Aspect CEO Jacqui Borland shares her milestones and vision for the next chapter of Aspect
How did your connection with Aspect first begin?
Before joining Aspect, I had worked in Victoria in an autism-specific program and knew of Aspect’s work and reputation. My formal connection with Aspect began in 2008, when I commenced in a national role with the newly established Positive Partnerships program. Positive Partnerships was a significant Australian Government initiative under the Helping Children with Autism program, providing workshops and support for teachers, school leaders and other school staff, as well as parents of school-aged Autistic students. It was an important opportunity to join with like-minded educators and professionals from across Australia to work alongside schools and families, to build greater understanding of autism and to support more inclusive approaches in classrooms across Australia.
What is one memory or moment from your time with Aspect that has stayed with you over the years?
One moment that has stayed with me is commencing as CEO of Aspect. It was, and continues to be, a huge honour and privilege, as well as a significant responsibility. To lead an organisation with Aspect’s history, purpose and connection to Autistic people, families, staff and communities is something I value deeply. What drives me in this role is seeing firsthand the dedication of Aspect staff across every part of the organisation. Their passion, expertise and commitment to improving the lives of Autistic people is something I continue to admire every day.
From your perspective, how has society's understanding of autism changed since you first became involved with Aspect?
Over time, I have seen a significant shift in the way autism is understood and talked about. When I first became involved in this work in 1997, autism was often viewed primarily through a medical, deficit-based lens. Increasingly, that has changed to a more respectful and strength-based understanding that recognises Autistic people’s diverse strengths, interests, experiences and support needs. Autism is no longer seen as something to be ‘treated’. Instead, there is greater recognition that the biggest impact we can have is often by changing environments, attitudes and systems so they are more inclusive of difference. There is still more work to do, but the conversation has moved from awareness alone towards inclusion, belonging and meaningful participation.
What does inclusion for Autistic people mean to you personally, and how have you seen it take shape in your community?
For me, inclusion means Autistic people being genuinely welcomed, understood and supported to take part in community life in ways that work for them. It means being able to participate in the leisure, sporting, cultural or community experiences a person wants to be part of, and feeling safe, welcome and supported while doing so. It is not about expecting people to fit into existing systems unchanged; it is about communities, organisations and services learning and adapting so that Autistic people can belong, contribute and thrive.
Looking ahead, what would you love to see for the future of autism understanding and support in Australia?
Looking ahead, I would like to see the outcomes for Autistic people measurably improve across Australia. That means better employment rates, stronger educational achievement, greater feelings of belonging and connection, and improved health outcomes, including mental health. I would also like to see services that are responsive, innovative and shaped in partnership with Autistic people, families and communities, so that Autistic people are not only supported, but valued and included as equal members of society.
You've been part of Aspect's journey for many years, first through Positive Partnerships and now as CEO. Looking back, what moments or achievements best reflect how the organisation has evolved during that time?
During my time with Aspect, one of the most important changes has been the organisation’s continued growth from strong service delivery foundations into a broader role as a partner, advocate and innovator. A real highlight has been seeing Positive Partnerships grow and thrive since 2008 and continue to be funded by government into its fifth phase.
Another significant milestone was the adoption of Aspect's purpose - a different brilliant - and the focus on understanding and
celebrating the strengths, interests and aspirations of Autistic people.
That shift guides everything we do, from how we deliver services, to how we communicate, advocate, fundraise and represent Autistic people with authenticity and respect. I also think of the major capital works program across our schools, which has seen significant refurbishments and helped create more welcoming, inclusive environments for students and staff.
The opening of new schools at Loftus and in the Hills Shire also reflects Aspect’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to high-quality, autism-specific education and support.
Aspect has increasingly worked in partnership with Autistic people and embraced lived experience across its services and governance. Why has that evolution been so important, and how has it strengthened the organisation?
This evolution has been essential because Aspect’s work is strongest when it is shaped with, not just for, Autistic people.
Bringing lived experience into services, leadership, advice, communications, marketing and fundraising helps ensure that decisions and messages are more respectful, practical and authentic. It strengthens the organisation by keeping us connected to the people and communities we exist to serve, and by challenging us to keep improving how we listen, learn and respond. It also helps ensure that the way we speak about autism reflects strengths, interests and aspirations, not just needs or challenges.
As Aspect celebrates 60 years, what do you hope the organisation will have achieved by its 75th anniversary, and what role do you hope it will continue to play in creating a more inclusive Australia?
By Aspect’s 75th anniversary, I hope we can look back and see that we have helped create measurably better outcomes for Autistic people across Australia. I hope Aspect will continue to be known for innovative, high-quality services; for working in genuine partnership with Autistic people, families and communities; and for helping communities become more inclusive in everyday, practical ways. Most importantly, I hope Aspect continues to play a role in shifting expectations, so that Autistic people are recognised, supported and valued throughout life.
Jacqui Borland is Chief Executive Officer of Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), Australia's largest autism-specific service provider. She joined Aspect in 2008 through the Positive Partnerships program and has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for Autistic people through education, inclusion, research and community partnerships.
