October sees the launch of the AET Autism Stars, new national awards to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution of individuals in creating an autism friendly culture.
There are two categories within the scheme, one for individuals working with children and young people with autism in an educational setting and the other for those working in the community. You can nominate anyone who you would like to be recognised as having supported a child or young person with autism.
The awards have been developed with the help of Joy Beaney, Manager of Torfield Inclusion Support Service and AET Steering Group Member. She says: “I meet many dedicated professionals who spend a lot of their own time preparing visual resources and personalising activities to support the children they are working with in mainstream schools. The AET Education awards are an ideal way to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work they do.
“Parents also often tell me of the help and support they receive from people in the community. One parent of a child with autism described how her local hairdresser stayed open late so that she could cut her child’s hair when the shop was empty as the child couldn’t cope with the noise when other people were using the hairdryers. The AET Community awards will also recognise the kindness shown by people like this.”
Those individuals nominated will receive the AET Silver Star certificate in recognition of their contribution and will be invited to apply for a Gold Star certificate. Not only do these awards recognise the fantastic support that professionals and individuals in the community show to children and young people with autism, they also support Continual Professional Development and highlight good practice.
AET Autism Stars application forms are available to complete online or download to send by email or post. Applications can be received at any time and will take approximately six weeks to process.
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