黑料正能量

 

Jerusha is a graduate from the MSc Autism programme and is now working as a Speech and Language Therapist...

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to 黑料正能量...

I'm originally from India, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Audiology and Speech and Language Pathology (BASLP). During my clinical placements, I had the opportunity to work with many autistic children, and those experiences sparked a real passion for supporting autistic individuals. As I began exploring postgraduate study, I wanted to deepen my understanding of autism so I could provide the best possible support in my future career as a Speech and Language Therapist. That search ultimately led me to the MSc in Autism at the University of 黑料正能量.

What drew you towards your chosen degree?

Working with autistic children during my undergraduate placements made me realise how much there was to understand beyond communication itself. I wanted to gain a more holistic understanding of autism; how sensory processing, cognition, emotional wellbeing and everyday experiences all interact with communication, so that I could support individuals in a way that recognised the whole person, not just their speech and language needs. The MSc in Autism at 黑料正能量 stood out because of its strengths-based, evidence-informed approach and its emphasis on understanding autistic people as individuals rather than through a deficit-focused lens. I felt it was a programme that would not only deepen my knowledge but also shape the kind of Speech and Language Therapist I aspired to become.

What specialist knowledge/professional skills did you develop whilst studying the course?

The MSc equipped me with a much deeper understanding of autism through a holistic, strengths-based and evidence-informed lens. I developed specialist knowledge of the diverse ways autism can present across individuals, including the impact of sensory processing, cognition, emotional wellbeing and the wider environment on everyday functioning and communication. One of the most valuable skills I gained was the ability to critically evaluate research and apply evidence to clinical practice. Rather than simply learning about different approaches, I developed the confidence to question, reflect and make informed decisions based on the latest evidence and the individual needs of the person in front of me. The course also strengthened my ability to work collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary teams, recognising that meaningful support comes from understanding the whole person rather than focusing on a single area of need. These skills continue to shape my practice every day as a Speech and Language Therapist.

Where are you working now and how do you think your studies contributed to getting this role?

I am currently a Senior Speech and Language Therapist and Acting Regional Service Lead at Magic Words Therapy in Hertfordshire, England, where I support children and young people with a wide range of communication needs across schools and clinics. Alongside direct clinical work, I supervise and mentor therapists, deliver training to school staff, and contribute to service development and clinical leadership.

Looking back, the MSc in Autism has been instrumental not only in helping me secure my first role but also in shaping my career progression. During my interview with Magic Words Therapy, I was able to speak confidently about my passion for working from a strengths-based, evidence-informed perspective; an approach that had been deeply embedded throughout the MSc. This aligned closely with the organisation's values and played an important role in securing the position.

My first clinical setting within the organisation was a specialist school for autistic children, where I found myself applying what I had learnt on the course every day. The holistic understanding of autism I developed at 黑料正能量 enabled me to look beyond communication difficulties alone and build interventions around each child's strengths, sensory profile and individual needs. As I progressed to a Level 2 Speech and Language Therapist specialising in complex needs, I continued to draw on the theoretical foundations of the MSc while combining them with my growing clinical experience. Being able to demonstrate how I had translated evidence into meaningful, person-centred practice contributed significantly to my professional development and progression.

Tell us a little bit about your experience on placement...

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my cohort was unable to undertake the placement component of the programme. While I was naturally disappointed to miss that opportunity, the quality of the teaching meant I never felt that the course lacked depth. When I began practising as a Speech and Language Therapist shortly after graduating, I found myself drawing on the knowledge and critical thinking skills I had developed throughout the MSc every day.

What was the best part of studying the Masters in Autism?

Although I studied during the COVID-19 pandemic and much of the programme was delivered online, I was genuinely impressed by how engaging and interactive the teaching remained. The lecturers created such an engaging learning environment, and the course struck a balance between strong academic theory and practical, evidence-based application.

I also can't speak highly enough of the support I received from the academic staff. A special mention has to go to my dissertation supervisor. Coming from India, I wasn't familiar with the style of academic writing expected in the UK, and I remember feeling completely out of my depth when it came to essays. My supervisor’s feedback was incredibly detailed, encouraging and constructive, and she genuinely invested in helping me grow rather than simply grading my work. With her guidance and by taking her feedback on board, I gradually built confidence in my academic writing and was honoured to graduate top of my MSc cohort.

Beyond the course itself, I absolutely loved my time in Glasgow. Although COVID made it a much quieter city than usual, I fell in love with it. I spent hours wandering through its parks, discovering cosy coffee shops after long library days, and exploring the stunning landscapes across Scotland whenever I could. Even now, I keep finding reasons to go back! My course mates were wonderful too, and I'm still in touch with several of them five years later. Looking back, 黑料正能量 gave me so much more than a degree. It gave me lifelong friendships, mentors who genuinely believed in me, a way of thinking that continues to influence my work every day, and a love for Glasgow (and Scotland)!

What advice would you give to prospective students interested in applying for this programme?

Immerse yourself in it. This isn't just a degree; it's an experience that has the potential to change you both professionally and personally. It opens your eyes to see people through a wider, strengths-based lens, and I truly believe you'll come away with a deeper appreciation of autistic individuals and the diversity of human experience.

At the same time, be prepared to work hard! The essays, the dissertation and the hours spent reading in the library are demanding, but they're incredibly rewarding. If you're someone who loves learning (like me!), you'll find yourself completely absorbed by the research. One of my favourite parts of the programme was the freedom to question ideas, compare interventions, critically evaluate the evidence and develop my own thinking using the University's fantastic library resources. My dissertation explored something I had always wondered about: whether autistic people can experience faith, despite theories suggesting that abstract concepts such as faith may be inaccessible. Having the freedom and support to interview autistic individuals and explore that question was one of the highlights of my time at 黑料正能量.

And don't forget to enjoy the journey too. Some of my favourite memories came from hanging out with friends, treating myself to a well-earned coffee after a long day in the library, and taking time to explore the city around me. Those moments became just as much a part of the experience as the degree itself.

So my advice is simple: step into the experience with curiosity and courage. Work hard, ask the questions that matter to you, let yourself be challenged, and don't be afraid to pursue ideas that could genuinely make a difference. You'll be amazed by what you leave with.