The need: inclusive schooling for children on the autism spectrum
"Every morning is a challenge to get my son to school. He’s overwhelmed, needs support, and feels misunderstood."
Parent respondent, NSW(Autism Awareness Australia National Parent and Carer Survey Report 2025)
Educators across Australia are working hard to support diverse learners, but many still face systemic limitations that make inclusive education for autistic students difficult to deliver consistently.
- 87.3% of parents worry about their child’s mental health and wellbeing at school.
- 61.3% report school refusal, often due to sensory and social challenges.
- Only 15.9% say their child is currently thriving in school(Autism Awareness Australia National Parent and Carer Survey Report 2025).
These insights highlight the opportunity to strengthen inclusive practices and supports through collaborative partnerships.
"DJ went from calling himself dumb to walking into school happy every day. Aspect helped him rediscover confidence and joy."
Erin Hodge, Aspect Parent
The opportunity: partnering in best practice
Aspect Education’s transitional model supports educators by embedding autism-specific classrooms within host mainstream schools. These classes:
- Deliver the NSW and Australian curriculum in a tailored, strengths-based way
- Are led by qualified, autism-trained Aspect teachers and aides
- Facilitate structured inclusion and integration with the wider school
- Prepare students to move into mainstream school choices
"From the outset, Aspect were about collaboration. It was never about 'us and them'—it was about creating something that worked for everyone."
Principal, NSW Department of Education
Aspect’s transitional model
Aspect Education delivers autism-specific education through a growth-centred transitional model of schooling.
Main school sites
Aspect main school sites are dedicated campuses for students needing higher levels of support in a specialised environment. Over time, if student growth suggests they are ready for lower levels of support they are transitioned carefully into satellite classes based in mainstream schools.
Our School Locations
"DJ transitioned from main site to satellite, and eventually into mainstream. Each step was guided, supported and celebrated."
Erin Hodge, Aspect Parent
Satellite classes
Satellite classes are autism-specific classes located within mainstream schools. Students placed in satellite classes are often on a journey into mainstream school. Aspect satellites offer:
- Access to broader school resources
- Daily interaction with same-aged peers
- Supported pathways to integration
- Pathways to transition into mainstream schooling
"They ended up popping him in the satellite class at Kirrawee and honestly, that was the perfect setting for him."
Pat Seto, Aspect Parent
