April marks World Autism Month – a time to reflect, learn and strengthen our commitment to equity and inclusion for children who are Autistic.
This year’s theme, “Learn Together, Grow Together,” invites us to go beyond awareness and into meaningful action.
For educators, families and communities, this is not about a one-off gesture. It’s a reminder that inclusion is not an activity we “add in,” but a way of being – embedded in everything we do, every day.
Beyond Tokenism
It’s easy to fall into the trap of tokenism: a poster on the wall, a single story read during the month, or a themed craft that doesn’t go deeper than surface-level engagement.
But genuine inclusion requires more.
It means building relationships, listening deeply and creating spaces where neurodiversity is not only accepted but embraced and understood.
We must ask ourselves…
“Are our practices truly inclusive? Or are we just ticking a box?”
Embedding Everyday Practice
The National Quality Standard and the Approved Learning Frameworks remind us, that equity, inclusion and high expectations aren’t optional add-ons. They are expected. But more importantly—they’re what every child deserves.
For children who are autistic, this means as educators and people working within the sector, that we need to be responsive to:
| Know, recognise and respond to sensory, emotional and communication needs |
| Honour unique strengths, interests and ways of learning |
| Allow time and space for self-expression and autonomy |
| Support social interactions in ways that feel safe and empowering |
| Respect families as those who have knowledge and resources to help their child best, listen and implement appropriate changes |
Element 1.1.2 of the National Quality Standard ensures we see children in a holistic way, using their current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests as the foundation of the educational program. When this happens, inclusion is not something we “do”—it becomes who we are.
Learn Together, Grow Together
Inclusion is a journey.
There is always more to learn, more listening to do, and more ways we can grow.
This month, we encourage you to:
- Engage voices of Autistic people and perspectives: particularly those of children and adults in your community
- Reflect on your own practice: what’s working, what could be better
- Collaborate with families: because they are the experts on their children
- Share your learning with others, sparking conversations that shift thinking
Let’s move beyond celebrating Autism once a year and instead commit to creating spaces and relationships where autistic children thrive every single day.
When we learn together, we grow together. And when we grow together, we create a world that truly welcomes every child!
