Building inclusive practice – Professional learning with Aspect
Aspect’s professional learning model – Empowering schools for inclusive education
Every student deserves a learning environment where they feel safe, valued and understood. For Autistic students, this often depends on how well mainstream educators are equipped to recognise their strengths, support their needs, and adapt their practices.
At Aspect, we provide professional learning that’s evidence-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and grounded in close to 60 years of autism-specific expertise. Our training is designed to build whole-school capacity so that Autistic students can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—within inclusive mainstream settings.
Partner-focused professional development
Our training programs are tailored to the needs of individual schools and education systems. We work alongside leadership teams and classroom educators to:
- Build understanding of autism and neurodivergence
- Strengthen inclusive teaching practice
- Foster whole-school environments that support every learner
Aspect’s professional learning can include:
- Workshops on inclusive classroom strategies, communication supports, and sensory regulation
- Learning walks and coaching in real-time classroom settings
- Team-based planning sessions focused on implementation and ongoing support
- Mentoring for inclusive leadership and system change
The Opportunity
Aspect is seeking schools and education partners who are ready to strengthen inclusive practices for Autistic students.
Through our professional learning programs, your staff will gain:
- Practical strategies to make classrooms more accessible
- Tools to support emotional regulation, communication, and sensory needs
- A deeper understanding of neurodivergent strengths and identities
- Confidence in co-designing inclusive, engaging learning experiences
Our professional learning draws on the lived experience of Autistic individuals and the trusted practices developed in Aspect classrooms across Australia.
Who is this professional learning for?
Aspect’s professional development is designed for anyone working in educational settings who wants to improve outcomes for Autistic students and build more inclusive classrooms.
This includes:
- Classroom teachers – looking for practical strategies to support Autistic students day-to-day
- Learning support and inclusion staff – seeking deeper knowledge of sensory supports, regulation, and student voice
- School leadership teams – aiming to strengthen whole-school culture and drive strategic inclusion
- Education assistants and support officers – who play a vital role in student wellbeing and learning routines
- Wellbeing coordinators and counsellors – interested in trauma-informed and student-centred practices
- Curriculum or stage coordinators – wanting to embed inclusive design into planning and differentiation
- School psychologists, therapists, and allied health staff – working collaboratively within school teams
- System leaders and policy advisors – looking for evidence-informed practice that supports policy implementation
Whether you’re starting out or building on years of inclusive practice, our programs adapt to your context, capacity and priorities.
Benefits of working with Aspect
1. Inclusive classrooms begin with empowered educators
Every teacher wants to support their students, but many say they lack the training to confidently support Autistic learners. The Autism Awareness Australia National Parent and Carer Survey (2025) found:
61.3% of families report school refusal linked to sensory and social challenges
Only 15.9% believe their child is currently thriving in school
Aspect helps close this gap by equipping teachers with the knowledge, tools and mindsets they need to succeed.
“The Aspect team gave us more than theory—they brought strategies we could use tomorrow.”
— Assistant Principal, Independent School
2. Strengthening teams through shared learning
Our professional development programs go beyond one-off training. We offer:
- Collaborative learning that builds shared language and expectations across staff
- Coaching and mentoring embedded into your school context
- Whole-school reflection that informs strategic planning and change
“It’s not just PD—it’s a partnership that has changed how our whole team thinks about inclusion.”
— Learning Support Coordinator, NSW
3. Creating a culture of Belonging
Inclusive practice isn’t just about strategies—it’s about shifting culture. Through our training, educators learn how to:
- Create calm, predictable classrooms
- Celebrate neurodivergent strengths and contributions
- Design environments where all students can thrive
“The difference in how our students are engaging is tangible. They feel seen. They feel safe.”
— Classroom Teacher, NSW Department of Education
4. Community-wide Impact
When schools commit to professional learning, the impact extends well beyond the classroom.
| Students | Families | School Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Experience safer, more supportive classrooms | Feel confident their child is understood and valued | Gain skills, strategies and new confidence |
| Build emotional resilience and independence | Engage more fully with the school | Lead in inclusion across their community |
| Develop stronger peer relationships | Sustain positive change through mentorship |
“Our teachers now model inclusive practice for the whole district. It started with one Aspect session.”
— Principal, Regional NSW
5. Flexible Delivery
Aspect offers flexible formats to suit your school’s goals and schedule:
- One-day workshops
- Multi-session packages
- In-school coaching
- Online learning modules
- Customised professional learning plans
Whether you're starting out or deepening your journey, we can tailor the right approach for your team.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Aspect’s professional learning different from other autism training?
Our training is neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, and grounded in over 60 years of autism-specific education practice. We don’t just deliver content—we walk alongside schools to build sustainable, inclusive practices that make a real difference in the classroom. Our approach is practical, evidence-informed, and shaped by the voices of Autistic individuals.
Who is the training suitable for?
Our programs are designed for all staff working in educational settings—including classroom teachers, learning support, executive teams, wellbeing staff, and school leaders. Whether your team is new to inclusion or looking to deepen their practice, we tailor content to meet your goals.
Can the training be customised for our school’s needs?
Absolutely. Every school is different, and we work with you to tailor the format, content, and delivery method. We can align sessions with your school’s strategic goals, student needs, and available time—whether that’s a one-off workshop, a series of sessions, or in-situ coaching.
How long are the sessions?
We offer flexible delivery options. Common formats include:
- 90-minute or half-day workshops
- Full-day professional learning days
- Multi-session series over a term
- Term-long coaching or mentoring programs
We’ll help design a program that works with your team’s availability.
Do you offer virtual or remote delivery?
Yes. Aspect offers both face-to-face and virtual training options. Online delivery is available for individual schools, clusters, or system-wide initiatives. All virtual sessions include interactive elements and follow-up resources.
Is this training relevant if we already have students on the autism spectrum?
Definitely. Many of our partner schools already support Autistic students but are looking for more strategies, consistency across staff, or help adapting to individual needs. We meet you where you are and build on your team’s existing strengths.
Do participants receive resources or tools they can use straight away?
Yes. Every session includes practical resources, visual tools, templates, and implementation guides. We focus on strategies you can use in your classroom tomorrow, not just theory.
Can we access ongoing support after the training?
Yes. In addition to workshops, Aspect can provide follow-up mentoring, coaching, and consultancy support to help you embed learning and sustain change. We can also connect you to other schools on similar journeys.
Is this training accredited or aligned with teacher professional standards?
Our programs align with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and can contribute to your professional learning hours. We are happy to provide session overviews and outcome mapping for school records or teacher accreditation purposes.
How do we book or learn more?
You can submit an expression of interest via our website, or get in touch directly with our Education team. We’ll arrange a discovery call to understand your goals, propose a suitable package, and guide you through next steps.
