Media releases
Aspect and Western Sydney University partner to grow autism workforce and support in Western Sydney
Aspect and Western Sydney University have partnered to strengthen the autism and allied health workforce, expand research collaboration and create more inclusive opportunities for Autistic people across Western Sydney.
New video helps Autistic visitors plan a more confident visit to Sovereign Hill
Aspect Autism Friendly has partnered with Sovereign Hill to create a new Video Visual Story, featuring Aspect Autism Consultant Michael Theo, to help Autistic visitors feel more confident and prepared before their visit.
New Australian study sheds light on the hidden experiences of Autistic fathers
New Aspect research into the experiences of Autistic fathers has found that many feel invisible across key family support systems, from maternity services and early parenting programs to schools.
Educators come together to strengthen support for autistic students in the classroom
Aspect’s Community of Practice will bring together educators, researchers, policy makers and people with lived experience to explore practical, evidence-informed strategies to better support Autistic students to participate, learn and thrive in the classroom.
Education leader Kim Maksimovic appointed to head Aspect's growing Distance Education program
Aspect has appointed education leader Kim Maksimovic as Head of Distance Education to lead the continued growth of its specialist online learning program, which supports Autistic students across NSW and South Australia who are unable to regularly attend traditional school settings.
Aspect launches endowment fund to drive long-term returns for autism education
Aspect has launched the Aspect Impact Fund, a new endowment fund that will invest donor contributions to build a permanent capital base, with returns used to fund education scholarships for Autistic students.
New autism-specific Distance Education program launches in South Australia
Aspect Treetop School has launched South Australia’s first autism-specific Distance Education program, providing a flexible learning option for students in Years 3 to 6 who find attending school challenging or live too far from specialist education settings.
Blue Mountains education option helping Autistic students thrive in a mainstream school environment and beyond
A specialist education option in the Blue Mountains is helping Autistic students build confidence and participate in a mainstream school community.
Hunter-based hub helping Autistic students reconnect with learning from home
Based at Aspect Hunter School in Thornton, Aspect’s Distance Education Hub is helping Autistic students across NSW stay connected to learning when attending school isn’t possible.
Aspect to spearhead national initiative strengthening social connection and belonging for Autistic Australians
Aspect has been selected as the backbone organisation for the delivery of a major new national initiative under the Australian Government’s National Autism Strategy 2025–31, aimed at strengthening social connection, reducing isolation and building belonging for Autistic people, and their families and carers across Australia.
Historic Ashford House restored as Aspect Treetop unveils new autism-informed learning spaces
Aspect Treetop School has officially unveiled the restored historic Ashford House alongside new outdoor learning and playground spaces, marking a major milestone for Autistic students and families in South Australia.
From classroom to café, Autistic students build job-ready skills in Sydney CBD
Autistic students from Aspect’s Central Coast School swapped the classroom for real-world experience in Sydney’s CBD, operating a student-run coffee van as part of a program designed to build practical employment skills.
Media statement
Aspect has prepared a response to the National Press Club address from The Hon Mark Butler MP.
Mother’s Day: new study shows small shift helping mums of Autistic children feel less overwhelmed
New ARCAP research shows that a brief two-hour self-compassion workshop can significantly improve the mental wellbeing of parents of Autistic children, helping them feel less overwhelmed and reducing symptoms of depression in as little as two weeks.
Mother’s Day: new study shows small shift helping mums of Autistic children feel less overwhelmed
New independent YouGov research commissioned by Aspect has found that nearly one in four Australians (24%) expect Autistic people to adapt their behaviour in order to fit into society.
Educators share practical strategies for inclusive autism education at Aspect Community of Practice event
Aspect has hosted the second event in its Community of Practice (CoP) series, bringing together educators, researchers, policy leaders and people with lived experience to explore practical approaches to inclusive education for Autistic students.
Demand for autism-specific education in NSW set to surge, with waitlists projected to almost double by 2030
New analysis of enrolment demand across Aspect schools shows autism-specific education in NSW, and the associated teacher training required to deliver it, is under unprecedented pressure. Student waitlists are set to climb from almost 1,000 children today to more than 1,880 by 2030.
