Aspect - Autism Spectrum Australia

23/04/2026

The announcement on proposed changes to the NDIS is a significant moment for our community.

We understand many Autistic people, families and carers may be feeling concerned or uncertain about what these changes could mean. We want you to know - we’re here with you.

The Government has outlined a range of proposed reforms, including:

• Changes to eligibility and assessment processes
• Stronger safeguards, with increased provider registration
• Changes to planning and review assessments
• Reduction in social and community participation plans with an investment in community participation through a proposed Inclusive Communities Fund
• Efforts to improve quality, transparency and accountability across providers, and reduce fraud

At Aspect, we recognise the NDIS has been life-changing for many Autistic people and families. We support efforts to ensure the scheme remains strong and sustainable for future generations, but at the same time it’s essential that any changes are carefully designed and implemented. Autistic people have diverse, complex and individual needs.

Reforms must:

• Protect access to the right supports, at the right time
• Maintain choice and control, safety and quality of life
• Be guided by evidence and genuine consultation with the disability community

We are particularly mindful that standardised approaches, including functional assessments, must reflect the lived experience and diversity of Autistic people, and not create unintended barriers.

We also welcome clarity on how people who may not meet NDIS thresholds will be supported, because no one should be left without the support they need.
We will continue to advocate alongside the Autistic community, listening, learning and working together to ensure Autistic people and the community feel supported, understood and included.

If you’re feeling unsure about these changes, we’re here alongside you. ❤️

For more detail on the changes, please read these 👉Here: www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/securing-the-ndis-for-future-generations?language=en

22/04/2026

“These events help us learn from each other and take ideas back to our schools.” 💬

Rebecca Chapman from Nepean Christian School reflects on the value of Communities of Practice in connecting educators across different school settings.

For smaller schools, these opportunities to share ideas and learn from others are especially valuable in strengthening inclusive practice and supporting students more effectively.

👉 Sign up for future Communities of Practice events:
https://www.aspect.org.au/our-services/workshops-and-webinars/be-part-of-future-communities-of-practice

20/04/2026

As parents, we draw on our strengths, knowledge and wisdom to navigate family life. For Autistic parents, this includes both unique ways of connecting and additional challenges imposed by systems that don’t always recognise or support their needs.

Join us for the next ARCAP webinar where Dr Mel Heyworth (Reframing Autism) will provide a broad overview of Autistic parenting, while Dr Chris Edwards (Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice, ARCAP) will share new, co-produced research focused specifically on Autistic fatherhood, an area that has been largely overlooked. The webinar includes a live Q&A session with the presenters.

This webinar is ideal for Autistic adults and parents, families, researchers, professionals, and anyone interested in inclusive, research-informed perspectives.

📅 Date: Tuesday 19 May
🕧Time: 12:30–1:30pm (AEST)
Online via Zoom

Find out more and register: https://www.aspect.org.au/community-events/autistic-parenting

20/04/2026

Kayne shares what he wants people to know about autism and how to be supportive. 💬

Kayne reminds us that Autistic people have unique strengths and talents, and that understanding individual needs is key.

Learn more about autism this World Autism Understanding Month:
👉 aspect.org.au/waum

19/04/2026

BreastScreen Liverpool is offering ‘Quiet Clinics’ for clients on the autism spectrum, providing a calm, supportive, and sensory-friendly environment.

These clinics have been co-developed in partnership with Aspect's Autism Friendly team, ensuring they are designed with authenticity and quality in mind. Staff are trained in autism and hidden disabilities and are available to provide additional support as needed.

Quiet Clinics offer:
• Longer appointment times
• Fewer clients at these sessions
• Additional spaces to wait or decompress after the mammogram
• Visual aids
• Low lighting
• Calming aids such as fidgets

Where:
Unit 5, 157-161 George Street, Liverpool, NSW, 2170

Clinic sessions:
• Wednesday, 13 May 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm
• Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm
• Wednesday, 29 July 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm

It is recommended women aged 50 to 74 have a free breast screen every two years. Aboriginal women are recommended to screen from age 40. If you or someone you know could benefit from these clinics email SWSLHD-BreastScreenBookings@health.nsw.gov.au or call 13 20 50 and nominate the Quiet Clinic.

