Sydney, Australia – Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) and Western Sydney University have formalised a new partnership aimed at strengthening the future autism and allied health workforce, expanding research collaboration and creating more inclusive opportunities for Autistic people across Western Sydney.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) brings together Western Sydney University’s expertise in education, allied health and research with Aspect’s 60 years of autism-specific experience.
A key focus will be creating opportunities for Western Sydney University students to undertake placements and internships with Aspect, including students studying speech pathology, occupational therapy and other health disciplines.
The partnership will also explore graduate employment pathways with Aspect, helping build the skilled workforce needed to meet growing demand for autism-specific services.
More than 700 people are currently waiting to access Aspect therapy services, including occupational therapy, speech pathology, behaviour support and family support.
Aspect CEO Jacqui Borland said strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals was critical to increasing access to services for Autistic people and their families. “Demand for autism-specific services continues to grow, and having a skilled and experienced workforce is fundamental to ensuring people can access the right support when they need it,” Ms Borland said.
“This partnership gives Western Sydney University students the opportunity to develop practical experience and a deeper understanding of autism, learning alongside Autistic people and experienced Aspect practitioners.
“At the same time, it creates an important pathway for the next generation of allied health professionals to consider careers in autism and disability services.”
Last year, Aspect delivered 57,184 hours of therapy and 687 diagnostic assessments, supporting thousands of Autistic people and families across Australia.
Aspect is also expanding its services in Western and South Western Sydney, with a new purpose-built Aspect Liverpool Hub due to open in late 2027. The Hub will provide diagnostic assessment and therapy services, as well as spaces for group programs, activities and workshops.
“As we expand our services across Western Sydney, we need to ensure we are also developing the people, skills and knowledge needed to support them,” Ms Borland said. “Western Sydney University has an important role in educating the future allied health workforce, so there is a natural alignment between our organisations.”
The partnership will extend beyond workforce development. Through the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP), Aspect and Western Sydney University will explore collaborative research in areas of shared interest.
Associate Professor Brahm Marjadi, Associate Dean Global and Partnerships of Western Sydney University Faculty of Health, said: “Western Sydney University’s partnership with Aspect is testament to the university’s commitment to social accountability by meeting the identified needs of our communities.
“Autism necessitates strong interprofessional collaboration and support, something that Western Sydney University Faculty of Health proudly cultivates among our health and social care students. We are excited to have this mutually beneficial partnership with Aspect,” Associate Professor Marjadi remarked.
The organisations will also investigate opportunities to bring Aspect’s autism-specific expertise and lived experience into teaching and learning at the University, building greater understanding of autism and neurodiversity among students and the broader university community.
Aspect’s Autism Friendly team will also explore opportunities to work with Western Sydney University to support more accessible and inclusive environments and practices across its campuses.
Ms Borland added, “as Aspect celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, partnerships like this remain an important part of how we extend our reach, share expertise and work towards a world where Autistic people are seen and valued, and have access to the right support to live, learn, work and play.”
For more information:
Karen Keech. karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers. For 60 years, Aspect has worked alongside Autistic people and their families, providing autism-specific education, therapy, assessment, adult and community services, and evidence-informed research. Aspect’s approach recognises a different brilliant® – understanding, engaging and celebrating the strengths, interests and aspirations of Autistic people.
About Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University puts students at the heart of everything we do. Embedded in the communities and region we serve, the university is fundamental to the economic, cultural and social life of Western Sydney – one of the fastest-growing, most economically important and most culturally diverse regions within Australia. We have a network of sites and teaching campuses across Western Sydney and beyond. Western Sydney University has 50,000 students, 3,000 staff, and a strong cohort – both locally and globally – of more than 200,000 alumni.
The University has a proud history of increasing higher education participation and opening educational opportunities. At the forefront of education innovation, our programs are designed to help address Australia’s current and future workforce needs, and help people rapidly skill, upskill or reskill in their careers and stay competitive in a fast-changing workplace.
