Research and Professional Reading
There is a wide range of research and professional reading published for and targeted at practitioners on Autism and Inclusion. Highlighted below are some suggestions which have been suggested by specialist autism practitioners, academics and autistic individuals. some examples have been included on the page. this list is not exhaustive and the Toolbox working group will regularly review this page. Suggestions to be included can be sent to autismtoolbox@gov.scot
In order to support the development of the Autism Toolbox the following two reports were compiled to:
a) Review the evidence for effective educational interventions for autistic learners, and
b) Audit approaches to professional learning and implementation being used in Scottish local authorities in 2019.
Autism Summary of Evidence for Effective Interventions November 2019
Summary Local Authority Autism Professional Learning 2019
A selection of professional learning reading and films has been complied onto one file. Select 'here' to download it.
The Framework supports a consistent inclusive pedagogical approach to teacher education for inclusion nationally. The Framework was launched in 2009 and revised in 2014 in response to an update of the Standards by the GTCS.
Select here to access the STEC Framework for Inclusion Report
Inclusive Pedagogy - A Framework for Teacher Development in a Range of Contexts
Inclusive Practice Programme - Key Lessons for schools Aberdeen University
What Counts as Evidence of Inclusive Education
National Autistic Implementation Team - NAIT
NAIT have developed resources to support further study are available in the Templates and Resources section.
Research Autism
Informative website on identification, intervention, and inclusion. As well as short explanations for key areas of autism research the site has links to a large publication database of articles and books.
ASDinfoWales website
Welsh national website for autistic spectrum disorders. All information is set in a Welsh context however it has value for any practitioner or parent anywhere. This comprehensive website includes links to useful educational resources, professional learning, and integrated service level strategy. It also contains supportive information including films and fact sheets for practitioners and parents.
The Autism Toolbox 2009 PDF
This original Autism Toolbox resource was made available to all Scottish schools and was the foundation of the 2012 online Autism Toolbox
Sensory Processing Resource
This resource details possible strategies for use with autistic young people. The strategies should only be used after appropriate assessment and should be individualised to meet the unique needs of the child or young person.
Special Learning House
Website with a range of resources for families with children with autism and other special needs. Learn to increase communication, learning and fun at home.
The Autism Helper
American website. Provides examples of resources, easy to use strategies and ideas including how to set up your classroom, managing behaviour, developing skills (including social), and communication. Very accessible. Free however some of the downloadable curricular resources have a cost.
Curricular Materials and Programmes on the Autistic Spectrum
American website with multiple links to references for Curricula on Communication, Functional Skills, Sensory, Science, Social etc. Each link takes you to a list of up to date relevant books and programmes on each topic.
ASDinfoWales Website
Welsh national website for autistic spectrum disorders. All information is set in a Welsh context however it has value for any practitioner or parent anywhere. This comprehensive website includes links to useful educational resources, professional learning, and integrated service level strategy. It also contains supportive information including films and fact sheets for practitioners and parents.
Life Skills Resource
The resource aims to assist in developing and supporting the child and young person with autism with life skills across their life span.
Building Capacity
The resource aims to assist in supporting the child and young person with autism to lead an independent life.
A Spectrum of Possibilities: Autism Teaching Strategies
Free Social Skills Downloads. Multiple links to teaching resources including prompt cards, displays, worksheets etc. Also gives information, instruction and ideas for discussion. Website also has affiliate links to other books and resources by Joel Shaul that have a cost.
Teenage Resource
This resource has been designed to support teenagers with autism, their parents and professionals working with them. This provides resources and ideas, which may be suitable for supporting a teenager with autism across a variety of environments and situations. Contains printable information sheets.
Best Practice Resource
Its aim is to support teachers through providing resources and ideas for good autism practice in the school environment.
The Scottish Transitions Forum
Aims: Improving the experiences of young people with additional support needs going through transitions.
NAIT Guidance - An Autism Lens on the Six Principals of Nurture
Nurture groups, nurturing approaches and trauma informed practice are widely used in current education practice. There is acknowledgement that adverse childhood experiences can impact upon long term health and wellbeing outcomes. There is almost no peer reviewed, published evidence about how nurturing approaches apply for autistic learners (or those with related neurodevelopmental differences).
Select here to download full guidance.
GTCS Teaching Scotland Magazine Article
Select here to access NAIT's article in the January 2021 edition of the GTCS Teaching Scotland Magazine - Pages 18 - 21.