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ABSTRACT
In the last two decades there has been a rapid increase in the number of students with autism who are enrolled in mainstream schools. Since the publication of the Salamanca Statement in 1994, the right to inclusive education for all children, including those with disabilities, has been increasingly recognised. This has created tensions and challenges in schools as staff struggle to meet the unique needs of these students and their families. Previous research has found that school staff often lack knowledge about the specific characteristics and needs of students with autism and the practices that effectively support these students in inclusive education settings. A comprehensive approach is needed to build capacity of school leaders and staff to create autism-friendly cultures, implement evidence-based strategies, and improve outcomes for students with autism. This paper describes the development and theoretical foundation of the School-wide Autism Competency approach, which provides schools with a whole-of-school approach to supporting students with autism. The approach brings together research on effective practices of school leaders and evidence-based practices for students with autism.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes
1 The term ‘autism’ will be used in this paper and includes Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD (DSM-5), autism spectrum disorders including Asperger’s Disorder (DSM-IV) and Autism Spectrum Condition ASC.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Jacqueline Roberts
Jacqueline Roberts is the inaugral chair of Autism in the Autism Centre of Excellence (ACE), Griffith University. Jacqui’s background in autism stretches back over 30 years. She has worked in Aspect schools for children with autism as a teacher, speech pathologist, principal and Director of Services. Prior to her appointment at Griffith in 2011, Jacqui worked as a consultant and held several short-term fractional research appointments at different universities teaching autism studies and leading/managing research projects and professional development. Jacqui is a director of the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders providing input to the board on a national autism research agenda, and received the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC) award for outstanding service to the autism community. In her current position as the director of the Autism Centre of Excellence (ACE) Jacqui is responsible for developing the research agenda focusing on research that will enhance outcomes for individuals with autism. The ACE also offers an extensive multidisciplinary postgraduate study program in Autism. In 2018 second edition of Understanding Autism. The Essential Guide for Parents was published. Jacqui co-authored the book with Professor Katrina Williams. In August 2019 The Sage Autism and Education Handbook was published. Jacqui is the Australasian editor in collaboration with Professor Rita Jordan (UK and Europe) and Associate Professor Kara Hume North America).
Amanda Webster
Dr. Amanda Webster is a community-engaged researcher at the University of Wolongong. Her research is focused on creating meaningful social impact and centres on leadership for inclusive education and community environments that support the achievement and self-determination of individuals diagnosed with autism or other disabilities and their families. She is actively involved in research projects with departments of education in Queensland, NSW and Tasmania, and is conducting several major research initiatives focusing on the role of school leaders, staff and parents in establishing effective school cultures and practices that will enable students with autism to achieve high quality outcomes across the lifespan. Dr. Webster’s research has culminated in a number of peer reviewed publications including three research-based books published by Springer and Routledge overviewing case studies and models of practice for empowering and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum in community and school settings.