Collaborative forum connects educators, researchers and lived-experience voices to strengthen classroom support for Autistic students.
Sydney, NSW– Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) has hosted the second event in its Community of Practice (CoP) series, bringing together educators, researchers, policy leaders and people with lived experience to explore practical approaches to inclusive education for Autistic students.
The full-day event focused on the theme “Autism in schools – building a shared understanding for effective practice.”
The Aspect Community of Practice, launched in 2025, was created to bring educators together across public, Catholic and independent school systems to share knowledge, examine challenges and develop practical solutions to strengthen inclusive learning environments for Autistic students.
Unlike traditional conferences, the Community of Practice centres on collaborative inquiry and shared problem-solving, enabling participants to learn directly from each other’s experiences and translate evidence into classroom practice.
Aspect National Director of Education, Maryanne Gosling said the initiative was designed to break down the silos that often exist across school systems.
“Educators are increasingly seeking opportunities to work together across schools and sectors to strengthen inclusive practice,” Ms Gosling said.
“The Community of Practice creates a space where teachers, leaders, researchers and people with lived experience can explore challenges together, share expertise and develop practical strategies that can be applied in classrooms and schools.”
Craig Smith, Manager Technology and Innovations at Positive Partnerships shared practical tools educators can use to plan and implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles within their classrooms to better support Autistic students.
“Even when we are deeply focused on inclusion, we can still carry strong assumptions about what learning can look like,” Mr Smith said. “Universal Design for Learning challenges us to design learning environments from the outset, so
that more students can access and engage with the curriculum in ways that work for them.”
Another speaker was Alma George, Manager of High Support Learning Centres at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, who discussed the importance of creating neuro-friendly learning environments. Ms George emphasised that inclusive education is about adapting environments rather than expecting children to change. She highlighted the impact of low-load, high-impact strategies that can make classrooms more accessible and supportive for Autistic students.
Jess Hammond, Leader of Learning, and Jo Cordukes, Teacher at Aspect South East Sydney School, shared insights into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)-informed classroom practice, presenting a case study demonstrating how safety, predictability and connection can support meaningful progress for Autistic students.
Throughout the day, participants examined several key areas including:
• Building a shared understanding of autism as a neurodevelopmental difference
• Designing inclusive, neuro-friendly classroom and school environments
• Embedding universal supports and reasonable adjustments within high-quality teaching practice
Participants also took part in collaborative workshops, enabling educators to explore solutions and share experiences across school sectors.
Following strong interest in the Community of Practice events, Aspect will host regular workshops in 2026, including an upcoming virtual session on 10 June 2026, enabling educators across Australia to participate.
Educators are invited to register their interest in joining the Community of Practice network.
Media contact
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.
