2026 Autism In Schools Conference
The 2026 Autism in Schools Conference was successfully conducted by the Autism Teaching Institute (ATI) on Tuesday, 11th August. This event was the third conference conducted by the ATI and was attended by over 400 registered delegates.
This years’ theme was collaboration, and presenters included:
Dr Stephen Shore from Alephi University, US, who presented on the 4 A’s of Autism, and also on student self-advocacy alongside assistant principal Matthew Mclaren and parent Alexndra Beckwith from Dromana Secondary College
Researcher and Designer Dr Katie Gaudion from the Royal College of Arts in London, UK, who presented on collaborating with autistic people to co-design spaces for living and learning
Professor Dawn Adams from La Trobe University who spoke about Inclusive Education, presenting alongside teacher Deborah Moloney from Furlong Park School for Deaf Children
A parent panel including Merrin Ayton, Lia Bartholomew, Jane Hancock and Jim Adamopoulos
Dr Patrick Dwyer from La Trobe University, who presented on autism, sensory processing and school
Dr Matthew Harrison, Associate Professor in Learning Intervention, and Jess Rowlings at the University of Melbourne who presented alongside a student panel discussion on developing friendships and connectedness.
Dr Anne Southall and Ana Garcia-Melgar from La Trobe University presenting alongside staff from Western Autistic School on research on supporting transitions for autistic learners
The Conference incorporated a strong voice from Autistic people, including Andrew Radford and a panel of students, presenting on their first hand experience of school.
Presentations
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2025 Autism In Schools Conference
The 2025 Autism in Schools Conference was successfully conducted by the Autism Teaching Institute (ATI) on Tuesday, 6 May. This event was the second conference conducted by the ATI and was attended by over 400 registered delegates.
This years’ theme was student wellbeing, and presenters included:
Professor Dawn Adams from Griffith University who spoke about Autism and Anxiety in the school setting
Dr Amanda Webster, from the University of Wollongong who spoke about strategies to support the learning and wellbeing of autistic students
Dr Ru Ying Cai from the University of Melbourne who presented on cultivating self-compassion as a practical strategy for teachers
Dr Matthew Harrison, Associate Professor in Learning Intervention at the University of Melbourne who led a panel discussion on developing friendships and connectedness.
Dr Mandira Hiremath presenting on partnerships between schools and health practitioners
Dr Vicki Bitsika presenting with Speech Pathologist Shadia Hancock on problem solving in the classroom
The Conference incorporated a strong voice from Autistic people, including Daniel and Daryl Giles as well as Callum Gunn delivering powerful and moving messages on their lived experiences as autistic people.
Presentations
2024 Autism In Schools Conference
Held on July 30, 2024, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, this inaugural conference was hosted by the Autism Teaching Institute in collaboration with Western Autistic School. It provided educators in Victorian schools with opportunities to connect, learn, and share knowledge. Attendees gained insights from international experts, educators, academics, students, and the autistic community about current best practices in schools. The agenda included presentations from notable speakers such as Dr. Damien Milton, Tim Chan, and Dr. Vicki Bitsika.
Presentations
