Understanding and supporting Autistic students
Explore resources to support Autistic children and young people, and their families.
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference – a different way of thinking, learning, experiencing, and interacting. No two Autistic students present the exact same way, and educational and support needs can vary just as greatly.
Creating safe, inclusive and informed relationships with Autistic students – whether they have a formal diagnosis or not – and their families can support student learning and wellbeing. Your support can enhance their quality of school life.
Autistic artist Freya Pinney created the image, titled 'Interconnections'. The painting explores how it feels to be supported and to offer support, representing the interconnections between being heard, seen, accepted and developing understanding.
On this page, you will find Foundation to Year 12 resources to support Autistic students. All resources are curriculum-aligned and support the principles of the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework.
Looking to promote student-led learning? Check out our student topic pages filtered by year level, where students can explore age-appropriate wellbeing information and resources independently.
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Discover resources for the classroom
Explore the following resources for in-classroom strategies and support.
Interoception and self-regulation
Support children and young people to to feel more connected to their bodies, and to interpret and express their emotions helpfully.
Autism: Respectful relationships
Respectful relationships modules covering years 5-9. Each module includes background information, teaching activities and links to additional specialised resources.
Brain break bops
Short animated videos featuring an interoception movement, plus other fun dance moves and memorable song lyrics.
Assess your classroom environment
This interactive tool recommends simple changes which can make your classroom a more inclusive space.
Relationships education for students with autism
In this webinar recording, Dr Emma Goodall discusses strategies for teaching students with autism about relationships and topics related to personal development.
Foster a whole-school approach
Explore the following resources for strategies, policies and research relevant to the wider school environment.
NSW Inclusive Practice Hub
Evidence-based practice resources for schools to support students with disability and additional needs.
AllPlay Learn: Making education fit for all kids
AllPlay Learn helps to create inclusive education environments for children and young people with developmental challenges and disabilities.
Autism resources for adolescents
Resources for the whole school community to support adolescents on the autism spectrum.
NCCD
The NCCD enables schools, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school.
Engage with parents, carers and community
Share and discuss the following resources with parents and carers in your school community.
Autism: Resources for families
Resources to support parents and carers of Autistic children and young people.
Starting School
These resources aim to help educators of students on the autism spectrum (diagnosed or undiagnosed) prepare for the first year of schooling.
Starting school: Webinar recording
This webinar introduces the new resource Starting school hosted on the Student Wellbeing Hub. The resource is designed to assist familes and educations of students with autism (diagnosed or undiagnosed) as they begin the first year in primary school.
Tips for autistic LGBTIQA+ young people
Tips to give autistic LGBTIQA+ young people ideas and resources for accessing support.
Advocating for your autistic child's needs at school: Video
This video discusses strategies for families of autistic children to consider when advocating for your child's needs at school.
Deepen your understanding
Gain insights and deepen your understanding of this topic with research and professional learning opportunities.
Diverse Learners Hub
This website provides information, tools and guidance on diverse learning.
Interoception and self-regulation: Professional learning for educators
This free online course is suitable for primary and secondary educators with an interest in supporting children and young people with emotional self-regulation, mental health and wellbeing, and social and emotional skills.
Understanding neurodiversity and autism
In this video, experts, autistic people, and parents of autistic children talk about what neurodivergence and autism mean to them and reflect on their experiences.
An overview of wellbeing for Autistic students: Webinar recording
Unpack current theories and practice for supporting the wellbeing of neurodivergent children and young people with Dr Kathryn Ambrose from LaTrobe University.
Anxiety in Autistic students: webinar recording
Discover ways of supporting Autistic students who experience anxiety based on current theories and practice with Dr Kathryn Ambrose from La Trobe University.
Understanding emotions and behaviour of autistic children: Video
Autistic advocate and educator, Dr Emma Goodall, discusses strategies for building relationships and emotional co-regulation with autistic children.
Prompt a discussion
Spark staff discussion and reflection with these practical questions aligned to the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework.
In what ways do you adjust your communication style when teaching Autistic and neurodiverse students (diagnosed or undiagnosed)?
How can your school improve policies and procedures to introduce more flexibility around different learning styles and support needs?
As an educator, what accommodations do you make when imparting and receiving information with families of Autistic and neurodiverse students?
Does your PD around neurodiversity cover the different ways Autism can present for students of different genders, cultures and religions?
Discover ways to use the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework in your school.
Related topics
Building interoception and self-regulation skills
Diversity and inclusion
