Supporting Autistic Learners: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs

Supporting Autistic Learners: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs This session supports education professionals to deepen their understanding of how autistic children and young people with high care and education needs experience, interpret, and engage with their environments. Autism is a naturally occurring form of neurodiversity. Differences in sensory processing, communication, movement, cognition, and emotional regulation are integral aspects of autistic neurology, not problems to be remedied. In Special School settings, where students often rely on adults for access, advocacy, and co-regulation, the responsibility lies with professionals to adapt environments, expectations, and teaching approaches to align with each learner's neurology. When this alignment is achieved, learners are more likely to feel safe, regulated, and able to engage meaningfully. A particular focus of this session is the well documented visual strengths many autistic learners demonstrate. Thoughtfully designed visual supports can reduce cognitive load, increase predictability, and support autonomy across learning contexts. Professionals will explore: Why visual approaches often align naturally with autistic processing styles. How visuals can support learning, communication, and regulation rather than compliance or task completion alone. The importance of consistency across staff teams and environments in promoting felt safety. A range of flexible visual strategies that respect each learner's strengths, interests, access needs, and identity.