This International Day of People with Disability, we are thrilled to share some exciting news for neurodivergent Australian children, families, and school communities.
Reframing Autism is proud to announce that in 2026 we’re bringing a world-leading, evidence-based, neurodiversity education program to Australian classrooms.
We are adapting the internationally acclaimed Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) program for the Australian context, launching a new chapter in inclusive education with LEANS Australia.
Developed by a neurodiverse team of researchers and educators at the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, LEANS is a free, teacher-delivered curriculum that teaches neurodiversity concepts to children aged 8-11, using a mixture of hands-on activities, story content, videos and engaging student resources. By encouraging shared learning and mutual understanding, LEANS helps primary schools cultivate inclusive classrooms where every student can flourish. Early evaluation reports the program helps improve students’ understanding of neurodiversity and fosters more inclusive classroom attitudes and behaviours (Alcorn et al., 2024).
With support from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging under the Inclusion and Accessibility Fund, LEANS Australia will adapt the original LEANS materials to ensure cultural relevance and curriculum alignment. This includes updates to language, visuals and examples, so the content resonates with Australian students and educators.
An advisory group – including First Nations representatives, teachers, neurodivergent individuals, and young people – will guide the adaptation process. The program will be mapped to the Australian Curriculum to make implementation straightforward for teachers. All new illustrations will be created by Cherie Hurley, an artist based in Port Macquarie, NSW.
Reframing Autism CEO, Sharon Fraser, is excited to be leading this initiative which will see Australia become the first country to localise the program for its own context, curriculum and classroom needs. ”LEANS Australia marks a turning point for inclusive education in this country,” she says. “For the first time, we will have a nationwide, evidence-based program that helps children understand and celebrate neurodiversity. We are proud to lead this work as an Autistic-led organisation because we know that when children learn early that every brain is different and valuable, it lays important foundations for more understanding and inclusive classroom cultures.”
Go to the LEANS Australia website and sign up to receive notifications about LEANS Australia direct to your email inbox.
Gain a clear, accessible introduction to the neurodiversity paradigm – what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform our understanding of difference when you read Reframing Autism Founder and Head of Research, Dr Melanie Heyworth’s Introduction to Autism, Part 5: Neurodiversity (What Is It and Why Do We Care?)
Read the peer-reviewed LEANS feasibility study which outlines how LEANS improves understanding, reduces stigma and supports inclusive classroom environments.
Or read our research summary, “I’m Proud to Be a Little Bit Different”, which explores how Autistic individuals’ sense of Autistic social identity can positively influence their collective self-esteem.
Join our Founder and Head of Research, Dr Melanie Heyworth, in an invaluable online webinar, ‘Using Neurodiversity to Support Autistic Children and Their Families’ as she examines the ways in which neurodiversity can help you to reframe your thinking about Autism and explores how this new understanding can inform the way you approach and support the Autistic children in your care. You will also receive a fillable workbook with further reading and a professional development certificate.
The Reframing Autism team would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we have the privilege to learn, work, and grow. Whilst we gather on many different parts of this Country, the RA team walk on the land of the Awabakal, Birpai, Whadjak, and Wiradjuri peoples.
We are committed to honouring the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this Country, and the diversity and learning opportunities with which they provide us. We extend our gratitude and respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to all Elders past and present, for their wisdom, their resilience, and for helping this Country to heal.
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