AERC contributes to MRFF-funded autism education innovation project
The Assessment and Evaluation Research Centre (AERC) is pleased to contribute to the Next Level Collaboration project through the involvement of Dr Ghislain Arbour as a CI on the project. His contribution focuses on the evaluation component, including the development of an evaluation framework and the assessment of the intervention's implementation, impact, and scalability.
Led by Associate Professor Matt Harrison, Associate Research Fellow Jess Rowlings, and supported by an interdisciplinary research team, the Next Level Collaboration project has secured funding through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). The project will expand and evaluate a neuro-affirming intervention designed to support the social connection, communication, and confidence of autistic students through collaborative gaming across 10 specialist schools.
Unlike traditional autism research, which has often centred on diagnosis, treatment, or cure, this project reflects a broader shift toward strengths-based education that builds on the lived experiences and interests of autistic young people.