A Different Brilliant

In this episode of a different brilliant®, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Dr Fiona Aldridge, Clinical Psychologist and Manager of Aspect Assessments, to unpack the difference between an autism assessment and a functional capacity assessment.
Dr Aldridge explains what each assessment is designed to do, why they answer different questions, and how they work together to provide a more complete understanding of an individual's strengths, support needs and experiences.
The conversation also explores why an autism diagnosis can be about much more than accessing services. For many people, it provides clarity, validation, self-understanding and a foundation for more personalised, autism-informed support.
Whether you're an Autistic person, parent, educator, health professional or someone exploring an autism diagnosis later in life, this episode provides practical, neuro-affirming information to help you navigate the assessment journey.
To learn more about Aspect Assessments, visit: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-services/autism-assessment-diagnosis
Understanding autism, ADHD and neurodiversity:
https://www.aspect.org.au/about-autism/information-sheets/understanding-autism-neurodiversity-info-sheets

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In this episode of a different brilliant®, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey speaks with Autistic social entrepreneur, researcher and systems innovator Dr Sharon Zivkovic about why entrepreneurship can be an employment pathway for Autistic people.
Together, they explore the barriers Autistic people often face in traditional employment, including workplace culture, sensory challenges and recruitment processes, and discuss how self-employment and social entrepreneurship can offer greater autonomy, flexibility and wellbeing.
Dr Sharon Zivkovic shares insights into Autistic strengths such as deep interests, systems thinking, pattern recognition and innovative problem-solving, explaining why these qualities can make Autistic people exceptional entrepreneurs and changemakers.
The conversation also examines how Autistic thinking differs from neurotypical approaches, why society needs Autistic innovation, and how strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming supports could help more Autistic people thrive.
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This episode of A Different Brilliant explores what inclusive recruitment really looks like in practice, and why current hiring systems are failing Autistic people.
Host, Madeline Jaine Lobsey is joined by Kristy Kelly, Manager of Aspect’s Autism Friendly Employment Service, and Jana Zafirovska, Director of Customer Success and Principal Architect (APAC) at HireVue Australia. Together, they unpack the systemic barriers that prevent highly capable Autistic candidates from progressing through recruitment, despite strong motivation and skills.
Drawing on Aspect’s Autism Friendly Employment (AFE) approach and HireVue’s work in reimagining hiring through technology and design, this conversation explores how traditional recruitment processes, often built on outdated assumptions, continue to filter out the very talent organisations are seeking to include.
The episode also highlights Aspect and HireVue’s collaboration on developing an inclusive recruitment guide and broader thought leadership, offering practical insights into how employers can design fairer, more accessible hiring processes. From job descriptions and screening tools through to interview design and workplace adjustments, this discussion challenges “the way we’ve always done it” and provides a pathway forward.
Whether you’re an employer, recruiter, or Autistic jobseeker, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating more inclusive, effective and human-centred employment practices.
Further resources and reading:
Autism Friendly Employment: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-services/aspect-autism-friendly-employment
About Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia):
Aspect is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in evidence-based practices.
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For more information, or to discuss how we can help you, please contact our customer service team on 1800 277 328.

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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