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. Asked about their biggest
challenges in delivering educational provision for children on the
autism spectrum, professionals sited lack of knowledge and
understanding among school staff, increased numbers of diagnosed
children on the autism spectrum and lack of therapists as their main
concerns. Around 1 in 100 children is now thought to be on the autism
spectrum. Timely and appropriate educational support is essential to
ensure positive outcomes and future opportunities for all.
The
AET is England's only umbrella organisation for autism education. It
has published online the most comprehensive review undertaken to date
on the state of autism education in England. The research, carried out
by the Autism Centre for Education and Research at the University of
Birmingham, reviews current practice, issues and challenges facing
professionals, parents and children and young people on the autism
spectrum. It draws on existing evidence, as well as new surveys of
parents and professionals, to provide detailed recommendations at each
stage in a child's journey through the education system.
Bob Lowndes, Chair of the AET Steering Group, said:
"This research can be heralded as a new beginning for our autism
education system in England. We are now very clear on the priorities
for improvement, as well as the areas of good practice. Its publication
comes at a time of exciting awareness of the need for better autism
education services, and follows the recent publication of the Bercow
Review of the SEN system and his subsequent debate in parliament.
"An important message running through the research is that better
cross-agency co-operation and communication is urgently needed to
ensure that each child is treated as an individual and an appropriate
course of education is planned and implemented."
This is taken from the press release issued by the AET.
The research report, Education for children and young people on the autism spectrum living in England, can be downloaded below.