Autism-Friendly Schools: Including the Voices of Autistic Pupils in Educational Provision in Ireland

The Autism-Friendly Schools research project is the first systematic, interdisciplinary investigation of the experiences of autistic pupils in primary and post-primary schools in Ireland. The study aims to capture the missing voices of autistic children and their families in education with the objective of making recommendations for implementable supports for inclusive education policy and practice. Two major research questions underpin this study: (1) what are the school experiences of autistic children and young people in Ireland; and (2) what does inclusion mean to autistic students and their families? The study also explores the experiences and attitudes of parents, teachers, and the wider school community regarding inclusive education for autistic students. The first work package was a scoping review of the literature on autistic students’ experiences and included an innovative consultation with autistic students. Findings showed (1) limited research on the perspectives of children, (2) predominantly negative experiences, and (3) an under-representation of younger children and minimally speaking autistic students in research (Lynam, Sweeney, Keenan & McNally, 2023). The second work package is in progress and draws on participatory methods to interview autistic students and their families with all levels of need. Initial data from autistic children in primary school (n=18) and secondary school (n=6) reveal a wide range of experiences and the need for flexibility, communication, autonomy, and kindness. Emerging findings suggest that autistic pupils’ experiences at school vary substantially based on the level and quality of support they receive; those who were well-supported tended to enjoy school.