Aspect’s unique transitional model - made possible by partner schools

Aspect Education delivers autism-specific education through a transitional model of schooling. This means that students who begin learning at our main school sites can transition to satellite classrooms located on mainstream campuses, and ultimately, into mainstream schooling.

Partner hosted satellite classes

Satellite classes are autism-specific classes located within mainstream schools. Students placed in satellite classes are often on a journey into mainstream school. Aspect satellites offer:

• Access to broader school resources
• Daily interaction with same-aged peers
• Supported pathways to integration
• Pathways to transition into mainstream schooling

The opportunity

Aspect is currently seeking partner schools to help expand inclusion opportunities for children on the autism spectrum.

Aspect works with partner schools by embedding autism-specific classrooms within the local campus. These classes:

• Are led by qualified, autism-trained Aspect teachers and aides
• Facilitate structured inclusion and integration with the wider school
• Prepare students to move into mainstream schools

Aspect works alongside partner schools to support staff with professional learning based on 60 years of autism specific practice.

Benefits of a satellite class for your school

1. Creating and inclusive setting in your own school community

Schools do their best to include diverse learners but resourcing can be a challenge because of the scope of needs in a given classroom. The recent Autism Awareness Australia National Parent and Carer Survey Report (2025) found that:

• 87.3% of parents worry about their child’s mental health and wellbeing at school.
• 61.3% report school refusal, often due to sensory and social challenges.
• Only 15.9% say their child is currently thriving in school.

These insights highlight the opportunity to strengthen inclusive practices and supports through collaborative partnerships.

Aspect works with partner schools to accommodate enrolments of children on the autism spectrum in our specialised satellite classrooms. These classrooms are fitted out to specialised design standards and managed by with highly trained Aspect teaching staff.

“We just put all the scaffolding in place… a great OT, a really good speechie… and it was just a bit of a no-brainer for me and my husband to apply for Aspect.”

- Aspect Parent

2. Empowering your team

Aspect’s education team works with partner school staff to:

• Deliver autism-specific professional learning
• Support inclusive practice and behaviour strategies
• Facilitate learning walks, co-teaching, and shared planning

"The Aspect team will add capacity and confidence to our school. It’s professional learning in real time."

- Principal, Department of Education

3. Building a sense of belonging in a shared school culture

Students attending an Aspect satellite class are encouraged to:

• Join assemblies, sports, library, excursions
• Build friendships across year groups
• Celebrate achievements alongside their peers
• Wear the partner school uniform
• Are included in the school community

"DJ made his first friends, joined assemblies, and stood proudly to receive awards. He belonged."

- Aspect Parent

4. Transformative community impact

Aspect partnerships enrich the whole school community:

"In our mainstream school the teacher actually said it was great that I kind of had some little things that we could test. For example, I knew how to do up a visual for his desk."

- Aspect Parent

Ready to take the next step?