An Ayrshire teacher has had her first ever book published — inspired by her passion for working in learning support.
Kilmarnock-based Karen Watson's debut printed work 'Good Autism Practice for Teachers: Embracing Neurodiversity and Supporting Inclusion' was released earlier this month.
It offers an accessible guide for all Additional Support Needs (ASN) trainees and teachers, providing practical, evidence-informed ways to support neurodivergent learners that will also benefit all pupils.
Karen — an ASN educator and inclusion champion — has been working across North and East Ayrshire for the past 10 years.
Her aim is to share the book with professionals to increase their confidence, knowledge and opportunities for inclusion.
She said: “During my teacher training, I realised that as ASN teaching practices were constantly evolving, there really was a gap in the market for a concise book to give accessible, easy-to-read guidance for some extra reassurance that I was doing the right thing by my learners.
“I’ve always dreamed of writing my own book from a young age, so after spending the last decade working with children, young people and other ASN professionals across different local authorities, I realised that I could combine my experience and practical know-how alongside academic research together into a supportive learning resource.
“Each chapter covers a range of subjects, including a look at the theory around autism – including procedural/semantic memory, executive functioning, expressive/receptive language, sensory integration, behaviour as communication, and the importance of emotional literacy, co-regulation and resilience.”
Karen, a former pupil of Greenwood Academy in Irvine, said it was important to ensure the book is easy to read.
She added: "I didn’t want to create a textbook to sit on a shelf and collect dust, but more one which can be sitting on a teacher’s desk, covered with sticky notes and with pages folded down. A real companion, to help other teachers on their journey and to give advice and strategies backed up by research.
“Working in ASN can be a difficult job, but it is so rewarding. I hope it will help teachers to recognise the amazing work they do.
"I try to focus on key elements of education, which will promote independence, inclusion and generally support happy and thriving children and families.
“Our education system is constantly adapting and evolving to meet the individual needs of our pupils, and I hope that my little book will help push us along the path to truly accessible education for all.”
Referring to her own experiences of ASN teaching, Karen added: “The teaching and education facilities and standard of practice for ASN pupils in North Ayrshire are of such high quality and my experiences within the Council have been very positive ones.
"The children and young people I have worked with are of course a wonderful bunch too.
"I think once you’ve lived and worked in Ayrshire, it’s hard to settle for anywhere else – unless it was somewhere that didn’t rain quite so much, mind you!”
More details about the book, released by Critical Publishing, can be found here.
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