Ireland's Autism Charity
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Autism Friendly Schools Project

What is the Autism Friendly Schools Project?

The Autism Friendly Schools training and education programme aims to support schools in the provision of inclusive educational placements for Autistic children and young people alongside specialist provision. It is designed to reaffirm good practice and support those wishing to foster a school culture that is inclusive of Autistic students.

What the Project Covers

  • Teaching and Learning
  • Inclusive School Culture
  • Leadership and Management
  • Staff professional development

How to Apply

Online application forms are available each September. Once accepted onto the Autism Friendly Schools Project, schools will complete the following steps:

  1. Release two staff members (preferably one mainstream class teacher and one special education/learning support teacher) to attend three workshops over the academic year (two online and one in-person).
  2. Use the Autism Friendly Schools toolkit for in-school assessments and the development of strategic planning for inclusion. Participants will receive access to an online toolkit to support engagement.
  3. Promote the AsIAm Autism Friendly Schools CPD course and make this available to all staff and colleagues.
  4. Actively promote the school’s participation in the Autism Friendly Schools Project among the wider school community.

Important Information

There will be no provision for travel expenses or substitute cover. As we are a charity, the programme is dependent on investment from participating schools to cover the cost of the three training days.
The data compiled from the online toolkit will be anonymised and no school or individual will be identifiable. This aims to form a national perspective on how primary and post-primary schools are engaging in Autism-friendly practices.

The Private Autism Friendly Schools Project Portal can be accessed below.

Access Project Portal