Episode 160: Learned Helplessness in Autistic Students - Breaking the Cycle

“Today’s episode discusses learned helplessness in autistic students, a condition where repeated failures lead them to believe their efforts are futile. It uses the fictional case of “Jacob” to illustrate how academic and social struggles, coupled with unsupportive educational environments, can create this sense of powerlessness. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, asserts that autistic students are not inherently unmotivated, but rather struggle with task initiation and are often misinterpreted, reinforcing negative cycles. This is exacerbated by rigid systems that prioritise standardised testing and penalise incomplete work. Dr. Hoerricks argues that breaking this cycle requires building trust, providing autonomy, scaffolding tasks into manageable steps, and addressing emotional needs. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for educators to shift from punishment to empowerment, recognising systemic barriers and creating inclusive learning environments where students feel supported and capable of success.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/breaking-the-cycle-of-learned-helplessness

Let me know what you think.