Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)

✈️ Exploring the skies with confidence! Airports can be stressful, especially for new travellers or those unfamiliar with the environment. Navigating noisy, crowded, and complex spaces can feel overwhelming for anyone—particularly people with hidden disabilities, such as autism. While Aspect Autism Friendly collaborates with Sydney Airport and other stakeholders to adapt the airport environment, train staff, and provide resources to support Autistic passengers, we also recognise the importance of preparing individuals directly by teaching them what to expect during their airport journey. Aspect Autism Friendly and Aspect Education teamed up with Sydney Airport and Qantas to host the first Familiarisation Tour at Terminal 3. This tour allowed students to explore the airport journey step by step—from check-in to boarding a plane—giving them a chance to feel prepared and confident for future travels. 10 students from Aspect South East Sydney School (K-2) participated, supported by: 🎥 Video visual stories 📄 Visual schedules 🧸 Sensory supports 🌻 Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyards 🍎 Snacks - to keep energy levels up The tour gave students a hands-on opportunity to rehearse key airport processes, including: ✅ Checking in with a boarding pass ✅ Passing through security ✅ Finding their gate ✅ Boarding the plane and understanding safety procedures ✅ Claiming baggage at the end of the journey 🌟 A huge thank you to Mike Joyce, Katrina Lee, Claire Garth, the wonderful Airport Ambassadors from Sydney Airport, Angie Agarwal from Qantas, and the supportive security teams who made this experience smooth and memorable. Learn more about Aspect Autism Friendly and inclusive travel initiatives at Sydney Airport 👉 https://lnkd.in/g-TEmi-z #InclusiveTravel #AutismFriendly #AirportAdventures #Airport Tom Tutton

✨ Exciting opportunity for aspiring Clinical and Neuropsychologists! Are you a soon-to-be Masters graduate looking to complete your registrar? We are offering a Clinical and Neuropsychology Registrar Endorsement Program in Sydney, designed to help you develop the essential skills and competencies for full endorsement, across both our assessments and therapy teams. What’s on offer: - Comprehensive supervision to meet endorsement requirements - Training in ADOS-2 and ADI-R assessment tools, enhancing expertise in autism diagnosis and support - Generous Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, both internal and external, to support professional growth - Work within a multidisciplinary team dedicated to helping individuals on the autism spectrum achieve their full potential This is your chance to make a real difference in the disability sector while working with a team dedicated to empowering individuals on the autism spectrum. Find out more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gt_juAYU Join us at Aspect and be supported in your professional journey! #PsychologyCareers #Neuropsychology #DisabilitySector #AutismSupport #GraduateOpportunities #RegistrarProgram Fiona Aldridge

We’re proud to see Megan Lloyd, Deputy Principal at Aspect Hunter School, recognised as one of six amazing educators by Association of Independent Schools of NSW 🎉 This well-deserved recognition reflects Megan’s beautiful rapport with students and families, along with her deep understanding of autism. Megan's open-door policy fosters a supportive environment for staff, and she encourages new teachers to be curious, reliable, and predictable—building trust and stability for neurodiverse students in an unpredictable world. Join us in celebrating Megan and all teachers shaping bright futures! ✨ #AspectEducation #teachers #WorldTeachersDay2024

Happy World Teachers’ Day! Our Aspect School Principals and leadership team take their hats off to all the wonderful and dedicated Teachers and Teacher Aides in our schools. 💚   Our caring and professional educators make a difference to the lives of our students every day and today we celebrate them. Their dedication and passion inspires us every day. Thank you for all that you do! 🤩   Craig McNee, Michelle Zikmundovsky, Mark Rudd, Rowena Perritt, Anna Brady, Shane Morris, Amanda Yates Joanne Tisdell, Kaye Perry, Geoffrey Fouracre, Maryanne Gosling, Karilyn Gumley, Lyn Sharratt   #AspectEducation #Teachers #WorldTeachersDay2024

Last night, we hosted a special “Night at the 'G” Aspect event at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, welcoming over 100 guests, led by MC Helen Kapalos. The night was filled with personal stories and a strong sense of connection and community filled the room.   The evening focused on autism and sport, where we explored the many benefits of physical activity and highlighted the supports employed by Aspect to overcome barriers and promote inclusivity within the sports community. From an insightful research talk with Dr. Ru Ying Cai to engaging stories from across different sports, we shared our vision of making Australian sport Autism Friendly, where everyone has a place to play.    One of the highlights of the evening was a practical Autism Friendly sports demonstration with Dr. Tom Tutton and Matthew Oastler. The activity showed how Aspect Autism Friendly has worked with teams like the Western Sydney Wanderers FC to make a soccer clinic welcoming, predictable and fun as a first step into the sport.     A heart-felt thanks to our esteemed guest, Grace Tame, an ultra-marathon runner and former Australian of the Year. In the short documentary film we screened last night, which features Grace and her running, she shares, “I’m less likely to have Autistic meltdowns or shutdowns when I’m regularly engaging in an activity like running.” You can view the short film here: https://lnkd.in/eTkxeHW6. We thank Grace for her candour and honesty in her conversation with Helen.   A special thanks to our expert speakers, including Dr. Ru Ying Cai, Dr. Tom Tutton, Matthew Oastler, elite athletes Elise Muller and Ben Taylor, and Aspect’s Christine Edwards, for sharing their work and valuable insights. Each story contributed toward a collective vision for a future where everyone feels welcome and valued in the world of sport. We also extend our thanks to Helen Kapalos for steering our special evening.   Thank you to our Aspect Autism Friendly team for all their hard work leading up to and on the night of the event. Their commitment, including a pre-event site visit to ensure that all necessary accommodations were in place, made sure our event was Autism Friendly. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for including a Quiet Room for our guests.    If you would like to know more about how you can support Aspect and our important programs including our Autism-Friendly work please reach out to Shahar Burla (PhD), Nadine Eulgem, Tom Tutton.   #AutismResearch #AutismFriendly #AutismAwareness #inclusive #InclusiveSport #neurodiversity #philanthropy #autism

