Terrigal, NSW – Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) has received funding under the NSW Government’s Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP) to develop culturally responsive education resources for Aboriginal students on the autism spectrum.
The project, Development of Resources to Empower Autistic Aboriginal Students in Education, is being delivered at Aspect Central Coast and Aspect Hunter schools, which support some of the highest proportions of Aboriginal students across the organisation’s network. It aims to strengthen family engagement, cultural inclusion and learning outcomes for Aboriginal students through co-designed, community-led resources and training.
The $65,000 grant is one of thirteen initiatives funded across NSW in the 2024–25 DAFP Special Purposes and Projects stream, which has provided over $1 million to organisations supporting people with disability.
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said “the Minns Labor Government is proud to be supporting Aspect to co-design and deliver educational resources for Aboriginal children with autism. Every child deserves access to quality education, so I thank Aspect for its ongoing innovation and commitment to ensuring all students can fulfil their potential.”
Beyond developing new resources, the project is already strengthening cultural learning across the Aspect community. Teachers from the Central Coast and Hunter schools recently spent three days on Country, guided by local Aboriginal Elders. The experience deepened their appreciation of Aboriginal culture, history and connection to Country, with many describing the stories shared as profoundly shifting their perspectives on teaching and inclusion.
In addition, more than 900 Aspect educators and staff have taken part in cultural responsiveness workshops, strengthening the organisation’s collective understanding of how culture shapes learning, communication and community engagement.
Aspect also employs three Indigenous Liaison Officers, who play a vital role in supporting Aboriginal students and families, and in building relationships between the schools and local communities. While not funded through the grant, their work complements the project’s goals by helping ensure culturally responsive practices are embedded in everyday school life.
Aspect is working with Aboriginal consultant Peter Coombes who is supporting the co-design of resources alongside families, Elders and local educators. Peter is helping to embed Aboriginal perspectives on learning, family and community connection into the curriculum, with a strong focus on cultural identity, belonging and respect for difference.
Peter Coombes, Aboriginal Education Consultant said: “Our kids are strong and capable, and they learn best when their culture is seen and celebrated. When schools take time to understand where our young ones come from, both spiritually and culturally, it builds confidence and connection that lasts well beyond the classroom.”
Mark Rudd, Principal Aspect Central Coast School said this funding strengthens our commitment to creating learning environments where Aboriginal students on the autism spectrum feel comfortable to be themselves.
“Working alongside Aboriginal families and communities ensures our new educational resources are meaningful in practice, helping teachers create classrooms where every student feels they belong,” said Mr Rudd. “Through this grant, our whole school community is growing in cultural awareness and understanding.”
Currently, 11% of students at Aspect Central Coast, and up to 20% across its Hunter campuses, identify as Aboriginal. Despite these numbers, many Aboriginal children on the autism spectrum are underdiagnosed and underrepresented in support programs, often due to cultural, geographic and systemic barriers.
The grant initiative builds on Aspect’s Aboriginal Education Strategy, which emphasises equity, cultural recognition, meaningful partnerships and local approaches that respond to community strengths.
For more information:
Karen Keech, karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect
Aspect is Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, operating ten schools and more than 100 satellite classes across NSW and South Australia. The organisation’s mission is to create the best opportunities for people on the autism spectrum through evidence-informed, person-centred education and support.
Aspect acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which its schools operate and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