Media statement
Aspect has prepared a response to the Thriving Kids foundational supports model.
Aspect shares checklist to support Autistic students transitioning into the new school year
Aspect encourages parents, carers and schools to put simple, proactive supports in place to help Autistic students settle more smoothly into the new school year and adapt to new environments.
New autism-specific distance education program launches in South Australia
South Australian families will soon be able to access the state’s first autism-specific distance education program for students in Years 3–6, launching in Term 2, 2026.
Dating apps help Autistic adults find connection but new research warns of high safety risks
Dating apps are helping many Autistic adults form meaningful connections and long-term relationships, but new research from Aspect shows the experience often comes with high emotional costs and serious safety concerns.
Media statement
Aspect has prepared a response to the recent report regarding an increase in autism diagnoses among children accessing the NDIS.
Laying the foundations ceremony – new Aspect Port Macquarie campus
Construction of Aspect’s new Port Macquarie campus is officially underway, marking a major milestone for the region’s autism community.
Media statement
Aspect has prepared a response to the recent changes to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Autism and Vaccines” webpage.
Media statement
Several brands of coloured sand have been recalled after testing identified potential asbestos contamination. As a precautionary measure, Aspect has removed all coloured sand products from its schools.
Aspect Western Sydney School celebrates opening of new outdoor learning and play spaces
Aspect Western Sydney School’s Wetherill Park campus newly enhanced outdoor learning and play spaces officially opened, marking an exciting new chapter in providing engaging and inclusive environments for students on the autism spectrum.
New research sheds light on eye care barriers for Autistic Australians, and steps for inclusive appointments
Aspect research highlights barriers to eye care for Autistic Australians and the need for better training and guidance for eye care professionals.
New education initiative to support Indigenous students on the autism spectrum
Aspect received funding under the NSW Government’s Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP) to develop culturally responsive education resources for Aboriginal students on the autism spectrum.
New facilities create spaces for learning, connection and play at Aspect Riverina school
Aspect Riverina School, Albury campus, officially opened the school’s newly upgraded playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces, designed to create safe, inclusive and accessible environments for students on the autism spectrum.
Landmark autism education initiative launches at NSW Parliament House
Aspect launches its first Community of Practice for educators at NSW Parliament House, hosted by Mr Greg Warren MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Early Learning.
Autism-specific learning collaborative celebrates three years of impact
Australian-first program delivers measurable gains in student learning and teacher capability.
Autism-specific learning collaborative celebrates three years of impact
Aspect Autism Friendly and Bus Stop Films support Autistic journalism students to thrive both on and off camera.
Aspect welcomes new initiative to permit noise-cancelling headphones during airport screening
Autism inclusion experts from Aspect Autism Friendly have welcomed new government guidance allowing Autistic travellers to wear noise-cancelling headphones during airport security screening
Victoria University and Aspect extend partnership to expand opportunities for Autistic adults and students
Victoria University and Aspect extend partnership to expand opportunities for Autistic adults and students
Media statement
Aspect acknowledges the Government’s announcement to strengthen early supports for children and families through the proposed Thriving Kids program
Aspect launches Australia’s first pregnancy and parenthood hub for Autistic people
Aspect launches Australia’s first pregnancy and parenthood hub for Autistic people
New Aspect Port Macquarie campus underway, to support more students on the autism spectrum
Aspect is proud to announce the development of a new K-6 campus in Port Macquarie, designed to meet the growing demand for autism-specific education in the region.
Aspect and BreastScreen NSW partner to make breast screening more accessible for Autistic women
Reducing barriers to breast screening for Autistic women.
Step up for autism: Walk 7k steps a day this May
This May, thousands of Australians will walk 7,000 steps a day for Walk for Autism, Aspect’s major annual fundraiser, standing in solidarity with the 70% of Autistic people who face mental health challenges.
