1800 ASPECT (1800 277 328) | autismspectrum.org.au

a different brilliant is our inspiration, focusing on the strengths & interests of people on the spectrum

At Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), we understand that when it comes to autism, there is no “one size fits all” approach. We celebrate the differences, and value the individual strengths and interests of the people we work with.

With over 50 years’ experience, our team of professionals work together to support individuals, parents, carers and families.

From diagnosis and assessments, early intervention and therapies, to specialised schooling, social groups and employment mentoring; we provide advice and support throughout the life stages, from the early years to adulthood.

Everything we do is informed by research and evidence, ensuring we offer the best services and supports.

Aspect is a registered NDIS service provider.

Services for people in the Western Melbourne Region(Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Moonee Valley & Wyndham)

1800 ASPECT (1800 277 328) | autismspectrum.org.au

What we do at Aspect

Families & carers

Information and advice, parent support network, sibling events and workshops.

Early childhood

Diagnosis and assessment, early intervention including specialist home- or group-based support, positive behaviour training.

Adulthood

Diagnosis and assessments, speech and occupational therapy, adult social groups, supported living, employment mentoring, transition support, community and lifestyle support.

Professionals & businesses

Advice, information, professional development, research forums, workshops and customised consultancies.

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School years

Diagnosis and assessment, Aspect schools which include satellite classes, positive behaviour support, speech and occupational therapy, transition support, social groups and support at non-Aspect school, home and in the community.

1800 ASPECT (1800 277 328) | autismspectrum.org.au

Aspect Schools

Aspect operates one of the world’s largest educational programs for children and young people on the autism spectrum. Our special education teachers work with occupational therapists, speech therapists and psychologists to develop programs within small classes that have a high teacher to student ratio and teacher aide support.

Through the Aspect Comprehensive Approach for Education, our goal is to help students develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. Many Aspect students transition to mainstream educational environments. Our research indicates that most students are able to maintain mainstream placements after transitioning from an Aspect School. As a registered school, all areas of the curriculum are covered while working to students’ strengths and interests to ensure learning is meaningful. Aspect Schools work closely with parents and carers to collaboratively achieve positive outcomes across school, home and community.

Locations

We currently have nine independent schools with tailored learning environments for students on the spectrum in the following locations:

Schools in each NSW region also operate satellite classes. A satellite class is an Aspect class located within a mainstream school setting. Please contact the school for more information about enrolments, fees, term dates and satellite classes.

Would your child benefit from specialised autism education?

Aspect Central Coast School, Terrigal, NSW 02 4382 8800

Aspect Hunter School, Thornton, NSW 02 4922 5900

Aspect Macarthur School, Cobbitty, NSW 02 4651 3900

Aspect Riverina School, Albury, NSW 02 6057 3777

Aspect South Coast School, Corrimal, NSW 02 4285 2393

Aspect South East Sydney School, South Peakhurst, NSW 02 9534 4758

Aspect Vern Barnett School, Forestville, NSW 02 9454 8359

Aspect Western Sydney School, Wetherill Park, NSW 02 8786 3000

Aspect Treetop School, Ashford, SA 08 7326 0200

Aspect Comprehensive Approach for

EducationEvidence-Informed Practice

Supported Transition & Inclusion

Curriculum Environmental Supports

Individualised Planning

Structured Teaching Approaches

Family Involvement & SupportLearning Support

Team

Professional Learning

Positive Behaviour Support

Mental Health & Wellbeing

1800 ASPECT (1800 277 328) | autismspectrum.org.au

Aspect Therapy

Aspect Therapy has over 30 years’ experience in providing early intervention, screening, individual and group services for people of all ages on the autism spectrum. Our therapy team can visit you in the home, school or community setting or at one of our centres. We have a team of trained professionals in;

• Speech and Language Pathology• Occupational Therapy• Psychology• Social Work• Special Education

Families and individuals are involved in all aspects of decision making and are allocated a single main point of contact to coordinate the right supports. We use a transdisciplinary, family and person-centred approach, based on evidence-informed practices which can include a focus on the following:.

