A Different Brilliant

In this episode, Aspect CEO Jacqui Borland and Autism Friendly Employment Manager Kristy Kelly speak with NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister about the Australian Government’s Thriving Kids program.
Together, they explore what the program means for children with developmental delay and children on the autism spectrum, and how it will support families to access help earlier.
Drawing on questions from the autism community, the conversation covers how Thriving Kids will work alongside the NDIS, whether a diagnosis is required, and what supports may look like in practice. It also highlights the role of educators, GPs and allied health professionals in early identification and support.
This episode is for parents, carers and professionals seeking information about the future of early childhood supports in Australia.
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Resources
Thriving Kids – Fact Sheet
Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report (Report, Summary and Easy Read)
Positive Partnerships
Thriving Kids service Design Engagement and Consultation
Aspect’s position on Thriving Kids

In this episode of A Different Brilliant, we speak with Craig Smith, Manager of Technology and Innovation for Positive Partnerships. Craig shares his valuable knowledge and experience which is informed by his experience as a classroom teacher along with his work and collaboration with experts from around the world in the area of inclusive and neurodiversity affirming education practices.
This episode explores the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in today’s classrooms and what it means for students, educators, and the future of inclusive education.
We unpack how AI is already shaping teaching and learning, from personalised learning tools to supporting diverse communication and engagement needs. The conversation highlights both the opportunities and challenges and discusses how technology can enhance learning without replacing meaningful connections in education.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or simply curious about the future of technology and inclusive education, this episode offers some thought-provoking perspectives on navigating technology and AI in the classroom.
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In this episode, Dr Chris Edwards (Aspect) and Dr Paul Constable (Flinders University) share what their recent eye care research reveals about the experiences of Autistic adults, parents of Autistic children and eye care professionals. Blending lived experience, research insights and hands-on clinical knowledge, they talk about why eye health is often overlooked, what makes typical eye care settings challenging, and what can be done to make appointments calmer, clearer and more accessible.
Resource: Accessible eye care for Autistic people guide for vision professionals
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In this powerful episode of A Different Brilliant, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Eliza Tait, a recent Year 12 graduate, disability advocate and former Deputy Premier of the New South Wales Youth Parliament to explore what inclusive education truly looks like from a student’s perspective.
Drawing on her lived experience as a twice-exceptional autistic student, Eliza shares her journey through public, private and specialist education settings, reflecting on the challenges of diagnosis at age 14, burnout, mental health struggles and navigating different school systems.
The conversation also delves into Eliza’s advocacy and policy work, including her time as the youth deputy premier. Eliza highlights the importance of co-design, student voice and universal design for learning, challenging decision-makers to rethink outdated structures that prioritise compliance over genuine learning. With insight, compassion and clarity, this episode is a compelling call to action for educators, policymakers, parents and young people alike — reminding us that inclusive education is not about one-size-fits-all solutions, but about listening, adapting and ensuring every student feels safe, valued and able to thrive.
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This podcast episode explores Autistic people's experiences of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Host, Madeleine Jaine Lobsey speaks with Dr Abbey Love from the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) about insights from her research into Autistic perinatal experiences, including the sensory, communication and systemic challenges many parents face alongside the strengths, competence and self-advocacy that also emerge.
The conversation highlights how this research led to the creation of the award-winning Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub, a pioneering digital resource supporting Autistic parents and helping healthcare professionals create safer, more inclusive perinatal care experiences.
Resources:
Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub: aspect.org.au/new-parents
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