About
Each child and young person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an individual, with diverse strengths, interests and abilities. Victorian children with an ASD can access a wide range of support and intervention services to best meet their complex needs.
The Department is currently working to build the skills and resources of all Victorian government school and early childhood settings to provide an ASD friendly learning environment. The Department is continually ensuring all children and young people with an ASD are supported to be the best they can be in all aspects of their learning and development.
Research indicates that while the unique characteristics of children and young people with an ASD may make some level of specialisation essential, there are positive outcomes for the majority of children and young people with an ASD in local mainstream settings, with appropriate support.
As it is unlikely that a single approach will meet the needs of all children and young people, flexible approaches are required. Essential elements that guide these flexible approaches include:
- sharing information between early childhood staff, teachers and parents, home and early childhood settings and schools
- staff with specific ASD knowledge
- effective communication between all staff working with a child or young with an ASD
- a positive learning environment
- social skills learning programs
- support for children and young people with an ASD to participate in and contribute to their community
- reflecting on what works best for children and young people with an ASD.