In this project we will study a number of topics specifically related to the subject of autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder: ASD).
We intend to meet each other during 4 coordinating meetings and during each meeting a number of specific topics will be studied: e.g. lectures by a professor who has special knowledge about the topic for that meeting, an overview of relevant literature about the topic, discussing the lecture and the literature, visiting schools, analysing video's that were made before the meeting, practising what we have learned, etc.
For instance 'autism and ICT': "what are the benefits of using adaptive ICT- devices or software for the teaching of children with ASD. What special pedagogical and didactical skills are required for using adaptive ICT?"

Besides that we will also compare the educational systems of the countries of the participating schools, specifically on the subject of autism. What inclusive opportunities and specialist provision is available within each of the educational systems for children with ASD. Within this we aim to look at the impact of using specialist strategies or methods such as TEACCH, ABA and various communication systems on learning and pupil development
Each participating school will 'bring into' this project examples of good practice for discussion, comparison and evaluation. In that way all the school staff will benefit as much as possible from each others knowledge, experiences and skills.

Coordinator - Netherlands, Emiliusschool, is a school for special education for severely mentally and multiple handicapped children.
Partner - Northern Ireland, Tor Bank School, is an 3-19 all aged school for children and young people with Severe and Complex Learning Difficulties.
Partner - Spain, CENTRO DE EDUCACIÓN ESPECIAL SIETE PALMAS (Centre for Special Education), is a school for children with severe mental and physical handicaps and autistic syndrome aged between 3 to 21.

This project aims to focus specifically on pupils with ASD who have SEN (and those pupils who have SEN and display behaviours that resemble ASD characteristics).

Aims and Objectives:

- To enhance our understanding of ASD and 'barriers to inclusion'
- To increase knowledge, experiences and skills concerning autism related topics;
- To contrast and compare different educational systems\in general and for children with ASD;
- To observe and evaluate the impact of specialised teaching strategies on learning for children
with ASD;
- To identify examples of 'best practice' for children with ASD which could be replicated within our
own schools;
- To increase the 'European' dimension within our schools;

Areas of focus in relation to children with ASD and learning difficulties:

1. Diagnostic assessment and testing for ASD.
2. ASD & Specialist strategies for teaching, learning and child development, e.g. TEACCH, ABA and
specialist behaviour management strategies.
3. Alternative Communication systems and strategies to enhance social interaction skills, e.g. PECs
and Sign Language.
4. The use of ICT to enhance inclusion opportunities.
5. Inclusion policies in each country.
6. Post 16 Provision - transition programmes to employment (links to supported employment
agencies), independent living (links to sheltered, semi sheltered living) and life long
Learning