In-service education and training for teachers regarding autism spectrum disorder: a review of the literature.

This paper discusses the published literature regarding training for teachers with regard to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A critical literature review was carried out of papers published in English regarding this topic over the past 20 years as part of the mapping activity undertaken to develop a training programme for teachers in Croatia, Poland and North Macedonia. The review identified that the published literature can be categorised in three broad groups: rights-based literature, needs-based literature and literature regarding specific approaches. Key themes are discussed and key messages are explored. The literature suggests that though policy and legislation promote inclusion of students with ASD in education, many teachers feel unready and unskilled to teach them. The need for classroom-relevant training is identified, and for teachers to be provided with a range of strategies and skills to support the needs of these learners.