A new course is setting a powerful example for inclusive education, empowering Autistic students to thrive in the media industry.
Studies show more than 1 in 40 Australians are on the autism spectrum with an unemployment rate for Autistic individuals nearly three times higher than for those with disabilities and eight times that of the general population.
To help address this issue for Autistic students who are interested in a career in media, Macquarie University and Aspect Autism Friendly collaborated to create the specialised journalism course specifically tailored for Autistic students, as part of ABC’s new program, The Assembly.
The program, announced last week, sets a new standard for inclusive media practices and features 15 Autistic student journalists interviewing notable Australian figures, showcasing the transformative power of autism-friendly environments.
The course curriculum was crafted to accommodate the unique needs of Autistic individuals, focusing on practical engagement over theoretical learning, which has proven pivotal in helping students thrive in a media setting.
Key highlights of the partnership:
• Inclusion Statement: This powerful statement is a commitment to creating safe spaces, allowing students to express themselves without fear of judgment. This statement is not only a fixture in Aspect meetings but is a cornerstone of each session in The Assembly, ensuring all participants feel comfortable and accepted.
• Structured Learning: The course provides structured sessions with clear expectations and regular breaks, facilitating better focus and engagement from the students.
• Practical Application: Emphasis was placed on hands-on learning where students actively participated in crafting their journalism skills, guided by both the faculty and seasoned journalists, who were trained in autism-friendly practices.
• Sensory Adjustments: The learning environment was tailored to reduce sensory overload, an essential consideration that helped minimise anxiety and maximise concentration among the participants. Simplified visual communications were also adopted.
• Continuous Improvement: Feedback mechanisms were put in place to refine and enhance the learning experience continually, emphasising the program’s commitment to growth and excellence in journalism education.
"Our collaboration with Macquarie University is a testament to what can be achieved when educational environments are designed with the needs of Autistic individuals in mind,” Dr Tom Tutton, Executive Manager of Aspect Autism Friendly, said.
“Our goal is not just to facilitate participation but to ensure that Autistic students can excel in their chosen fields.”
Dr Helen Wolfenden, Lecturer in Radio at Macquarie University said the opportunity to collaborate with Aspect on autism-friendly university teaching has been one of the great joys of her professional life.
“Tom and Emma were so patient and generous with their expertise,” Wolfenden said. “I was always confident that the students would be heard and supported, but I was immensely grateful to also experience that support and care.”
Dr Tutton said many Autistic people are made to feel uncomfortable for doing things that support concentration and reduce anxiety, such as stimming, moving around, fidgeting or taking a break.
“Not using these strategies for fear of judgement by others reduces concentration and can be exhausting,” Dr Tutton said.
“Aspect is working towards all environments explicitly encouraging people to be themselves, without judgement and to accept different ways of working, focussing, listening and communicating.”