Aspect - Autism Spectrum Australia

22/01/2026

Deciding whether to disclose your Autistic identity is deeply personal.

There’s no single right way or right time. Each situation is different, and the choice can change depending on your safety, energy, and what feels right for you in that moment. Whether you choose to share or not, your privacy and wellbeing come first.

👉 Explore our website for more resources for Individuals and families.
https://www.aspect.org.au/about-autism/information-sheets/individuals-and-families-info-sheets

19/01/2026

“Inclusion means every young person feels loved, valued and welcome for who they are.” 💬

Principal Carolyn Blanden leads Warakirri College, a special assistance school in Western Sydney supporting young people aged 15 to 22 who have often been excluded from other learning environments. Many become the first in their family to complete Year 10, and around 30% go on to receive a university offer.

Carolyn reminds us not to lower students’ aspirations and to recognise that discrimination and disadvantage can be subtle and present in every community. Inclusion means opening doors, not quietly closing them.

Learn from experts shaping inclusive education.

👉 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

15/01/2026

🤰 🍼👶 What can Autistic people expect when they’re expecting? In our latest episode of a different brilliant®, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey () is joined by Dr. Abbey Love (Aspect), who shares her research insights into the pregnancy and parenting experiences of Autistic parents, revealing a common theme: competence. For many, pregnancy was a time when their bodies made sense and change felt purposeful.

🎧 Listen to “a different brilliant®” Aspect podcasts on your favourite podcast app, incl. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music. LINK IN BIO.

📄 Find perinatal resources for Autistic people and professionals on the Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub 👉 www,aspect.org.au/resources/new-parents

14/01/2026

Many Autistic girls are quietly struggling in classrooms and often go unnoticed. Here's a quick explainer and practical tips for educators, designed to help identify and better support Autistic girls in inclusive classrooms.

For more on how Aspect schools are supporting Autistic girls, including real classroom examples, read our full blog: 👉 https://www.aspect.org.au/blog/invisible-differences-understanding-autistic-girls-in-the-classroom

14/01/2026

Do you want to contribute to meaningful, systemic change for Autistic people across Australia?

14/01/2026

Mattel's Autistic Barbie sparks a lot of conversation.

Autistic public health researchers Aimee Grant and Rebecca Ellis take a thoughtful look at the doll’s design for The Conversation Australia + NZ

They explore features like the tablet used for communication, noise-cancelling headphones, sensory-friendly clothing and stim tools - highlighting what feels authentic, what has limits, and why representation matters.

Bottom line, while one doll can’t reflect everyone’s lived experience, its presence can open up important discussions, build understanding, and help normalise everyday accommodations.

https://theconversation.com/how-realistic-is-mattels-new-autistic-barbie-273277

Expert researchers give their view.

13/01/2026

Looking into NDIS funding for Behaviour Support or Improved Relationships?

Aspect’s Screening Clinic can help. The summer break can be a good time to get started, with more flexibility during the school holidays and a chance to plan supports at home and school for the year ahead.

Our online clinic offers an initial assessment, practical strategies, and supporting documentation that can assist with NDIS funding applications.

Our team of autism-specific, evidence-based Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) practitioners are here to support you.

👉 Download our PBS Screening Clinic flyer:https://www.aspect.org.au/uploads/documents/Therapy/PBS_Screening_clinic.pdf

Learn more about Positive Behaviour Support: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-services/therapy-services/positive-behaviour-support

Helping Autistic people and their families access the right support, sooner.

12/01/2026

08/01/2026

“Inclusion means students feel safe, supported and able to participate to the best of their abilities.” ❤️

Avalon an Occupational Therapist, shares how she works alongside teachers and Autistic students to reduce sensory stress and make classrooms feel safe, engaging, and accessible.

Learn from experts shaping inclusive education

👉 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

06/01/2026

The Assistive Technology Survey 2025 is still open! Have you shared your experience yet?

Now in its third year, this is the only survey of its kind across Australia and New Zealand. Your responses help build the evidence needed to improve policy, product design, and accessibility practice.

We’ve had a fantastic response so far — thank you. To make sure the insights reflect real-world experiences across Australia and New Zealand, we’re hoping to hear from even more people.

If you use assistive technology, adjust device settings or support others who do, we’d love your input.

• 15 - 25 minutes
• Closes 6 February
• Results released May 2026
• Take part: https://surveys.intopia.digital/assistive-technology-survey/

Please share this with your networks. Every response helps strengthen the recommendations.

05/01/2026

A new school year often means a change of setting - whether your child is beginning school or moving to a new one.

Aspect has developed a guide to support Autistic students and their families during this transition.

The guide includes practical tips such as becoming familiar with the school environment, preparing for the daily routine, and communicating your child's support needs with staff. 👉 The full fact sheet is available on our website

Share this resource to support a smoother start to the school year!

04/01/2026

Aspect presents Part 2 of our visit to Taronga Zoo Sydney with Michael Theo! 🐘

Amy shares some of the practical changes that help make Taronga Zoo more autism-friendly, including sunflower lanyards, quiet spaces, sensory supports and trained staff ready to help when needed.

These small but meaningful adjustments can make a big difference to how Autistic visitors experience the zoo, creating an environment where people feel understood and included.

This work is ongoing, and every experience shared helps shape what comes next. We truly appreciate each and every piece of feedback from visitors, which plays an important role in helping Taronga Zoo continue to improve accessibility and inclusion.