National Guidance to Create Inclusive Classrooms for Autistic Students
Autism CRC has released the National Guidance for best practice in inclusive education for autistic students, focusing on mainstream settings from early childhood through secondary schooling.
The guidance aims to transform school cultures and practices so autistic students experience safety, belonging, engagement and success. It serves school leaders, teachers, parents, and professionals working with autistic students.
How the guidance was developed
The National Guidance was co-produced with stakeholders and developed by researchers from QUT, La Trobe University, and Griffith University. Development included:
- Seven systematic literature reviews — 64,434 articles screened, 507 included
- National community consultation with over 800 participants, including autistic youth
- A Delphi study with experienced school leaders
- Input from a Guidance Development Group and Reference Group comprising autistic people, educators, parents, allied health professionals, First Nations representatives, and school system leaders
Key focus areas
The guidance addresses four areas shaped by nine Guiding Principles:
- Student wellbeing, belonging and relationships
- Pedagogy and teaching practices
- Collaboration, connections and leadership
- Physical environment
What people are saying
“At last, a national framework hosting guidance for inclusive education allowing all of Australia to be on the same page.”
— Dr Wenn Lawson, independent autistic reviewer and psychologist
The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) noted that “if applied as intended, the Guidance has strong potential to support more consistent evidence-informed approaches.”
Access the resource
The National Guidance is available free as a downloadable PDF through the Autism CRC Best Practice Portal.