Educational and vocational engagement – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

Sensory-friendly learning: Strategies for inclusive classrooms

Inclusive education: The Australian context

Inclusion involves the right to participate in school culture and curriculum for all students. Inclusive education ensures that every student, including those with disabilities, can access, participate, and feel supported in their educational goals. Inclusive schools foster professional learning communities that empower teachers to implement best practices and utilise current, evidence-based strategies, facilitating optimal learning outcomes for students.

Inclusion for students with sensory sensitivities is very important for participation in education. This importance is increasingly being recognised in government policy discussions.

Video: From employment to suicide prevention: Reflecting on 5…

This video recording (55 minutes) featuring Dr Darren Hedley.

Autistic people face experience low rates of labour force participation as well as high under- and unemployment. Autistic people also have high rates of cooccurring psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and suicide.

Can the use of ICT support the learning of…

There are still very few studies examining the use of iPads in an attempt to support the learning of children on the Autism spectrum.

Positive Outcomes for Autistic Employees at DHHS

Taking the time to understand individual needs, providing professional development opportunities and training managers and co-workers were all factors that contributed to the success of the recently-completed ‘Rise@DHHS’ Autism employment program.

Changing the Global Mindset on Autism and Employment

Specialisterne Denmark’s founder Thorkil Sonne gives a personal account of his journey

Meltdowns after school

I am a mum of six. My three youngest all have ASD and have terrible trouble with meltdowns after school. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of the ‘delay effect’ for children on the spectrum. That being that they hold themselves together and show no behaviour of concern at school but ‘meltdown’ when they return home. My question: is there any research evidence that this exists and what can be done to help?

Teens in Transition

My son completed high school last year but was only recently been assessed with ASD. He has absolutely no idea what to do next. University does not seem an option. Any suggestions?

School refusal

What can be done to help a school refuser?

Answer:

The situation that you describe sounds very difficult, and we wish we were in a position to provide specific practical advice. Our team at OTARC includes psychologists, speech pathologists, and parents who are familiar with the type of difficulties your son is experiencing. The problem, however, is that in our experience and as I am sure you would agree, there is rarely a simple fix in these situations. To be in a position to offer specific advice in your situation, we would need to learn a lot more about all of the factors that might be at play and also have capacity to help implement any suggestions or recommendations we might make. Our primary role here at the Centre is to conduct research aimed at improving the supports provided to Autistic children, adolescents, and adults, and our clinical work currently focuses on early diagnosis and supports in the early years.

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