Half of Australians admit limited autism understanding; and a third unsure how to respond
Aspect is marking World Autism Understanding Day (2 April) with a powerful new campaign to enhance the public’s understanding of autism and provide practical guidance on how Australians can better support people on the autism spectrum.
Aspect opens new state-of-the art autism-specific school in Sydney's Hills Shire
Aspect opened Aspect Hills Shire School, a new purpose-built, autism-specific primary school. The new school will provide a tailored learning environment for up to 72 students on the autism spectrum from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Aspect welcomes Australia's first National Autism Strategy
Aspect warmly welcomed the release of Australia’s inaugural National Autism Strategy. This landmark initiative marks a significant step towards building a society where all Autistic individuals are supported and empowered to thrive.
Aussie homes ‘shine bright’ for autism
Australians were asked to ‘Shine for autism’ this Christmas, by decorating their home or office with festive lights in a bid to raise funds, understanding and acceptance of autism.
Gold Coast Airport and Aspect Autism Friendly pioneer inclusive travel framework
Gold Coast Airport, in partnership with Aspect Autism Friendly, is enhancing inclusive air travel with a new accessibility initiative, expanding on its role as the first Australian airport to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.
ARCAP researchers awarded prestigious honour for groundbreaking self-compassion program
Autistic researcher, Dr Chris Edwards and Dr Ru Ying Cai have been recognised with the prestigious The Mental Health Service (TheMHS) Awards for their innovative Aspect Self-Compassion Program for Autistic Adults (ASPAA).
The Assembly’ sets a new standard for autism-friendly environments in Australia
The Assembly’ sets a new standard for autism-friendly environments in Australia
New study reveals autistic adults experience significantly higher levels of loneliness than non-autistic people
The Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) has announced recent findings that indicate Autistic adults experience loneliness at higher rates than their non-Autistic peers.
New research shows 74 percent of autistic children want to participate in more organised physical activity
A new research study by the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) shows lower participation in organised physical activity and sports by Autistic children and adults, despite a willingness to take part.
Research
New research study to uncover gender influences in autism diagnoses among Australian youth
Aspect unveils new brand identity
Aspect has revitalised its branding to reflect the organisation’s significant growth and evolution during the last decade.
Australia’s biggest autism-specific sports carnival comes to Sydney Olympic Park
More than 500 Autistic students, teachers and family members participated in Australia’s biggest autism-specific sports carnival, to be held at Sydney Olympic Park on 2 November.
Autistic adults embraced by Melbourne café: Community collaboration helping Autistic adults to thrive
A local Melbourne café is part of a life-changing new program for Autistic adults, helping them to gain important workplace and life skills, and improve self-esteem and overall wellbeing, essential considering approximately 70% of Autistic adults experience mental health challenges.
Social media conversations become focus of new research into autism disclosure
More than three thousand social media conversations across Reddit and Twitter have been assessed by researchers from the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) to gain insights into autism disclosure, revealing most people have a narrow understanding of what autism actually is.
Australia’s first on-campus autism centre for adults opens at Victoria University
Australia’s first on-campus community centre for Autistic adults has officially opened, following a collaboration between Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and Victoria University (VU).
Renowned mainstream learning framework adopted by Autistic schools in Australian first
A pioneering new initiative is underway as leading autism educator, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) partners with global education leader Dr Lyn Sharratt, to adapt her renowned mainstream learning framework in an autism-specific education environment.
Study shows increasing levels of self-compassion in Autistic adults improves mental health and wellbeing
New research exploring levels of self-compassion in Autistic adults has uncovered a significant link between the ability of Autistic adults to be self-compassionate and their capacity to regulate emotions, a difficulty faced by many people on the autism spectrum.
New research study reveals the complex disclosure decisions faced daily by Autistic people
A research study conducted by a team of Autistic and non-Autistic researchers has followed a group of Autistic adults over a two-month period to understand their motivations for disclosing they are Autistic and the experiences they encounter along the way.
Autistic adults in Melbourne benefit from community gardening
A group of local volunteers from South Surrey Park in East Melbourne are fostering a love of gardening in Autistic adults, who are not only growing a green thumb, but benefiting from social interaction across generations.