The AET has launched Autism Stars, a new national awards scheme to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution of individuals in creating an autism friendly culture.
The new awards give individuals the opportunity to be nominated and recognised for the work they do or have done to support a child or young person with autism.
Sarah-Jane Critchley, Project Head of the Autism Education Trust, said: “We are really excited about these new awards – they represent the first time individuals will be nationally recognised for the important and often unsung contribution they make to the lives of children and young people with autism, and their families. From shop assistants to headteachers, bus drivers to speech and language therapists, the Autism Stars Awards celebrate those who are helping change the way we view difference and disability every day.”
There are two categories: one for individuals working with children and young people with autism in an educational setting (AET Education Award) and the other for those working in the community (AET Community Award). Entry is free. Those individuals nominated will receive an AET Autism Silver Star Award in recognition of their contribution and will be invited to apply for an AET Autism Gold Star Award.
Joy Beaney, AET Autism Stars Project Developer and Manager of Torfield Inclusion Support Service, commented: “The Autism Stars Education Award is the ideal way to recognise the many dedicated professionals who work with children and young people on the autism spectrum. I also often hear about the incredible help and support received from people in the community. One parent 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 of the hairdryers. The Autism Stars Community Award will recognise the kindness shown by people like this.”
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 nomination forms are available to download as an fillable PDF to send by email or post. Applications can be received at any time and will take approximately six weeks to process.
For full details and to make a nomination, click here.
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