Further enquiries and support can be emailed to autismfriendly@aspect.org.au

18/04/2026

Aspect therapists and support workers had the pleasure of attending the recent Australian Sikh Games held in Melbourne this year.

The Games are the premier sporting and cultural event for the Sikh community, drawing more than 100,000 people and more than 8,000 athletes! This year marked the first time the games were for all ability levels.🙌🥳

Aspect worked with the organising committee to discuss ways to make the games autism friendly. During the games, our therapists and support workers provided information about autism, resources for parents and families and fun activities for children to engage in gross and fine motor skills.

The result… beautiful pieces of art where children identified and described themselves through “paper people”. 👍

17/04/2026

Behind the scenes of The Assembly Season 3! 🎬
Aspect's Autism Friendly team were back on set, supporting the Autistic journalists for ABC TV's The Assembly. The team supported predictability and structure, sensory supports and on-set guidance, our focus is always on making the environment work for Autistic people - not the other way around.

This season, we went a step further. In collaboration with Dr Helen Wolfenden from Macquarie University, we supported students to learn and reflect on their experiences, build their skills and strengthen their confidence on and off camera.

We also listened. Every piece of feedback from students was taken seriously, working closely with .limited to make real-time improvements and close the loop.

One key goal was to teach and encourage self-advocacy, because every Autistic person has the right to ask for what they need, and to be heard.

👉 Check out the full video on our YouTube channel.
👉 Stream the new season of The Assembly from Sunday 26 April 7:30pm on and ABC TV.

17/04/2026

Congratulations to Sydney Airport on the launch of their first Quiet Room in T1 👏 We’re proud to have supported this through our Autism Friendly Accreditation, helping create a best-practice, low-sensory space for travellers who may experience overwhelm or anxiety.

Quiet Rooms are essential to making travel more inclusive for Autistic people and those with hidden disabilities. 🥰 A great step forward for accessibility in Australian travel ✈️

17/04/2026

We’ve teamed up with Source Co to answer questions relating to autism from parents and carers. 👍Aspect Speechie Jessica Mennetrier provides helpful tips on communication techniques and preferences👇

If your Autistic child isn’t talking yet, it doesn’t mean they’re not communicating.

In this new expert Q&A from our friends at Aspect - Autism Spectrum Australia, speech pathologist Jessica Mennetrier responds to a parent worried about delayed speech, and talks through different ways to connect with your child and support communication as it develops.

If you’ve ever wondered when your child will speak, this is a useful, reassuring read.

📌 https://sourcekids.com.au/ask-an-autism-expert-will-my-child-ever-speak/

16/04/2026

“A Different Brilliant” at Wollongong Art Gallery. 🎨

Aspect South Coast School presents its annual exhibition during World Autism Understanding Month, showcasing a collection of student-created artworks that celebrate creativity and expression.

The exhibition is free and open now, running until 3 May.

Come along and experience the talent of our students. Learn more via the link: https://wollongongartgallery.au/wag-exhibitions/a-different-brilliant

15/04/2026

📅 Aspect Distance Education (NSW, SA). Free information session, Tuesday 21 April 2026.

Aspect Distance Education supports students and families so each student has the opportunity to learn in a way that works for them.

Our teachers are experienced in autism specific education, they provide personalised plans, flexible learning and a caring community where students feel understood and are ready to thrive.

🔉 Join our next information session for students in NSW, learn more about the program and have the opportunity to speak with our Distance Education team.

📅 Online: Tuesday 21 April.
🕛 10am – 11am
🔗 Register now to get the link (select your state first, NSW or SA) https://www.aspect.org.au/our-services/going-to-school/aspect-distance-education-program

We can't wait to tell you all about the Aspect Distance Education program 🤗

Australia's first autism-specific Distance Education program. Learn from home with Aspect Hunter School.

15/04/2026

Our friends at Source Co are hosting the Source Disability Expo in Melbourne this week (17-18 April). This free event is designed for families, carers and professionals, bringing together a wide range of supports, services and products for people with a disability.

It’s a great opportunity to connect, learn and explore what’s available, all in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

📍 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
📅 April 17–18
🎟 Free entry: https://www.trybooking.com/DJIDU