This OT Week, we’re thrilled to highlight Emma Towns, an Aspect OT and OT Supervisor. From running creative programs to helping children learn essential skills at school, our OTs bring passion, creativity, and care to everything they do. As Emma reflects, "No two journeys are the same, which makes every day both challenging and rewarding" ❤ Thank you again to all Aspect OTs and Happy#OTWeek! #OccupationTherapy #OT #AspectTherapy Occupational Therapy Australia

Every small victory achieved by our Occupational Therapists (OTs) sparks meaningful progress. Whether it's helping a child tie their shoes, guiding families through routines, or fostering connections in schools, these wins lay the foundation for lasting change. 🙌 Curious about the stories behind these moments? Aspect OTs share their thoughts on their important role in empowering individuals, families, and communities every day. Read their stories here: https://lnkd.in/ge55yHgm A heartfelt thank you to all OTs – and especially our dedicated Aspect OTs ❤ – for the incredible impact you make! #OTWeek2024 #OccupationalTherapy #OT #80YearsOfConnections Occupational Therapy Australia - Andrew Trenfield - Rashid El Dhaibi - Janet Cheong - Emma Towns - Mara Print

This week, our Aspect Education leaders came together to reflect on the incredible impact our dedicated school teams have made on student learning over the past few months. Through collaborative efforts, data gathering, and personalised strategies supporting diverse learning styles, school leaders and educators have fostered more engaging and effective learning environments for our Autistic students.   "The Aspect Learning Improvement Collaborative (ALIC), underpinned by Lyn Sharratt’s 14 Parameters, has inspired our teams to think differently, challenge the status quo, and prioritise the needs of every learner," wrote Maryanne Gosling, Aspect's Director of Education. “I was thrilled to observe, reflect and celebrate the incredible impact our dedicated school teams have made on student learning!”   Aspect’s CEO, Jacqui Borland, and Executive team also took part in the discussions on the progress of ALIC, reinforcing Aspect’s ongoing commitment to providing the best opportunities for Autistic people. A huge thank you to Lyn Sharratt and all our amazing school teams for their tireless efforts and commitment to support the needs of every learner!   Anna Brady Michelle Zikmundovsky Joanne Tisdell Shane Morris -Rowena Perritt -Laura Guille - Karilyn Gumley - Mark Rudd - Craig McNee - Geoffrey Fouracre - Kaye Perry - Amanda Yates. #AspectEducation #education #EducationLeaders #ALIC #autisticStudents #InclusiveEducation

What a great multi-disability initiative! We’re proud to have had Dr. Tom Tutton represent Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) at the Queensland Airports Limited 'Accessibili-tea' event and contribute to meaningful conversations around accessible travel. Making airports more inclusive helps create a better experience for everyone. A special shoutout to AmbassaPAWS Alice 🐶🌻 for bringing those calming vibes! Aspect Autism Friendly - Gold Coast Airport - Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Australia & New Zealand #AutismFriendly #inclusiveTravel #sensoryFriendly

Neurodivergent shoppers often face unique challenges in traditional retail environments, but small adjustments can make a significant difference. Simple changes like reducing noise, softening lighting, and creating sensory-friendly spaces help retailers offer more welcoming experiences for everyone. Matthew Oastler from Aspect Autism Friendly joined forces with Natalie Phillips-Mason from Inclusive Change to explore how retailers can enhance accessibility and inclusivity by positively engaging the senses. Here are some ideas they highlight in the article: 🌿 Quiet spaces: create calming rooms for customers needing a sensory break. 💡 Adjust lighting: use softer, more natural lighting to reduce sensory overload. 🔊 Control noise: minimise loud background sounds or competing music. 🌳 Incorporate nature: add sensory gardens or natural elements for a soothing environment. 🛠 Design with input from neurodivergent individuals to ensure inclusivity. Read more here > https://lnkd.in/gz4d9afT #SensoryFriendly #InclusiveRetail #Neurodiversity #AutismFriendly #NeuroinclusiveRetail Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Nature