‘I am’ Digital Stories: Strength-Based Inclusion and Autistic Voices with Prof Sarah Parsons

How do we truly hear the voices of young autistic children? Professor Sarah Parsons shares the story behind 'I Am' Digital Stories, that places autistic children and young people at the centre of conversations about their education and support. Sarah explains how these videos transform transitions and allow practitioners to meet the young person authentically through their own voices, interests, and strategies for success.The conversation also explores the power of research-practice partnerships, where questions emerge from practice. We also touch on current challenges in education, including the particularly concerning rates of school non-attendance among autistic girls, and why relationship-building and truly understanding individual young people remains at the heart of meaningful support.Sarah Parsons is Professor of Autism and Inclusion in Southampton Education School at the University of Southampton, UK. Sarah’s work is participatory and inclusive with an emphasis on knowledge co-construction between research and practice. Sarah co-directs the Autism Community Research Network @ Southampton [ACoRNS] with Professor Hanna Kovshoff, which is a neurodiverse research-practice partnership between the University, education providers, and related organisations.Ruth Luzmore is a Research Fellow and Lecturer at Southampton Education School, University of Southampton. A former school leader, her work focuses on educational leadership, ideas-engagement in society at large, and how schools can navigate evidence-informed practice in high-stakes cultures. Ruth continues to work closely with school leaders through governance and mentoring roles Follow Ruth on X @RLuzmore or LinkedIn‘I am’ Digital Stories Giving autistic children a voice – the power of ‘I am’ Digital Stories | University of Southampton‘I am Lil’: Enabling Autistic Voices in Transitions from School to Adult Life through the Co-Creation of a Digital Story - Asha Ward, Sarah Parsons, Hanna Kovshoff, 2024This podcast is produced by Southampton Education School Follow us on LinkedIn