Navigating school social life can be overwhelming for autistic students, especially when neurotypical expectations don’t align with their natural ways of interacting. In this episode i’m once again joined by Maria, a music teacher who has plenty of experience teaching both in mainstream and specialist settings. I share my own personal experiences, from the pressure to socialize in primary school to the isolation I faced in secondary school and the impact they had on me. We explore why forced socialization can do more harm than good, the impact of burn out and exhaustion, and how small changes—like safe spaces, flexible group work, and better autism education—can make a huge difference. Join us for an honest conversation on what real inclusion looks like and how schools can support autistic students to feel like they really belong and a part of the school community.