The core objective of the P.E.rfect project was to empower PE teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for students with autism. This involved several specific aims: identifying existing best practices and gaps in PE for students with ASD; developing a comprehensive training program and accompanying materials; pilot-testing these resources with PE teachers across partner countries; and disseminating the project's findings and recommendations to stakeholders across Europe.
The "P.E.rfect" project was conceived to address a critical gap in support for physical education (PE) teachers working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recognising that children with autism often face challenges in social interaction, communication, and motor skills, and acknowledging the documented lack of preparedness among PE teachers to effectively include these students, the project partners sought to create a much-needed resource. Preliminary research confirmed this need, revealing that a very small percentage of PE teachers felt adequately trained to teach students with ASD or manage associated behaviours. This project, therefore, aimed to improve the inclusion of students with ASD in PE by directly addressing the training and resource needs of their teachers.