Spotlight on Research

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The Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER)

The autism research and educational provision in our centre is shaped by the challenges experienced by autistic individuals, their families and educators

Latest ACER research report

Investigation of the causes and implications of exclusion for autistic children and young people (PDF, opens new window)
Executive summary (PDF, opens new window)

Sharing the stories of autistic young people and their families to advance inclusive attitudes

The work of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) is shaping autism education to support a bright future for young people and their families.

The impact of Covid-19

The Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) has been at the forefront of using research to guide the practice of teachers in the UK and overseas. As part of this we have worked alongside charitable and policy partners to make sure our research has "real world" impact.

Educational exclusion

Marginalised families

Excellence in autism practice

Towards a better society

Latest news

04 April 2022

Autistic pupils twice as likely to be excluded from school

Due to inadequate systems and budget cuts, schools are twice as likely to expel autistic pupils

03 September 2021

Wenn Remembers Dinah (1946-2021)

Dr Wenn Lawson pays tribute to Dr Dinah Murray

09 December 2020

How do we ensure autistic children and young people get the education they deserve?

With a rise in exclusions of autistic pupils, academics are investigating the underlying causes and are advocating for enhanced support for teaching staff.

05 August 2020

Surjit and foster carer Helen provide support for vulnerable people during lockdown

Surjit, a young man with autism and Helen his foster carer and also an ACER student on the MEd course have been busy during the lock down period providing support to vulnerable people.

13 July 2020

BBSRC grant awarded to purchase advanced research equipment

Dr Dan Tennant, Dr Christian Ludwig and Professor Gareth Lavery have been awarded a 19ALERT mid-range equipment grant from the BBSRC to provide new tools for analysis of stable isotope incorporation into metabolites.

29 April 2020

How can parents help autistic children to reduce anxiety during isolation?

By Professor Karen Guldberg, Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER)

28 April 2020

Teacher Training and Attention in Autism

How support our research into understanding how attention can be assessed and taught for children with autism

09 April 2020

Teaching children with autism at home

This short blog provides some important tips and signpost you to some useful sources for home schooling children with autism.

03 December 2019

Developing Excellence in Autism Research and Practice inaugural event

Taking place on Friday 27 September, this Inaugural Lecture saw 250 staff, students and members of the community join Professor Guldberg in the Bramall to discuss developing excellence in autism research.

14 November 2019

The Good Autism Practice Guidance – AET interview Professor Karen Guldberg

Professor Karen Guldberg is interviewed by the Autism Education Trust as lead author of the Good Autism Practice Guidance

19 August 2019

Dr. Lila Kossyvaki to lead European collaboration to provide resources for autism professionals

Dr. Lila Kossyvaki, has received funding from Erasmus Plus to lead study focusing on the provision of resources for autism professionals

10 May 2018

Inclusion is best for people with autism, argues Professor Rita Jordan

Professor Rita Jordan, argues that providing autistic friendly events for those with autism may encourage greater segregation

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