Research Approaches to Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum in Inclusive Schools

Suzanne Carrington is a Professor in education at QUT Australia. She has over 25 years of experience working in universities in teaching, research, international development, and senior leadership roles. Suzanne’s areas of expertise are in inclusive education, ethical leadership, and disability impacting on policy and practice in Australian and international contexts.Beth Saggers is an Associate Professor in the School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education at QUT Australia. Keely Harper-Hill is the Research Associate for the Enhancing Learning and Teaching education research program of the Autism CRC at QUT Australia.Michael Whelan is an Associate Professor at QUT Australia. He is also a writer, musician, and autism advocate.

• Part 1 – Introduction. 1. An introduction to research in inclusive education: Empirical evidence for supporting an inclusive approach for students on the autism spectrum. 2. Inclusive research practice: Engaging autistic individuals and their families in research. Part 2 – Outcomes of an inclusive research approach. 3. Supporting students on the autism spectrum in inclusive schools: Research to inform implementation of support and evidence-based practices. 4. Autistic voices in autism education research. Part 3 – Knowledge translation and research impact. 5. With teachers, for teachers: Knowledge translation and professional learning. 6. Meeting the needs of all: The case to translate the evidence base beyond autism. 7. Developing communities of practice for educator professional learning – Developing connections in rural and remote regions. Part 4 – Conclusion. 8. Summary and propositions.

In this book, listening to voices is not just a motto, it is also a voice for change. Each chapter opens up horizons that will convince you that education for all and with all is not only possible but also exciting- Professor Delphine Odier-Guedj, Haute école pédagogique du Canton de Vaud, Lausanne, SwitzerlandHow do we provide autistic students with the truly inclusive education that they deserve? Researchers and educators have tackled this question for decades. This excellent collection of essays from some of Australia’s most innovative education researchers provides new answers that will capture attention for many years to come- Professor Liz Pellicano, Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, AustraliaWhat distinguishes the research approaches reported in this book from much of traditional autism research is that they share a commitment to genuine collaboration in participatory research. Connecting the expertise of practitioners and academic researchers with the views of different stakeholders and the students themselves, yields rich research insights and builds stronger research that is translational and sustainable- Professor Joanne Deppeler, Educational Psychology and Inclusive Education, Monash University, AustraliaWhether discussing research on teleconsultation in regional communities, the iterative co-design of the inclusionED website or the lived experience of an autistic teacher supporting autistic students, a commitment to transforming both our education system and our research practices shines through. Incorporating the insights of autistic scholars and listening to the voices of autistic students as part of the work of embracing diverse learners in our schools and classrooms is at the very heart of this engaging collection.- Dr Rozanna Lilley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Education, Macquarie University, Australia