THORNTON, NSW – From a classroom at Aspect Hunter School in Thornton, teachers are helping Autistic students across New South Wales reconnect with learning without ever stepping into a traditional classroom.
Aspect's Distance Education Hub delivers live online lessons to students who are unable to regularly attend school due to challenges such as anxiety, sensory overwhelm, school refusal or burnout.
Since launching in 2020 with just nine students, Aspect's Distance Education program has grown to support 108 students across New South Wales and South Australia. Much of that growth has come through word of mouth, reflecting increasing demand from families seeking flexible education pathways that better meet the needs of Autistic learners.
The program is designed to support students at different stages of their educational journey. For some, it provides a long-term learning option, while for others it serves as a pathway back to mainstream or other school settings once they have developed the confidence, wellbeing and skills to successfully re-engage with classroom learning.
While distance education is often associated with students living in remote communities, Aspect says many of its students live within reach of a school but require a different pathway to remain engaged with learning.
Kim Maksimovski, Head of Aspect Distance Education said distance education is helping students stay connected to learning when attending school isn't possible.
"Many of our students are incredibly capable learners, but the traditional classroom isn't always the right environment for them at a particular point in time,” said Ms Maksimovski. “Distance Education gives them the opportunity to keep learning, maintain routines and experience success while reducing some of the barriers that may be preventing them from attending school.”
Delivered by specialist teachers and supported by allied health professionals, the program combines live online lessons, individualised learning based on the NSW curriculum, regular family support and opportunities for students to connect with peers through Connection Days at Aspect Hunter School in Thornton and curriculum-related excursions each term. Parents and carers support students during lessons as onsite supervisors, while teachers deliver the curriculum and oversee each student's learning program.
Meredith Whitworth, parent of Abbie who is in Year 10 at Aspect Distance Education said one of the things that appealed to her was the flexibility. “Families can choose Distance Education for a short period or for their child's entire education, depending on what's right for them,” said Meredith. "I'd read a lot about school refusal and wanted to be proactive. I know many families don't seek support until they're at crisis point, but I wanted to find an option that made school easier for Abbie before it got to that stage.
"Distance Education has completely changed her experience of learning. She wakes up happy to start the school day, enjoys engaging with her teachers and classmates, and has been able to build friendships in a way that suits her. Most importantly, she's learning in an environment where she feels accepted for who she is."
Based at Aspect Hunter School in Thornton, the Hunter hub serves as the NSW base for Aspect Distance Education, supporting students across the state. With demand continuing to grow, Aspect expects the program to expand further as more families seek flexible education pathways that enable Autistic students to remain engaged with learning.
Ms Maksimovski added, "What makes this program different is that it's not a set-and-forget model. We work closely with students and families to understand their goals and support their next steps. For some students that's continuing with Distance Education, while for others it's building the confidence, wellbeing and skills to transition back into a classroom environment when they're ready."
For more information about Aspect Distance Education, visit aspect.org.au.
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, Aspect is 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.