• Self-regulation/ sensory supports• Play • Social and emotional development• Motor development/ (including lego programs) • Daily living • Communication • Relationships• School readiness• Transition• Positive Behaviour Support

Services and supports can be delivered individually or in small groups with programs and supports flexibly designed based on what people want. Aspect Therapy also offers internationally renowned parent training programs called Hanen More Than Words™ and Hanen Talkability™ on a fee for service basis. These workshop programs are presented by our Aspect Hanen-certified speech pathologists. Each program runs over five months and includes nine parent group sessions and four individual home consultations.

Do you or your child require individualised early intervention or therapy?

External family supports Family

Transdisciplinary approach

model Community activities Early childhood education and care

setting or school

Early childhood intervention teacherTo foster your child’s learning and

meaningful inclusion in all places of everyday family and community life.

Family support workerTo offer information and guidance to address any concerns you have for

your child and family.

Speech and language pathologistTo maximise your child’s language,

communication and social skills.

External family supports

Child

Key workerAn early childhood professional who you select as the main point of contact for your family. A key worker’s

primary role is to coordinate and deliver the intervention and support needed for your child and family.

Psychologists/Social workersTo help your child understand and

manage their emotions and behaviour.

Occupational therapistTo build on your child’s physical skills

and independent participation in everyday routines and activities.

Family

1800 ASPECT (1800 277 328) | autismspectrum.org.au

Aspect Choose & Connect

Aspect Choose & Connect is a service for people of all ages on the autism spectrum, specialising in tailored planning and opportunities to help achieve life goals. Including employment, social groups and independent living skills, our staff provide support and guidance along the way.

We can:

• Facilitate involvement in social groups and individual interests such as arts, media and other recreational participation

• Provide vocational support including skills assessments, workplace assessments, job searching, preparing for employment, employment mentoring, counselling, volunteering opportunities andworkplace support

• Work alongside participants and their families at moments of key transitions such as leaving or changing school, further education, employment and adult life

• Work with individuals, families and other organisations to implement positive behaviour strategies• Provide training and professional coaching for employers, professionals and family members to support

participants to achieve their full potential• Support living arrangements including assistance with accommodation; starting and maintaining tenancy

obligations; household budgeting and housekeeping• Increase access with the community • Develop essential independent living skills with those who want to live as independently as possible • Improve skills and knowledge in the use of assistive technology in day to day life

Would you or your child like assistance in achieving life goals?

Aspect PracticeAspect works in partnership with other organisations to support positive experiences for people on the autism spectrum across education, employment and community. Standard or customised learning experiences aim to build knowledge about autism and increase awareness and participation. Aspect Practice consults with people on the spectrum to ensure content is respectful and relevant. Where possible, we always try to involve people on the spectrum as part of the delivery team. A range of learning opportunities also focus on supporting parents, carers and extended family to support their loved ones.

Aspect Practice aims to transfer the latest evidence-informed research to practice.

Snapshot of Aspect Practice work:

• Creating autism friendly environments – Taronga Zoo, Questacon, Museum of Contemporary Art, Theatres• Providing webinars to health professionals• Facilitating professional learning to regional education staff• Working with first responders to understand autism • Using iPads to support inclusion

Are you interested in learning more about autism?

1800 ASPECT (1800 277 328) | autismspectrum.org.au1800 ASPECT (1800 277 328) | autismspectrum.org.au

Cost will be quoted for you depending on your individual circumstances, the service you choose, funding, and pricing determined by the funder. Individualised programs on a fee-for service basis are priced according to Aspect’s fee schedule.

All Aspect services and education programs are based on years of research and evidence. Our research focus is on providing the best possible treatment, services and programs for people with autism here and now; the best practice, based on evidence from around the world, to provide the best opportunities for the people we support.

In addition to undertaking our own research and evaluation projects, we also partner with universities, government bodies and other external organisations on research projects. Aspect is an essential partner in Australia’s Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), the world’s first national, co-operative research effort focused on autism.

To help us create an autism-friendly Australia, you can donate to Aspect at www.autismspectrum.org.au/donation

Cost

Aspect Research

Fundraising

“Working with Aspect … really opened my eyes to what’s possible. It’s amazing how many people are

around to support you when you need it.”- Amy Nosworthy, Aspect client