Autism Spectrum Students in the Classroom

Autism diagnoses are on the rise and children who are on the spectrum are likely to be present in most schools.

Autism impacts how a person thinks, feels and interacts with others and the world around them.

Including these students fully in school requires expertise and a new short course has been designed to give teachers the skills to support students on the spectrum reach their full potential.

Dr Joanne Danker, Lecturer in Special Education in the School of Education, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture helped to design the course. “Pre-service teaching degrees don’t go into enough depth to adequately equip teachers with the knowledge they need to help students on the autism spectrum succeed,” she says. “So, there’s a real gap and need for specialised courses like this, so teachers can better understand autism and how it presents in the classroom.

“We have an expanding cohort of students on the autism spectrum who often have different needs, so it’s important for teachers to be prepared to meet those needs. However, through no fault of their own, they may not have the training and resources to fully support the well-being of students with developmental disabilities like autism.”

Language is essential when referring to people on the autism spectrum and shapes perceptions and attitudes. Some people on the spectrum may prefer identity-first language (e.g., “autistic”), while others may prefer person-first language (e.g., “person with autism” or “person on the autism spectrum”).

“Students on the autism spectrum deserve respect, dignity, and a high-quality education,” says Professor Iva Strnadová, a Professor in Special Education and Disability Studies at the School of Education. “High-quality education recognises students’ dignity, builds on students’ strengths, and is grounded in high expectations, self-determination development, and evidence-based practices.”

Prof Strnadová and Dr Danker lead the short course, Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum. The course is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools to implement adjustments and support for all students in their classroom, irrespective of their abilities.

“This short course aims to upskill teachers and school learning support officers (SLSOs) with the skills they need to provide a high-quality education to students on the autism spectrum in any educational setting,” says Prof Strnadová. “It’s ideal for all educators working in mainstream classes as well as schools for specific purposes who support students on the autism spectrum and who might have little or no formal training in special and inclusive education,” says Prof Strnadová.

The short course focuses on learning in action. It incorporates individualised expert guidance, lived experience accounts of people on the autism spectrum, accounts of their families, guest speakers, and collaborative work within a community of like-minded professionals.

“For students, the consequences of the autism knowledge gap can be life-changing,” says Dr Danker. “If we don’t cater to the needs of children on the autism spectrum, we’re letting them down, and it’s less likely they’re going to learn and succeed in school.

The Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum short course commences on 5 April 2024.