new uni course
focuses on autism
A new university course that
focuses on autism has been
developed with input from people
challenges that individuals with
autism can experience in the
I CAN chief executive officer Chris Varney.
classroom, providing them with the I CAN Network was approached
understanding and skills needed by Torrens because of its 50%
to not only support students, but difference – half of the I CAN
A unique partnership between to embrace and leverage autism to Network workforce is on the autism
the I CAN Network and Torrens enhance the student’s strengths. spectrum, offering a rich diversity to
on the autism spectrum.
University, the Graduate Certificate
the content of the course.
in Education (Autism) provides “More and more teachers are students with an in-depth education interacting with students with Enrolment into the Graduate
of autism in the classroom. autism in the classroom, whether Certificate is open to current and
they trained in special education existing teachers as well as any
In an innovative twist, the materials or not,” said I CAN Network’s chief service providers who feel their
used in the course were formulated enabling officer Chris Varney. work may be enhanced by a better
understanding of how to embrace
with input from members of the I
autism.
CAN Network - a social enterprise “So of course it is vital that founded by people with autism. teachers are given the right tools Members of the network, all of to bring out the best in these “We expect that this will open the
whom are on the autism spectrum, young people. Too often, teachers door to a better understanding in the
played a pivotal role in developing are unsure what to do and this is community of what autism is and what
the course; while staff from I CAN detrimental to everyone involved.” individuals on the spectrum can offer
the community when they’re offered
had direct input into the strategies
taught and helped create a series of The partnership between I the right opportunities,” Chris said.
videos to be used in the classroom. CAN Network and Torrens “If we get it right from the start, from
University was formed through the moment they enter the classroom,
The Graduate Certificate the university’s interest in co- we will see them flourish and see what
will educate students on the designing content with learners. they CAN do, not what they can’t.”
getting it right
The Cooperative Research
Centre for Living with Autism
(Autism CRC), in collaboration
with the NDIA, is developing
Australia’s first national
diagnostic guideline for autism.
linkonline.com.au
Substantial variability exists diagnosis across Australia for both
across Australia in autism children and adults.
diagnostic processes causing
confusion for families, clinicians Extensive stakeholder engagement
and government. Developing a is now underway with a guideline
national diagnostic protocol is a due for release in late 2017. Visit the
critical step to ensuring consistent website to find out more autismcrc.
and equitable access to autism com.au/diagnostic-guideline
autism feature
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