Autism Awareness Australia has teamed up with TAFE NSW to launch a new online course specifically designed for early childhood professionals who want to better support autistic children in their services. The microskill course, "Autism Awareness for Early Childhood Professionals," can be completed in just two hours and is completely free for NSW educators.

Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Awareness Australia, is refreshingly direct about what this course isn't.

"This isn't just another box-ticking training module," she said.

"We're challenging autism myths, building confidence, and getting to the heart of what inclusive education looks like for our youngest learners."

The numbers tell a compelling story. Children identified with autism before the age of six are far more likely to access early intervention, leading to significantly improved developmental outcomes.

And here's the thing that makes early childhood educators so crucial in this picture: they're often the first people outside the family to notice the early signs.

"Recognising the early signs of autism isn't just helpful, it's lifechanging," Rogerson explained.

"ECEC professionals are often in that vital position to spot what families might not yet see."

The course covers ground that many educators have been asking for: how to recognise early signs in babies, toddlers and preschoolers; understanding how autism can present differently in boys and girls; and learning practical strategies to support children's sensory, emotional and communication needs.

But perhaps most importantly, it tackles the myths that continue to harm both practice and children.

The five interactive modules don't just throw theory at busy educators. They provide downloadable resources and practical strategies that can be implemented immediately in early childhood settings.

"When educators can respond with empathy and understanding, they change lives," Rogerson said, "and they're far less likely to burn out while doing it."

It's worth noting that this course was developed with input from the people who matter most: early childhood leaders and families of autistic children, alongside subject matter experts and TAFE NSW teachers.

This autism awareness course is just one offering in the broader Early Childhood Education and Care Professional Learning Program, a partnership between the NSW Department of Education and TAFE NSW that launched late last year.

More than 1,600 NSW early childhood professionals are already registered and accessing professional development opportunities designed to strengthen their knowledge and skills.

Rogerson sees the urgent need for this kind of targeted professional development.

"We're delivering high-impact, digestible learning designed to lift the quality of inclusive practice across the sector, reduce burnout, and help tackle Australia's deepening skills shortage in early childhood education and care."

For NSW early childhood professionals ready to strengthen their autism awareness and inclusive practice skills, the course is available now through the ECEC Professional Learning Program.

Two hours of learning that could make all the difference to the children in their care.

Because sometimes the most powerful thing an educator can do is simply know what to look for, and how to respond with understanding when they find it.

NSW early childhood professionals can access the free course through the Early Childhood Education and Care Professional Learning Program. For more information about autism awareness and support, visit Autism Awareness Australia.