National Guidance for best practice in inclusive education for autistic students

Inclusive education leads to several positive outcomes, such as higher levels of engagement and social interaction, wider social networks, and more advanced education goals. It also increases opportunities to engage with diverse role models, promotes awareness and acceptance of diversity, and reduces the stigma associated with disabilities. 

The purpose of this project is to develop National Guidance for best practice in inclusive education for autistic students (National Guidance).

The National Guidance is intended for teachers, educators, school leaders, medical and allied health professionals like occupational therapists, psychologists and speech therapists. The aim is to help the people who work in mainstream schools know how to best support positive social, emotional and academic outcomes for autistic children and youth.

We will look at the research evidence about inclusive education for autistic students. We will also be asking for the experiences and views from a wide range of people during our community consultation activities. This will include public and private sectors, primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, pre-schools and early childhood settings.

This project will: 

1. conduct systematic literature reviews in key areas that impact inclusive education for autistic students in mainstream schools.
2. conduct mixed-method community consultations with multiple stakeholders including educators, school leaders, specialists, autistic students and parents and carers about the factors influencing inclusive education for autistic students in mainstream schools.
3. use the outcomes of objectives 1 and 2 to plan, consult and deliver national guidance for best practice in inclusive education for autistic students attending mainstream schools and pre-schools.