We have recently released a new autism progress tracking tool, the AET Autism Progression Framework. The highly anticipated new resource is proving very successful, well more than 3000 people downloaded it so far and we have been receiving very positive feedback from users. We have recently fixed a minor bug on the Excel spreadsheet, if you have experienced any issues with it please download it again from the website.

This popular autism progress tracking tool and the related training module can now be used in all types of mainstream and specialist settings including early years, schools and post 16. The new version is available as a free-to-download document and is compatible with many online progress tracking tools. The update was commissioned by the Department for Education and includes many new features designed to make the resource more user-friendly and enable more education practitioners to benefit from it.

The AET Autism Progression Framework 2.0 helps teachers and education professionals to identify learning priorities and measure progress in areas that fall outside the national curriculum. These areas relate closely to autism ‘differences’ as identified within other AET resources and the impact of these on pupils’ social, emotional, independence and learning needs. It is the most comprehensive and complete free assessment tool for pupils on the autism spectrum.

Just like the original version in 2016, the newly updated resource has been created for the AET by Autism Associates. It is based on research and consultation with a wide range of practitioners, academics, parents and people on the autism spectrum. Although the new resource is easy and straightforward to use, the AET offers a dedicated training module to enable practitioners to use it to maximum benefit.

Features of the new AET Autism Progression Framework include:

• Revised AET Autism Progression Framework spreadsheet to identify and collate learning goals and record progress over a school year.
• A document setting out contents, accompanying notes and examples, a detailed introduction to using it and links to related resources.
• Revised AET training module to support the use of the new materials.
• Materials to support access to the Framework
• Mapping documents providing links to the Early Year Foundation Stage, Preparing for Adulthood, AET Standards.
• Online progress tracking, compatibility with many online progress tracking tools. ShowProgress has developed a bespoke AET Autism Progression Framework 2.0 platform enabling a range of new features such as tablet compatibility, facility to add evidence, extended progress tracking, printable reports and Cloud storage (subscription required). The platform is now live, please visit AET Autism Progression Framework 2.0 powered by ShowProgress to find out more.

Suzanne Farrell, Autism Associates, Progression Framework Project Lead said: “We have been delighted to hear about the range of ways that the AET Progression Framework has helped practitioners to identify individual needs and celebrate achievement for children and young people on the autism spectrum. Staff in mainstream schools and specialist provision across the age phases have been using the Progression Framework to support the writing of outcomes for personal learning plans and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and have used it to identify and track small steps of progress. Based on feedback from users the Progression Framework content has been revised and materials updated to provide a choice of formats and include new resources designed to improve access to the Framework. We hope that users of the new resource will find it useful and valuable.”

Some testimonials from practitioners:

Fiona Moody, Assistant Principal Fosse Way School: “We have been using the progression tracker now for two years and have found it to be by far the best way to track skills that could not previously be tracked. We are now able to show the progress our young people have made in all the important areas such as social skills and independent living skills. We have now tested the Progression Framework within Show Progress, an online tracker, and this has transformed the way in which we track progress across the school and our residential facility. Staff have found it easy to use, parents find the reports easy to understand and leaders find it easy to pull assessment data. I can honestly say we wouldn’t be without it.”

Casey Bateman, Advisory Teacher for the AOT Service with Leicestershire County Council: “I am really excited about the potential of the revised Progression Framework and its new features. I think the online format and the clear way that the four steps fit the assess, plan, do, review process will benefit all practitioners who use it and ensure that it clearly fits within the SEND Code of Practice too. The addition of an extra area of learning and links with other AET materials is also an added bonus!”

To access the AET Autism Progression Framework and to find out about AET’s other free resources and award-winning training courses visit www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk.