for a decade as a neurodivergent educator with students experiencing PTSD, trauma, anxiety, stress, autism, and ADHD. I bring my personal experience as a neurodivergent learner to my work and consult individuals and families via teleconferencing. Reviews
Live Group Class
$95
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
50 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
5-10 learners per class
