This workshop is offered by Ako Aotearoa in partnership with Altogether Autism. 

Drawing on survey data from autistic tertiary learners and their whānau, as well as published research, Altogether Autism, supported by the Tertiary Education Commission, has created a set of guidelines to help tertiary educators better support their autistic learners.  

This workshop will use the guidelines to help participants develop a deeper understanding of the specific challenges autistic tertiary learners face, and explore strategies that can support autistic learners to have a more positive tertiary experience. 

Workshop level

This is a Level 1 (introductory) workshop. No prior knowledge is required.  

Who is this workshop for? 

This workshop is for anyone who works with autistic learners and would like to learn how to support them better. 

Topics covered

• What is autism? 
• Challenges faced by autistic learners: Communication, executive function, mental health, self-advocacy, sensory experiences and social interactions. 
• Strategies for working with autistic learners. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop you will be able to:

• define some of the challenges autistic learners face in the tertiary education environment, and why these challenges occur 
• apply some strategies to mitigate some of these challenges. 

Facilitator

Rachael Wiltshire – Altogether Autism

Rachael Wiltshire is an Advisor at Altogether Autism. She found out she was autistic when she was 12 and has been passionate about supporting other autistic people ever since. This passion has seen her present at the Altogether Autism conferences in 2015 and 2017, and at the Aspect Autism in Education conference in Brisbane in 2018. She has been a member of Altogether Autism’s Consumer Advisory Panel since 2020. 

Rachael completed her Bachelor of Creativity in Commercial Dance at Te Auaha in 2021, and currently dances at events around Wellington with Society Event Entertainment. When she is not dancing, you can find her working as a Visitor Services Host at Te Papa and Capital E. She is especially passionate about education, and regularly tutors NCEA students. 

Free self-directed content

In addition to the live workshop, participants will have access to self-directed content available through the Ako Aotearoa Neurodiversity Educator Pathway on Pathways Awarua. This Pathway is currently under development. This complementary content will allow you to explore the topic in greater depth at your own pace and in your own time, reinforcing the practical skills and knowledge gained during the workshop. 

Ako Aotearoa badges

Participants can earn an Ako Aotearoa digital badge as evidence of participation and completion of workshop requirements.

Please read these Terms and Conditions before registering for events.