How The Assembly is redefining inclusion for Autistic Australians
Sydney, Australia: The Assembly, a ground-breaking ABC TV series featuring 15 Autistic student journalists interviewing prominent Australian figures, is a powerful example of how an autism-friendly environment enables individuals on the autism spectrum to thrive. Aspect is proud to have supported these students, through a course run by Macquarie University, as they honed their skills and excelled in an environment specifically tailored to their needs.
This achievement demonstrates the potential of autism-friendly environments and their ability to transform businesses and organisations across Australia.
Dr Tom Tutton, Executive Manager of Aspect Autism Friendly, said it was important to be part of an initiative that so publicly displays the power of an autism-friendly environment and the results it can achieve.
“This project is an example of how we can create spaces where Autistic individuals don’t just participate—they thrive," said Dr Tutton. “In addition to supporting the students before, during and after filming, we also provided training to everyone involved in this program—including Macquarie University staff, ABC crew and the students mentor — on how to support Autistic people.”
Other elements of the autism-friendly framework used by Aspect included an explicit welcome where students were encouraged to be themselves (as seen at the beginning of each interview), clear expectations for each session, visual stories, structured and inclusive learning sessions, adaptations to the sensory environment, quiet rooms and consistent daily support for the students.
With over 1 in 40 Australians on the autism spectrum and an unemployment rate for Autistic individuals nearly three times higher than for those with disabilities and eight times that of the general population, businesses have a significant opportunity to make even small autism-friendly adjustments that could help improve these statistics.
Filming The Assembly with fifteen Autistic individuals was a significant undertaking with incredibly positive outcomes, however Dr Tutton explained that organisations don’t need to replicate ABC’s entire approach to make a meaningful impact.
“As student Silas comments in the show, if these supports were everywhere, ‘then the planet would be accessible’”, said Dr Tutton.
“We know that only 13.3% of Autistic adults choose to disclose their diagnosis, largely due to the complexities involved and concerns over how it will be perceived, with 31% of these disclosures happening in the workplace.
“What this research makes clear is that the experience of disclosure is heavily influenced by the surrounding environment and building a more inclusive space is not just the responsibility of Autistic individuals, it’s something we all need to contribute to.”
Aspect's Autism Friendly team is dedicated to partnering with organisations to create environments which genuinely support and include Autistic people. To access an autism friendly consultation in your work-place contact the team here.
For more information:
Karen Keech, karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect
Aspect is Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the world’s biggest autism-specific schools programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum and their families to deliver distinct services, practices and research that recognise a different brilliant® - understanding, engaging and celebrating the strengths and interests of people on the autism spectrum.
About The Assembly
ABC’s The Assembly features 15 Autistic student journalists as they prepare and interview some of Australia’s most prominent figures, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Delta Goodrem, Hamish Blake, Adam Goodes, Sam Neill, and Amanda Keller, mentored by industry veteran Leigh Sales. Behind the scenes, Aspect’s Autism Friendly team, in collaboration with Macquarie University, designed and delivered a journalism course that is a first of its kind in Australia—adapted specifically to be inclusive and supportive for Autistic students. Watch The Assembly here on ABC iview.
