Sydney, Australia – Educators, researchers, policy makers and people with lived experience will come together at NSW Parliament House this month to explore practical ways schools can better support Autistic students to participate, learn and thrive.
Hosted by Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), the Community of Practice: Beyond Foundations – Strengthening Specialist Classroom Practice will be held on Thursday 24 September and bring together expertise from across mainstream and specialist education.
The event will focus on moving beyond universal classroom approaches to explore targeted, evidence-informed strategies that educators across mainstream and specialist settings can use when Autistic students need additional support.
Aspect CEO Jacqui Borland said creating genuinely inclusive classrooms requires more than simply having students physically present.
“Every Autistic student is different, and there is no single approach that will work for every learner,” said Ms Borland. “Teachers need access to practical strategies that allow them to respond to the individual strengths, needs and experiences of the students in their classrooms.
“This Community of Practice is about bringing educators, researchers and people with lived experience together to share what works, learn from one another and ultimately improve educational experiences and outcomes for Autistic students.”
While high-quality universal teaching provides an essential foundation, some Autistic students require more targeted and individualised supports to participate, learn and thrive at school.
The event will examine Tier 2 and Tier 3 approaches that provide this additional support and build on universal teaching. This includes targeted interventions, progress monitoring and responsive teaching across mainstream and specialist settings.
Rather than operating as a traditional education conference, the Community of Practice is designed around collaboration, discussion and shared problem-solving, with short presentations, a panel discussion, Q&A and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
Among the speakers will be Dr Dawn Grant-Skiba, School Principal and Executive Manager at Warrah Specialist School, who will discuss how to best increase students’ access, communication, independence and participation.
Warakirri College Principal Carolyn Blanden will explore how changing the learning environment, rather than expecting the student to adapt, can create better conditions for participation, inclusion and success.
Aspect Hunter School teacher Adelaide Steggall, together with colleague Elise Gardiner, will also share practical approaches to using structured supports and work systems to help Autistic students engage in learning and build independence.
The September event follows the launch of Aspect’s Community of Practice in 2025 and its development as a forum connecting educators, school leaders, researchers, people with lived experience and community partners.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Aspect Community of Practice – Beyond Foundations: Strengthening Specialist Classroom Practice
When: Thursday 24 September 2026, 8.45am–3.30pm
Where: NSW Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: Free
The event is open to school principals and leadership teams, teachers, learning and support staff, policy makers, researchers, people with lived experience of autism and neurodiversity, and parliamentary stakeholders.
For more information
Karen Keech karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. Celebrating 60 years in 2026, we are a not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in evidence-based practices.
