The award-winning Autism Education Trust (AET) was established by the Department for Education (DfE) in England in 2007.
It is a not-for-profit partnership organisation that includes autism charities, local authorities, multi-academy trusts, universities, colleges, schools, nurseries, autistic people and their families. The AET works in partnership with the DfE, delivering the only DfE Supported, CPD Accredited, co-produced autism training for the education workforce.
The AET co-produces all of its programmes with autistic young people, parents/carers, experts and specialists, in the knowledge that lived experience has to be embedded at our core for our programmes to be authentic and successful.
Our approach is strengths-based: we believe that autism is a difference, not a deficit.
At the heart of our organisation is our panel of Autistic Young Experts (AYE), aged 16-25. All of the panel are autistic and neurodivergent.
Since 2022, the AET has been working with Monmouthshire County Council, professionals, academics, young people and parents and carers to produce a Professional Development Programme for Wales for Early Years and Schools. We are keen to work with like-minded organisations to roll out the programme across Wales.
You can read more about our work in Wales here: https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-09/Astudiaeth-Achos-Cyngor-Sir-Fynwy-Case-Study-Monmouthshire-County-Council.pdf
Training
We can develop bespoke training sessions when requested. Below are our main modules:
In English and Welsh
· Making Sense of Autism for Early Years
· Making Sense of Autism for Schools
· Good Autism Practice for Early Years
· Good Autism Practice for Schools
Topic-based modules (currently only in English)
· Autism and anxiety
· Autism and transitions
· Inclusive leadership
· Developing play skills
· Toileting
· Coming soon: Eating and Sleeping
Resources
You can find free resources for professionals, parents and carers and autistic young people on our website: https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/resources