More than 400 Autism Inclusion Teachers will begin in their new roles from this week to help build South Australian understanding and knowledge to support autistic children and young people.
The SA Government has invested $28.8 million to provide access to an Autism Inclusion Teacher (AIT), in every public primary school, including Reception to Year 12 schools, as part of a key election commitment.
The role of AITs will be to build their own knowledge and expertise to influence the practice of other staff at the school.
This will include advice on setting up calm spaces, emotional regulation techniques and other learning expertise to support neurodiverse students best learn in the school environment.
In total, 417 AITs have nominated across South Australia, with some small or regional and remote schools choosing to combine the role across multiple sites.
The Education Department has consulted with autistic people with lived experience, parents and carers, educators, schools, students, families, experts, and community organisations on the AIT role to ensure it fits the need of the community.
Most of the AITs were already practicing classroom teachers, while others are in key leadership roles at their school. Each AIT will work 1-2 days each fortnight in their new role, providing practical opportunities to apply their learning across the site.
The AITs will develop their skills through a targeted professional learning package which includes face-to-face training, workshops and online modules.
The online education program kicks off with a welcome webinar for all new AITs today, as a way to get to know each other and to support each other in their expertise across sites.
Premier Peter Malinauskas says that having a child diagnosed with autism can be a confronting experience.
“I am proud to see South Australia leading the way in this space, by harnessing and expanding the dedicated efforts of our passionate and committed teachers.
“This nation-leading initiative will see these teachers build their own skills and in turn each school’s capacity to work with autistic children and young people.”
Assistant Minister for Autism Emily Bourke says that the Government has listened to the calls of the Autistic and autism communities.
“We are not waiting 10 years, 5 years or even 2 years to make change. Today, we are delivering the nation’s first statewide autism inclusion teacher network.”
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