Inside the Autism Classroom - Working Together Amanda McGuinness Elaine Fitzgerald Episode 3

Episode 3: Working Together Supporting Autistic pupils is never the responsibility of one person. It is built through collaboration, trust, and shared understanding. In Episode 3 of **Inside the Autism Classroom**, Amanda McGuinness and experienced Autism Class teacher Elaine Fitzgerald explore how strong partnerships between Autism Class teachers, Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), mainstream teachers, school leaders, parents, and multidisciplinary professionals create the conditions for Autistic learners to feel safe, understood, and able to participate meaningfully in school life. Designed for Autism Class teachers, SNAs, school leaders, and education professionals, this episode examines why successful Autism Classes are shaped by the culture of the whole school, not simply what happens inside one classroom. Amanda and Elaine discuss how leadership influences inclusion, why professional learning matters at every level of a school, and how a shared neuroaffirmative ethos strengthens outcomes for both pupils and staff. Drawing upon Elaine's classroom experience and Amanda's professional expertise and lived experience as an Autistic adult and parent, the conversation explores practical ways to build positive relationships with mainstream teachers, encourage meaningful inclusion opportunities, and create confidence among colleagues who may have little previous experience of supporting Autistic pupils. The episode also highlights the invaluable contribution of Special Needs Assistants, recognising that collaborative teamwork, shared reflection, and consistent communication create calmer, more predictable learning environments. Amanda and Elaine discuss how valuing every member of the classroom team strengthens co-regulation, improves consistency, and ultimately benefits every child. Listeners will also hear an honest discussion about working alongside families. Amanda and Elaine explore why parents should be recognised as equal partners in decision making, how strengths-based communication builds trust, and why listening to family expertise is essential when developing meaningful educational supports. They also examine the realities of working with multidisciplinary professionals, acknowledging the challenges many schools face while offering practical strategies for building productive relationships with therapists and external agencies. The conversation concludes by exploring the power of school culture, reverse inclusion, relationship-centred practice, and shared responsibility. Rather than viewing inclusion as the responsibility of one classroom, Amanda and Elaine demonstrate how whole-school collaboration creates environments where Autistic pupils experience genuine belonging, participation, and respect. Whether you are establishing a new Autism Class, leading an existing team, or looking to strengthen collaborative practice within your school, this episode offers practical advice, reflective discussion, and evidence-informed guidance for building partnerships that place Autistic pupils at the centre of every decision. **Key topics include:** - Building collaborative Autism Class teams - Working effectively with Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) - Supporting mainstream teachers and inclusive school practice - The role of school leaders and whole-school culture - Building positive partnerships with parents - Working alongside multidisciplinary professionals - Meaningful mainstream inclusion and reverse inclusion - Strengths-based communication and relationship-centred practice - Creating consistency across home, school, and support services - Practical neuroaffirmative approaches to collaborative working