UF partners with local school district to develop autism training for teachers

A new Florida law has become a catalyst for change within schools across the state. 

House Bill 851 requires that all school districts offer autism-specific training at least once per school year for teachers and administrators. 

While the bill went into effect in July, the need for expanded autism-specific training has long been anticipated by many families in the neurodivergent community. 

To fulfill this requirement, the UF College of Education is partnering with Alachua County Public Schools to provide free, accessible training courses to strengthen educator engagement with students on the spectrum. 

“Every student deserves a learning environment where they have the opportunity to thrive, and that starts with ensuring educators have the knowledge and tools to meet diverse learning needs,” Alachua County Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Catherine Atria, Ph.D., said.

To maximize effectiveness, HB 851 requires that training be developed in consultation with a district’s assigned Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, or CARD. The College of Education and Alachua County schools are working with UF CARD, the center that serves Alachua County and 13 other Florida districts.

“CARD’s mission is to provide training, consultation, resources and support that improve outcomes for individuals with autism and related disabilities across the lifespan,” said Ann-Marie Orlando, Ph.D., director of UF CARD. “Because schools play such a critical role in the daily lives of students with autism, we see it as our responsibility to help educators have access to evidence-based strategies and practical tools that can be implemented in the classroom.” 

The Florida Department of Education defines autism spectrum disorder as a range of pervasive developmental disorders that adversely affects a student's functioning, resulting in the need for specially designed instruction and related services. 

The bill states training must include “evidence-based practices… across all levels of need, including academic instruction, behavioral supports, communications strategies, and inclusive practices.” 

While the bill only requires one training session per year, many districts will have the opportunity to add additional sessions based on demand and need. 

“Evidence-based practices for individuals with autism and related disabilities continue to evolve, and educators benefit from ongoing training that reflects the latest approaches. Updated training on these approaches helps teachers and administrators better understand the various strengths and needs of students with autism, create more supportive learning environments, and implement strategies that promote engagement, communication, inclusion and academic success,” Orlando said. 

Macy Geiger, Ed.D., is the project manager leading the design of the professional coursework through the College of Education’s E-Learning, Technology and Communications department. She explained that the college is always striving to connect research to real classrooms, working with partners to address meaningful educational needs. 

“This collaboration with Alachua County Public Schools and UF CARD gave us the opportunity to do exactly that,” Geiger said, “creating evidence-based training that helps educators support students with autism and strengthen inclusive practices across schools in Florida.”