For many years, the Autism Education Trust (AET) has played an important role in improving educational outcomes for autistic children and young people. Through training, guidance and collaboration with schools, early years settings and local authorities, the AET has supported professionals to better understand autism and create more inclusive learning environments.
Now, the Autism Education Trust is entering a new chapter as it becomes the National Education Network (NEN).
Why the Change?
The move from AET to NEN reflects a significant shift in focus. While autism remains a central priority, the rebrand recognises the growing need for a broader, joined-up approach to inclusion across education.
Educators are increasingly supporting learners with a wide range of needs, differences and experiences. The NEN aims to respond to this reality by building on the strong foundations of the AET, while widening its scope to support inclusive practice for all learners who may need additional support.
In short, the NEN represents an evolution rather than a departure. The expertise, values and commitment that educators associate with the AET continue, but within a framework that encourages collaboration, shared learning and system-wide improvement.
What Stays the Same?
Although the name has changed, much of what practitioners value will remain:
- A strong focus on evidence-based practice
- High-quality professional development and training
- Collaboration with education settings, local authorities and lived-experience voices
- A commitment to improving outcomes for neurodivergent learners, including autistic children and young people
The ethos of understanding learners as individuals, rather than problems to be fixed, continues to underpin the work of the NEN.
What’s New with the NEN?
The National Education Network places a greater emphasis on connection and collaboration across the education system. This includes:
- Bringing together schools, early years, colleges and services into a shared network
- Supporting inclusive leadership and whole-setting approaches
- Encouraging the sharing of good practice across regions
- Recognising overlapping needs and reducing siloed working
By working as a network, the NEN aims to help settings move beyond isolated initiatives and towards sustainable, embedded inclusion.
What Does This Mean for Schools and Educators?
For schools and professionals, the transition to the NEN offers an opportunity to:
- Reflect on how inclusive practice can support all learners
- Build confidence in meeting diverse needs without losing focus on autism
- Engage with wider professional networks and shared expertise
- Strengthen consistency and understanding across transitions and phases
The NEN’s approach supports the idea that inclusion is not an “add-on”, but a core part of effective teaching and learning.
Looking Ahead
The change from the Autism Education Trust to the National Education Network signals an ambitious and hopeful step forward. It recognises that while specific expertise in autism remains vital, true inclusion requires connection, flexibility and collective responsibility.
As education continues to evolve, the NEN aims to support settings to grow with it—ensuring that autistic learners, and all learners who need understanding and support, can flourish in environments that genuinely meet their needs.
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