Autism inclusion training will be offered to all public high schools under a proposal from the Malinauskas Labor Government if it is returned to office, extending a program designed to help teachers better support autistic students as they move into secondary education.
The transition from primary to high school often brings new pressures for autistic students. Changes in classroom settings, a larger number of teachers and classmates, and increased independence can make the shift more challenging for some families and students.
The proposed expansion follows a trial carried out across nine high schools during 2024 and 2025. The program focused on professional learning for school staff, aiming to build understanding of autistic students’ needs and improve classroom practices.
If re elected, the government says all public high schools would be able to access the training, along with contextual support and guidance from a central advisory team. A group of six Inclusive Teaching and Learning practitioners would work within the Department for Education and partner directly with schools to strengthen their support systems for autistic students.
The rollout would involve a $2.5 million investment over two years. According to the government, total funding directed towards autism related school supports would then exceed $30 million.
Early examples from schools involved in the trial suggest the training has influenced classroom routines and staff collaboration. At Clare High School, staff members completed the training and worked with the department’s team to incorporate autism inclusion goals into the school’s learning plan.
The school introduced more predictable classroom structures and strengthened coordination among Year 7 teachers. Staff awareness of autistic students’ learning needs increased, and the school set up a roundtable aimed at giving autistic students a stronger voice in school discussions.
Education authorities estimate that more than 2,000 autistic students will move from public primary schools into public secondary schools over the next three years, highlighting the importance of transition support during that period.
Schools participating in the expanded program would also gain access to resources through the Autism CRC’s InclusionED platform and related webinars. These tools are intended to help teachers develop classroom strategies, improve collaboration within teaching teams and provide additional support for students with complex needs and their families.
Education Minister Blair Boyer said parents had shared positive feedback about the early stages of the program.
“I’ve heard firsthand from parents about how important our autism inclusion program has been in schools,” he said.
“We want every student to get the best education. That means making our schools more inclusive.”
Upper House member Emily Bourke said the expansion reflects calls from autistic people and their families for stronger support during the move into secondary schooling.
“After the success of Autism Inclusion Teachers in public primary schools, we know the autistic and autism communities have been calling for the expansion to secondary schools,” she said.
The proposal aligns with priorities outlined in the South Australian Autism Strategy, which highlighted the need for better transition pathways between different stages of the education system.
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