Teaching autistic students: a preliminary exploration of trainee teachers’ experiences, knowledge, and self-efficacy

Collins, Josephine and Collins, Tina (2026) Teaching autistic students: a preliminary exploration of trainee teachers’ experiences, knowledge, and self-efficacy. Tizard Learning Disability Review. pp. 1-15. ISSN 1359-5474

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the self-efficacy of trainee teachers from one higher education institution in England, as well as their knowledge of autism, experience of educating autistic students and their training needs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a cross-sectional design by means of a mixed methods approach. A sample of 31 trainee teachers from one higher education institution in England responded to a survey, which included a measure of teacher self-efficacy (The Autism Self-Efficacy Scale for Teachers) and autism knowledge (Autism Spectrum Knowledge Scale General Population). Eleven trainee teachers engaged in a follow up interview.

Findings

Trainee teachers’ knowledge of autism was comparable to that of the general population. Self-efficacy to teach autistic students varied considerably among trainee teachers. A thematic analysis of findings identified three main themes; (1) gaps between theory, inclusive intent and practice, (2) systemic barriers to true inclusion and (3) institutional cultures.

Originality/value

Findings from this preliminary exploration into the knowledge, experiences and self-efficacy of trainee teachers working with autistic students in England suggested that specialist knowledge of autism, teacher self-efficacy and opportunities for training were lacking. A more consistent approach to delivering evidence-based training is, in-part, what is needed to promote the inclusive education of autistic students.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1108/TLDR-06-2025-0019
Dates:	Date Event 1 January 2026 Accepted 16 January 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Autism, Teacher training, Inclusive education, Autism training, Autism knowledge, Teacher self-efficacy, Developmental disability
Subjects:	CAH22 - education and teaching > CAH22-01 - education and teaching > CAH22-01-01 - education CAH22 - education and teaching > CAH22-01 - education and teaching > CAH22-01-02 - teacher training
Divisions:	Law and Social Sciences > Education
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2026 15:48
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2026 15:48
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16843

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