Steph Reed
Steph is an Autism Specialist Teacher working independently with mainstream and specialist schools in London, focused on improving provision for autistic students with complex needs. Her own neurodivergence fuels her passion and understanding for different ways of learning.
With a teaching background in autism specialist schools, and leadership in the roles of SENco and Autism Outreach Leader, Steph has a wealth of experience and expertise.
After coaching hundreds of teachers and educators, she created the ‘Autism for Teachers’ online training and coaching programme and also leads other online courses from her platform autismspectrumteacher.com.
Steph hosts the podcast ’Autism Neurodiversity and Me’, leads the community Facebook group ‘Autism and Inclusive Teaching’ and has been involved in international projects such as building educational programmes for autistic children in Oman whose families were on the verge of leaving their country in order to find better education.
Leadership
I have held leadership roles in schools, including Autism Outreach Leader, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) and Inclusion Leader. I am also a recognised Specialist Leader of Education (SLE).
Projects
I have been involved in successful international projects such as developing autism education programs for an education service in Muscat, Oman. I also advise on inclusion and neurodiversity for services and am part of the access panel for the Museums of London.
Community
I host the Autism Spectrum Teacher Podcast where I share free advice related to autism, neurodiversity and education. I also lead the Facebook community group 'Autism and Inclusive Teaching'. My new membership communities 'Autism for Teachers' and Autism for Parents combine online courses and ongoing support through forums and live Q&As.
Get to know me
I am proudly dyslexic with ADHD (and am on the pathway for ASD assessment). My own learning differences partly fuels my passion, empathy and understanding of individual needs and learning approaches.
I am a big music lover and when I'm not focused on autism related projects, I DJ and produce electronic dance music.
Evidence base
In my own practice, I draw upon a wide range of evidence-based, child-centred approaches and my own extensive teaching experience. I am part of different groups in the autistic community and continue to learn from autistic individuals. The children are my biggest teachers!
Qualifications
- PGCE (Early Years Specialism)
- BA (Hons) Special Needs and Inclusion Studies and Early Childhood Studies
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Foundations of Successful Coaching
How I support schools, services and families
Flexible courses that you can do in your own time, with bitesize videos and activities and resources that will equip you with practical strategies to effectively support children with diverse abilities and needs
Bespoke support and staff development, to upskill and build capacity in schools and services, having a direct impact on positive outcomes for children
Personalised, one to one consultation or coaching, online or in person. Develop your knowledge, problem solve and get support to implement strategies related to supporting children’s individual needs
Publications
Meeting Sensory Needs
This free ebook will walk you through understanding different sensory systems, identifying individual sensory needs and give you practical tips and ideas to support the sensory regulation of children.
SEN Magazine
My article 'Creating Autism-Inclusive Classrooms', was published in the October 2019 edition of SEN Magazine.
Widgit Software
My article 'Using Symbols to Support ASD Teaching' is featured on the Widgit Software website.
Recommendations
Hackney, London, UK
07523 389482
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