Press releases

Act now to improve services for young people with autism  22/10/09
Now is a crucial time for improving services for children and young people on the autism spectrum according to keynote speakers at the Autism Educations Trust’s National Conference ‘Transitions: practical steps for moving forward ’in Leeds, which took place on Thursday 22nd October.

Leeds to host major autism conference  28/09/09
Details have been confirmed for the Autism Education Trust’s (AET) second national conference, ‘Transitions: practical steps for moving forward’, which will take place in Leeds on 22nd October at the Queens Hotel. The conference will combine a range of keynote speakers and practical workshop sessions, giving an in depth opportunity to focus on the theme of transitions, which is a crucial topic in the case of children and young people on the autism spectrum.

Dates announced: AET Conference and Roadshows  01/09/09
The Autism Education Trust (AET) is pleased to announce the dates of its latest series of events, which will begin with a conference in Leeds on 22nd October, followed by roadshows around the country and another conference in London in January 2010.

Increased funding secured for AET  21/05/09
The Autism Education Trust (AET) is to extend its remit in 2009/10 to work with local authorities and primary care trusts to improve the commissioning of services for children with autistic spectrum disorders. In order to carry out this extended range of activities, additional funding from the DCSF was announced by Sarah McCarthy-Fry, Minister for Schools and Learning, in the House of Commons on Friday 15 May, bringing the total funding for the AET to £580,000 in this financial year.

New autism specific resources for early years and schools  01/04/09
New web and DVD resources on the autism spectrum are now available. Produced by The Department of Schools, Children and Families (DCSF), one is designed for those working with children under five years of age and the other is for those working in mainstream primary and secondary schools.

AET Spring road shows  02/03/09
Following the success of the first Autism Education Trust (AET) National Conference, held in Westminster on 26 February, the AET is running a series of ‘road show’ events across England during March, April and May 2009. The six events will mirror the National Conference and in addition will address some of the more local issues in each area.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry, Minister for Schools and Learning, highlights need for more joined-up autism services at first Autism Education Trust National Conference  02/03/09
The Autism Education Trust (AET) held its first National Conference, ‘Sharing Good Practice’, at Central Hall in Westminster, London on Thursday 26th February 2009. Sarah McCarthy-Fry, Minister for Schools and Learning gave the keynote address and spoke about the Government’s ambitions for improving autism education provision across England through better collaboration and information sharing.

The Autism Education Trust (AET)  02/02/09
The Autism Education Trust (AET) was launched in November 2007 with funding from the Department for Children,

To continue to raise awareness  01/02/09
To continue to raise awareness of the importance of appropriate educational provision for children and young people on the autism spectrum

Minister for Schools will join AET at first National Conference  28/01/09
The Autism Education Trust (AET) is holding its first National Conference, ‘Sharing Good Practice’, at Central Hall in Westminster, London on Thursday 26th February 2009.

New research highlights a lack of specialist support  11/11/08
New research carried out for The Autism Education Trust (AET) by The University of Birmingham has highlighted the lack of specialist support for autism education practitioners, including speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.

Autism Education Trust announces new appointments  19/06/08
The Autism Education Trust (AET) Steering Group is pleased to announce two new appointments. Sarah-Jane Critchley has taken on the role of Project Head, and Kate Pettifer joins her as AET Support Officer. The appointments come at the start of a second year of activity for the AET, with plans currently being finalised for future projects

AET granted extra £35,000  23/01/08
The Autism Education Trust (AET), which was launched in November 2007, has been granted an additional £35,000 by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to extend its work programme in the first year.

Autism Education Trust launched in parliament  29/11/07
The Autism Education Trust (AET) was launched this month in the Houses of Parliament at an event hosted by Barry Sheerman MP, Chair of the newly established Children, Schools and Families Select Committee. Schools Minister Andrew Adonis also spoke at the event.