WADSIH is thrilled to be part of a team, led by Curtin University’s Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) and headed by Professor Tele Tan AM, that has secured a significant federal government grant under the Department of Social Services’ Safe and Resilient Communities (SARC) program.

This landmark initiative aims to empower teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by providing them with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

With the support of this federal grant, the team – led by Professor Tan, along with Dr. Benjamin Milbourn and Dr. Mahbuba Afrin, and with assistance from WADSIH – will shape this transformative program.

Supporting an education revolution

AASQA will be developing a tailored AI curriculum designed to support autistic adolescents aged 12 to 18 by addressing their unique educational and employment challenges and equipping them with cutting-edge generative AI skills. This initiative aims to foster greater social integration, enhance employability, and promote meaningful community engagement among these youths, reflecting the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Tele Tan with students from AASQA Curtin University
Tele Tan with students from AASQA

Many teens with autism face challenges in traditional school settings, which can impact their confidence and future prospects. This “boot camp” seeks to bridge that gap by delivering a curriculum specifically designed for their needs, helping them build skills that align with their unique strengths.

Bridging the gap for the future

This project is about more than just teaching AI skills—it’s about opening doors for a group of young people who are often overlooked in traditional career pathways. By fostering their interest in technology and building confidence in their abilities, this program offers a stepping stone to meaningful employment and independence.

We’re incredibly excited to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see how these young individuals flourish as they embrace the opportunities AI presents.

Stay tuned for more updates on this fantastic initiative as we continue to work closely with AASQA to bring this vision to life.

For further details, check out the recent story on Channel 9 or learn more about AASQA’s efforts in making a difference for teens with autism.

 

 

 

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