Western Autistic School (WAS) has a twenty-five year history of delivering highly successful educational programs to students who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our unique model is widely recognised as best practice in the education of students with an ASD, enabling them to commence integration into mainstream or generic special schools with provision for ongoing support to staff and students.

At Western Autistic School we have drawn on research-based knowledge and expertise to develop programs and services which positively impact the education of as many students with an ASD as possible. In 2006 Western Autistic School established a Registered Training Organisation - the Autism Teaching Institute (ATI) - which delivers accredited vocational training in teaching students with an ASD. The ATI delivers autism-specific vocational training focusing on program delivery and classroom practice which includes a teaching practicum in an autism-specific classroom where participants receive coaching, mentoring and support from an experienced teacher of students with an ASD. The aim of the ATI is to develop knowledge, skills and strategies which participants can implement and model in their own classroom setting. Teachers undertaking the course are a diverse group who come from a wide range of mainstream and specialist settings.

Western Autistic School also has a significant outreach program providing support to staff and students in primary and secondary schools across the Western Region of Melbourne. We are alert to current literature and research and, where appropriate, incorporate new knowledge and practices into the curriculum. The school provides information and consultancy about Autism Spectrum Disorders and related educational and management issues to teachers, parents and a range of professionals. As an affiliate of Autism Victoria, the school actively promotes the needs of people with an ASD and their families, and assists in the dissemination of accurate information about Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Western Autistic School is a Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development school providing a range of educational services and specific school based programs for students diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Our educational philosophy incorporates:

• Individual Learning Programs
• A focus on social and communication skills
• A functional teaching approach
• Optimal participation in the family, peer group and community
• Promotion of independence and self-esteem
• Partnership with parents/guardians

Specific school based programs:

• Small classes and teaching teams
• Regular speech and occupational therapy consultation to teaching teams
• Adapted autism specific curriculum
• Specialised communication and social skills programs and teaching approach.
• Specialised student behavior management approach and program. 

Parents and Families:

Our partnership with families is based on recognition of the challenges for families who have a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Parents and teachers meet via Student Support Group Meetings during the year to share information, establish teaching priorities and monitor progress. Parent information evenings and coffee mornings are held regularly.

Resource program/Outreach services:

Western Autistic School provides outreach service on a range of educational issues relating to Autism Spectrum Disorders to teachers, parents, therapists and other professionals.