How to design a bespoke course for learners with autism

At Coleg Cambria, we believe in the power of true equity: recognising that treating everyone the same doesn't ensure success for all. Instead, it's about providing the right conditions for every learner to thrive.

In our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, we've developed a ground-breaking NeuroTech course that goes beyond traditional teaching methods. Inspired by Microsoft's inclusive hiring practices, NeuroTech is designed to cater specifically to individuals with social communication conditions such as autism spectrum condition, offering a bespoke learning experience that sets the stage for success.

The journey began when we observed that learners with social communication conditions were facing challenges in our IT programmes. In response, we crafted NeuroTech, a unique course that not only focuses on IT education but also nurtures individual life skills and independence. The programme acknowledges the diverse ways in which social communication conditions manifest, adapting its approach to accommodate various learning styles and environments. Within specially designed classrooms featuring adapted lighting, equipment, and furniture, NeuroTech creates a safe haven where learners can authentically be themselves, free from sensory overload.

NeuroTech is a collaboration between the digital technologies department and our inclusion team. This partnership ensures a holistic learning experience, addressing both the academic and personal development of our neurodiverse learners. The programme seamlessly integrates accredited IT qualifications with a personalised life skills component, covering essential areas like transportation, teamwork, communication, and financial management.

Crucial to the success of NeuroTech is the support system in place. Autism mentors, dedicated to assisting with transitions and providing social communication support, play a pivotal role. To enhance retention rates, the mentors closely monitor attendance, intervening promptly to discuss and provide necessary support. Learners enrolled in NeuroTech undergo the recognising and recording progress and achievement (RaRPA) assessment. This tailored evaluation method tracks progress along personalised pathways and celebrates individual successes based on person-centred outcomes. Collaboratively setting targets with learners ensures they are accountable to their unique standards of success in areas like communication, learning and focus, and managing anxiety and emotions.

The impact of this tailored learning environment is evident in the impressive statistics. Over the initial three years of NeuroTech implementation, 59 learners accessed the programme, achieving 100% retention and success rates. Additionally, all learners progressed to positive, person-centred destinations. Notably, this success extends beyond the students to our staff, who undergo autism and additional learning needs (ALN) training, embodying an inclusive approach to teaching and learning.

Building on the triumph of NeuroTech, we expanded our neuro programmes to include media, art, and animal care. This expansion has empowered more than 25 learners to pursue their chosen courses with the personalised support they need. The continuous monitoring and development of these programmes underline our commitment to tailoring education to individual learner needs.

To colleges considering the development of neuro programmes, our message is clear: embrace the opportunity. However, success hinges on creating a flexible, adaptable, and learner-tailored environment. Listen to your learners, understand the impact of neurodiversity on their experience, and design a bespoke course that truly caters to their needs. Our commitment to becoming an 'autism-friendly college' is not just a goal – it's a testament to the transformative power of inclusive education.

Lizzie Stevens is the Head of Inclusion and Nigel Holloway is the Director of Business Solutions at Coleg Cambria.