Julie's research interests include teacher professional learning and the effect of inclusive practice on student outcomes; specifically in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication, autism and instruction of students with complex support needs, including challenging behaviour.  Julie is currently conducting research in schools in South Australia investigating inclusive school communities. Julie has conducted research in teacher professional learning and AAC, autism and the Australian Curriculum. Large scale projects have included Positive Partnerships and the Autism Professional Learning Project.

Dr Julie McMillan has worked as an academic in teaching and research at Flinders University and the University of Illinois in the United States. Prior to her academic career Julie was a teacher of students with complex and extensive support needs. Julie specializes in the areas of curriculum, instruction, augmentative and alternative communication and challenging behaviour for students with complex needs including autism, physical disabilities, intellectual disability and complex communication needs. Julie's research interests include teacher professional learning and the impact of inclusive practice on student outcomes; specifically in the areas of augmentative and alternative communication, positive behaviour support, person-centered curriculum, autism and the mental health of students with disabilities.

• Autism and sensory integration programming
• Autism visual supports and systematic instruction
• Intellectual disability and adapted cognitive behaviour therapy intervention

• Autism and augmentative and alternative communication
• Complex communication needs and peer-mentoring
• Post-school transition for students with disability
• Teacher professional learning of differentiated instruction