A mother of an autistic teenager shares her personal experiences with Luxembourg’s school system. Isabelle Marinov describes challenges, provides practical recommendations, and calls for increased support in secondary education. Her account offers valuable insights for parents, teachers, and those affected.
Difficult challenges that I face as a mother
Teaching staff are often not sufficiently trained in the subject of autism and do not have enough resources – this is particularly the case at secondary school level.
Things that have helped me and that I would recommend to other parents
- FAL (Fondation Autisme Luxembourg)
- CTSA (Centre pour enfants et jeunes présentant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme)
- Social story cards
- Psychomotor therapy / occupational therapy (more difficult to find for young people, lots of offers for children / toddlers)
- Weighted blankets / weighted jackets
- Swimming and sport in general
- Melatonin for sleep problems
What I would like to see from the Ministry of Education / the government
More support and resources are urgently needed in secondary education. Inclusion often remains a mere theory, as the available resources are far from sufficient.
Autism has many facets – many young people find it difficult to cope in the traditional school system. I therefore believe it is essential to set up specialised schools or at least special classes within regular schools for these young people.
Many of them are exceptionally gifted intellectually, but fail because of the challenges that their autism brings with it. This is absolutely unacceptable for a rich country like Luxembourg.
Recommendations I would give to teachers / schools
- take time to deal with the topic of autism: Autism has many facets, not every autistic person is a maths genius and avoids eye contact;
- train the teaching staff;
- inform classmates (e.g. through films, series and lectures);
- Show tolerance, patience and understanding for “being different”.
Recommendations that I would give to psychologists / psychiatrists / other professionals or measures / attitudes that have helped us
- offer pragmatic and practice-orientated solutions
- Encouragement
What I would like to give autistic pupils/students along the way
You will find your way.
Even if the path sometimes seems bumpy or unusual, it is unique. Trust that your strengths and abilities will lead you to a destination that suits you.
Your brain works differently, and that is something special.
Being different does not mean being less valuable or worse. It means seeing the world from a perspective that others often cannot understand. This perspective is valuable and enriches the world with new ideas.
Many autistic people have changed the world.
You’re in good company! From great inventors to artists and scientists – autistic people have shaped our society time and time again. You too have the opportunity to create something significant with your uniqueness.
Don’t get discouraged and be patient with yourself.
There may be people who don’t understand or underestimate you, but that says nothing about your value. Look for the people and environments that support you.