The Impact of Bill 1293: Optional, High-Quality Professional Development Program for Teachers

By Siddarth Yalamanchili

On 3/24/2025, Bill 1293 was passed and approved by the Governor of Virginia, Glenn Youngkin. This bill, fully advocated by members of Autism Connects and introduced by Senator William M. Stanley, Jr., has the opportunity to improve the support we provide to students with autism in the classroom. Let’s dive into what this bill means and how it could reshape our classrooms for the better.

Bill 1293 directs the Board of Education to do counseling and advising on school boards to provide optional, high-quality trainings to teachers and school board employees to better communicate and work with students on the autism spectrum. Any employee who completes the professional development course not only gain skills and an understanding of our diverse students, but also points toward renewal of their license.

Once educators complete this training, they are equipped with practical strategies and insights that empower them to create more inclusive and effective learning environments. They gain not only an improved understanding of autism spectrum disorder, but also tools to recognize sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and behavioral cues that are often misunderstood.

For example, teachers might learn how to break down instructions into smaller, manageable steps for students who struggle with executive functioning with the help of a visual list they can check off. Additionally, they may adjust their classroom layout to reduce sensory overstimulation and provide a "safe space" to help cool down or use visual schedules to help students anticipate transitions. These adjustments, though small, can make a profound difference in a student's day-to-day school experience.

More broadly, Bill 1293 signals a commitment to inclusion and equity in Virginia’s education system. It acknowledges that neurodiverse students deserve not just access to the classroom—but the opportunity to thrive in it. And it empowers educators with the knowledge and confidence to help make that possible.

As schools begin to implement these trainings, we look forward to seeing not only more autism-informed classrooms, but also a stronger sense of belonging for every student.