Aspect - Autism Spectrum Australia

13/04/2026

Michael Theo shares what people can say to help Autistic people feel accepted and comfortable. 💬

By asking about sensory needs and accommodations, we create environments where Autistic people feel understood and supported. Autism is different for everyone, and listening matters.

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

10/04/2026

Who is a “safe person” in your life? It’s a simple idea, but one that can make a real difference.

A safe person is someone an Autistic person can turn to and feel understood, respected, and supported - whether that’s at home, at work, or out in the community.

For many, the world can feel busy, unpredictable, or overwhelming at times. Having someone you trust can help:
• Create a sense of safety
• Support communication in difficult moments
• Advocate for needs
• Reduce stress and overwhelm

Being a safe person isn’t a title - it grows over time through consistency, respect, and genuine care.

🙏 Our autism-friendly team is sharing this information to:
• Encourage people to identify who their safe people are
• Support others to become, or respect, a safe person
• Build greater awareness of trust and safety in everyday spaces

We’d love to hear your thoughts 💬. What does being a safe person mean to you?

10/04/2026

10/04/2026

🥝🥐🥗 The Brilliant Brunch is a community initiative that brings people together to celebrate autism and raise funds for programs that support autistic people.

Maryanne and Vivian brought this idea to life 🤩, hosting a beautiful brunch with friends and community. It was a relaxed and joyful morning, where everyone came together and contributed in their own way.

The result was extraordinary.

Together, they raised more than $7,500 for Aspect South East Sydney School. ✨ A wonderful outcome from a single morning, and a reflection of the care, effort and community they’ve built over many years of supporting the school.

It was lovely to have School Principal Joanne Tisdell there on the day, sharing her thanks and recognising their ongoing commitment and the difference it continues to make for students.

Maryanne and Vivian, thank you! Your support and generosity are deeply appreciated. 🙏

🍰 Keen to host A Brilliant Brunch too? Learn more at https://www.initforautism.org.au/event/a-brilliant-brunch/home

10/04/2026

We’re inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from educators, leaders, practitioners and those with lived experience to present at our upcoming online Community of Practice event on 10 June. Open to speakers nationally and internationally

The theme of this event is 'school transitions', exploring 4 key stages:

Specialist school – mainstream school
Preschool → Primary
Primary → High school
High school → Post-school pathways

Community of Practice events provide an opportunity for people to come together to share knowledge and collaborate across sectors to strengthen the outcomes for Autistic students.

If you have insights, case studies or innovative approaches to support successful transitions, we would love to hear from you.

👉 Submit your EOI now
https://www.aspect.org.au/our-services/workshops-and-webinars/communities-of-practice

09/04/2026

Art is more than creativity. It’s communication, identity, and connection. In our latest blog, Jessica Novak (Aspect Autistic Consultant and artist) explores how the arts create space for people to express themselves, connect with others, and share their perspectives in meaningful ways.

Read now 👉 https://www.aspect.org.au/blog/why-the-arts-matter-for-autistic-people

📅 World Autism Understanding Month, April 2026 ( ). Listen to Autistic voices and access all WAUM resources now at aspect.org.au/waum.

08/04/2026

Did you miss last week’s webinar on online dating experiences of Autistic adults? The recording is now available to watch and share!

In this webinar, Aspect Head of Research, Dr Vicki Gibbs talked about a recent study that investigated the online dating experiences of Autistic adults. We then heard from Chris Love, Lana Wheatfill and Emma Beardsley who generously shared their own lived experiences, reflecting on navigating profiles, making decisions around disclosure, risks and safety.

This is valuable viewing for researchers, Autistic adults, professionals working in mental health or counselling and businesses interested in digital inclusion. It also offers practical, accessible advice for anyone navigating the world of dating.

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFtirKGL9xY

06/04/2026

Soph Tonson shares what they want people to know about autism.

Soph speaks about masking, communication , and how Autistic intelligence is often underestimated, especially for people who are non-speaking. With the right understanding and support, Autistic people have valuable contributions to offer.

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

05/04/2026

Wishing our Aspect community a happy and relaxing Easter break. 🐰💛

Across our schools, students, families and staff have been enjoying Easter together, sharing moments of connection and joy.

We hope this break brings rest and happiness to all.

Thank you to our wonderful school communities for sharing these special moments.

03/04/2026

💬 “I was taught to make myself smaller… in a world that now applauds me for taking up space.”

This World Autism Understanding Month, hear from Autistic advocate on identity, masking, and embracing what makes you different.

Read more: https://www.aspect.org.au/blog/the-art-of-a-masked-performance

02/04/2026

Today is World Autism Understanding Day, a day that’s about more than just awareness. It’s about action! In conversations with the Autistic community, it became clear that while awareness has grown, there’s still a gap when it comes to meaningful understanding and support.

Listen to Autistic voices and access free resources now at aspect.org.au/waum.

Thank you to all our advocates for sharing ❤

02/04/2026

The National Autism Strategy – measuring its impact

We are seeking input to inform the development of an Evidence and Evaluation Framework to measure the impact of the National Autism Strategy on Autistic people and our families and allies.

Autistic people, families, service providers, researchers and policymakers are invited to share their perspectives via a 30-minute anonymous survey. The survey asks for your views on what should be measured to track the progress and outcomes of the National Autism Strategy.

Help us ensure we are evaluating what matters the most to Autistic people living in Australia. 👍

Click here for more information: https://accessiblesurveys.com/v2/Nz1lMO34ZZyFOlFzurKf/init

You can also contact: NASConsultation@kpmg.com.au

La Trobe University Human Research Ethics approval: HEC25443
This study is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

A survey tool with a strong emphasis on accessibility. The application goes beyond accessibility standards by providing surveys that adapt to respondents individual needs.