Disability Inclusion

Inclusive Classrooms

Supporting Students with Autism

Over the next 8 weeks, a number of our classroom support staff and myself will be undertaking a course through the Department of Education and Training Inclusive Classrooms professional learning suite. The course will further build our knowledge and understanding of how to best support students with Autism in the classroom. 

The course is structured around key modules that engage participants in current research, understanding key characteristics of Autism, sensory processing and understanding behaviours.  

Throughout, we'll have opportunity to collaborate as a school team and link up with participants from other schools to discuss and share best practice.  We hope to learn as much as we can to maximise the support we provide our students, and to assist all staff to better understand student learning needs and adjustments. 

Working in partnership with parents and carers through regular  Student Support Groups also enables us to learn as much as we can about the needs of a student diagnosed with Autism. Together, we are able to develop Individual Education Plans that are inclusive of recommendations for adjustments practitioners provide through reports and assessments, and support a student to identify learning and achievement goals for themselves. 

Danielle Derksen

Disability Inclusion Leader