The first study of its kind in Qatar, this research investigated how to improve autism education through a contextual enquiry and consultation with stakeholders. Given the country’s supportive leadership, a knowledgeable community of parents and specialists, the findings indicate great potential to transform autism education. In moving forward, the priority is to ensure that autistic people and their families have access to mandated diagnostic, post-diagnostic and early intervention services, and an appropriate range of educational provision for all age groups. Social and leisure facilities are also crucially important, as well as support for transition between stages of schooling and from school to adult services. There needs to be a range of opportunities for autistic adults, and culturally appropriate research on approaches and interventions. Personal and professional development is needed at various levels and autistic people should be included in all decisions that affect them.
Authors
Dr. Karen Guldberg
Reader in autism studies and director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER), University of Birmingham
Dr. Karen Guldberg conducts real-world research in the classroom, with a focus on pedagogy, social learning and the specific learning needs of children with autism.
Dr. Elaine Ashbee
Regional tutor, the Autism Centre for Educational Research (ACER), University of Birmingham
Dr. Elaine Ashbee (UK) worked for many years as an advisory teacher to support the education of children with autism in mainstream schools in the UK.
Dr. Lila Kossyvaki
Lecturer in severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties, University of Birmingham
Dr. Lila Kossyvaki has worked on research projects exploring Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) in children with autism and best educational practices.
Mr. Ryan Bradley
Research fellow, the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER), University of Birmingham
Mr. Ryan Bradley is working on the Transform Autism Education research project with partners in Italy and Greece.
Dr. Abdullah Mubarak Basulayyim
Lecturer, the Institute of Educational Graduate Studies, King Abdulaziz University
Dr. Abdullah Mubarak Basulayyim is a lecturer in the Institute of Educational Graduate Studies at the King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia.
This report has been reviewed by:
- Dr. Beth Saggers, Senior Lecturer, School of Cultural and Professional Learning , Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology
- Prof. Liz Pellicano, Director of the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), University College London
Research Organization
