Autism Awareness Month 

Autism Awareness Month 

April is Autism Month, which is about raising awareness, acceptance and inclusion surrounding autism. More than 205,000 Australians are autistic and 1 in 4 Australians have a family member on the autism spectrum. Autism changes the way a person sees, experiences and understands the world. 29% of people on the spectrum have skills that are considered exceptional. It is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability, that affects the way people communicate and interact with others. Most importantly we as educators need to acknowledge that all autistic people are unique.

This year the South Australian government has appointed an Autism Inclusion Teacher to every public primary school. As the Autism Inclusion Teacher, I have had the opportunity to undertake intensive training, in order to work with staff on how best to support and educate our students with autism, and drive improved practice within our school. Our teachers and Student Support Officers (SSOs) currently work together to assist our students to have the best start to their schooling. As a school, we are committed to taking action and supporting our autism community, by building a deeper awareness of autism within our school. 

If you wish to contact me to discuss my role further, please feel free to email me at alison.warner493@schools.sa.edu.au