More than 400 Autism Inclusion Teachers will begin in their new roles from this week to help build South Australian understanding and knowledge to support autistic children and young people*.

The State Government has invested $28.8 million to provide access to an Autism Inclusion Teacher (AIT), in every public primary school, including Reception to Year 12 schools.

The role of AITs will be to build their own knowledge and expertise to influence the practice of other staff at the school. This will include advice to support autistic children and young people in the school environment.

This will include advice on setting up calm spaces, emotional regulation techniques and other learning expertise to support neurodiverse students best learn in the school environment.

In total, 424 AITs have nominated across South Australia, with some small or regional and remote schools choosing to combine the role across multiple sites.

The Department for Education has consulted with autistic people with lived experience, parents and carers of autistic children, educators, schools, students, families, experts, and community organisations on the AIT role to ensure it fits the need of the community.

Most of the AITs were already practicing classroom teachers, while others are in key leadership roles at their school.

Each AIT will work 1-2 days each fortnight in their new role, providing practical opportunities to apply their learning across the site.

The AITs will develop their skills through a targeted professional learning package which includes face-to-face training, workshops and online modules.

The online education program kicks off with a welcome webinar for all new AITs today, as a way to get to know each other and to support each other in their expertise across sites.