Highly respected leader within the global autism and research communities
Griffith University is a university committed to undertaking cutting edge research to address educational needs. In the field of learning difficulties, Griffith has a strong track record of successfully delivering pre-service and postgraduate education courses. The university also has an established reputation for quality teaching graduates in the field of special education, making it well placed to work with partners to address workforce needs in Autism education.
The Autism Centre of Excellence (ACE), has a mission to improve the quality of life for autistic children and adults by supporting learning - from early childhood to education and employment. This will be achieved by providing training to parents and professionals in multidisciplinary settings and by undertaking research to expand knowledge about autism and autism intervention. ACE is a collaborative initiative drawing on expertise from areas such as education, health and behavioural sciences. Our Centre is highly respected within the global autism community and recognised as leaders in the field and in evidence-based practice.
About the Autism Centre of Excellence
Our Centre
The strength of the Autism Centre of Excellence (ACE) lies in the calibre of staff, renowned nationally and internationally, and the expertise they bring to the Autism Centre of Excellence initiative. ACE works collaboratively with the state and federal government Education, Health and Communities portfolios.
Our experts
Our Centre provides professionals working across a variety of settings, with the knowledge and skills to improve the everyday lives of autistic people and their families. ACE seeks to support learning for autistic people across their lifespan and open doors of opportunity – from early childhood, to further education and employment.
Our research
Our research is informed by the research priorities set by the autistic and autism communities. Our research therefore focuses upon three key areas (1) enhancing community and professional knowledge of autism (2) understanding and supporting mental health and wellbeing in autistic individuals across the lifespan and (3) supporting autistic people to flourish and thrive in school and workplace settings and achieve their best academic and/or social outcomes.
Lead positive change by learning about autism
Develop your specialist knowledge and provide great support for autistic people through 色情网站鈥檚 first postgraduate multidisciplinary program dedicated to Autism. With expert academic research and guidance, and the input of autistic people and their supporters, you鈥檒l gain (or deepen) your understanding of the diversity of autism (across different ages, abilities and profiles), evidence-supported strategies and supports, learning profiles and approaches, and the communicative message of behaviour. Our Graduate Certificate of Autism Studies can lead through to the Masters in Autism Studies course, which can lead on to becoming a Developmental Educator (see the DEAI website for information on accreditation). Developmental Educators are an NDIS approved profession for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to achieve their individual developmental, social and learning goals.
Autism Centre of Excellence staff
Research Spotlight
Anxiety is now recognised as the most commonly co-occurring condition for autistic children, with prevalence rates of clinically significant anxiety being 3-4 times higher in autistic children than children without autism. It is known that anxiety can impact on school engagement and academic performance for autistic children but research exploring anxiety and autism in the school context has to date, been very limited. With funding from Griffith University as well as the Department of Education and Training Educational Horizons grant scheme, and are leading a program of research focusing upon anxiety and well-being in autism and how this may be identified within school settings. Keep an eye on the for the findings as they are published.
Get in touch
Whether you're interested in partnering, studying or collaborating with us, or have a research or media enquiry
Parent workshops
Assistance for parents and carers
As our Centre does not provide direct services, we are therefore not capable of providing advice on or assistance with the services that are available locally or elsewhere. If you require access to services or advice, please refer to:
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