Expert-led autism training delivered by our network of Training Partners.
Discover the Professional Development Programme...

Why is our Professional Development Programme needed?
We choose to deliver autism training due to an identified level of need.
According to the latest SEND statistics from the Department for Education, which are based on the school census, there are over 160,000 autistic pupils in schools across England. Over 70% are in mainstream school, with the rest in specialist education, home educated or out of education altogether.
The number of pupils with an EHC plan has risen by 10% to 325,600 in 2021. The number of pupils with SEN support has increased by less than 0.5% to 1,083,100. The most common type of need among pupils with an EHC plan is Autism, with 92,600 pupils (30% of all pupils).
Find out more about our vision, mission and values in the AET Strategy for 2021 – 2024
According to the latest figures from the Department for Education, autistic pupils in England are nearly three times as likely to be suspended from school for a fixed period as pupils with no special educational needs.
Read more Government statistics on exclusion and SEND here:
What is the Professional Development Programme?
Our Professional Development Programme (PDP) is the only Department for Education Supported, CPD-accredited Autism Training Programme that has been co-produced with parents, professionals and our panel of autistic young experts.
- Delivered by autism experts
- Tailored to the demand in your local area
- Bespoke to your setting – to suit the needs of your staff/ children and young people
- Private sessions for you and your team
The Professional Development Programme is led by autism experts in local authorities across the UK
Their training uses a range of teaching methods to form an essential part of your continued professional development:
- Videos
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Practical materials
- Discussion points
- Activities
- Auditing tools

Explore all upcoming Autism Training from our Partners.
The Early Years Professional Development Programme offers a set of training modules and resources for those working in various early years settings for children up to 5 years.
The School’s Professional Development Programme offers a set of training modules and materials for those working in schools for pupils aged 5-16.
The Post-16 Professional Development Programme offers training and resources to professionals working in various Post-16 settings for autistic young people above 16 years.


Search for your local training partner to enquire about upcoming Autism Training or to organise a session for your team.

Find out how your organisation can become a licenced Autism Education Trust Partner...
Our Resources
Explore all AET Resources including phase specific Framework Documents, Parent Guides and more...
