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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In this episode of A Different Brilliant, host Madeline Jaine Lobsey sits down with social worker and behaviour support practitioner Bella Smythe for an open and empowering conversation about neurodiversity, co-occurring experiences, and what it means to create genuinely neuro-affirming environments.

Bella shares insights from her years of experience supporting Autistic people, including her work in Aspect’s Adult Community Services, and reflects on identity, language, acceptance, and the systems that shape our wellbeing.

This episode is warm, practical and deeply relatable for Autistic people, families, carers, educators and anyone wanting to better understand the richness of neurodivergent experiences.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jane Lobsey is joined by Sandee Facy, Hd of Business Development for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand (via Bayley House), and Matt Oastler (he/they), Aspect Autism Friendly Melbourne Team Leader, to explore how the Sunflower symbol and Autism Friendly practices work together to make everyday life more welcoming for Autistic people and others with hidden disabilities.

Drawing on lived experience and practical examples, Sandee and Matt unpack what the Sunflower is (and isn’t), why it helps people signal a need for time, space, or support without disclosing diagnoses, and how Aspect’s Autism Friendly team partners with organisations to turn good intentions into tangible change — from quiet rooms and familiarisation sessions to visual stories, sensory maps, and inclusive workplace design.

Topics include:

1. What the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is and who it’s for
2. How the Sunflower supports Autistic people and others with non-visible disabilities
3. Starting supportive interactions without disclosure
4. How Aspect’s Autism Friendly team assesses spaces and trains staff
5. Real-world examples: airports, museums, stadiums, Legoland, and libraries
6. Creating Sunflower-friendly and Autism Friendly workplaces
7. Practical resources and inclusive design strategies for businesses

Whether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, an educator or allied health professional, or a business leader aiming to lift inclusion, this episode offers clear, actionable ideas you can use right away.

Practical info:

A person can get a Sunflower lanyard in two ways:

1️⃣ Purchase a lanyard from www.hdsunflower.com/au

2️⃣ Find a complimentary lanyard at a Sunflower Friendly organisation near you using the Sunflower Map

Additional resources:

1. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ANZ (via Bayley House) — awareness training and accessibility partnerships
2. Aspect Autism Friendly — consultancy, environmental assessments, staff training, and resources for organisations.

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In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey chats with Mel Spencer OAM, CEO of Different Journeys, who draws on her lived experience and professional expertise to discuss unpaid carers of Autistic people.

Mel explores the key challenges and barriers carers face, the supports available, and what can be done to help carers balance their responsibilities with their own wellbeing, personal goals and community participation.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, Dr James Best reflects on his journey as both a father of an Autistic son and a GP, sharing the challenges and insights he’s gained along the way. He offers practical advice on staying connected, balancing family life and the important role fathers play in raising Autistic children.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Jennifer Lowe, autism researcher and PhD candidate at La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, to explore a subject often avoided but deeply human: grief.

Jennifer shares her lived experience alongside insights from her research into how Autistic people process grief and bereavement. Together, they discuss how grief extends beyond the death of a loved one, pet, or friend. For many Autistic people, the loss of routines, meaningful objects, or everyday familiarity can also evoke feelings of grief.

Topics include:

1. Defining grief in an Autistic context
2. Autistic experiences of bereavement
3. Anticipatory grief and first experiences of loss
4. Objects, routines, and the meaning of everyday losses
5. Supporting autistic people through grief
6. Strategies for families, educators and professionals
7. Reflections on wider cultural approaches to death

Whether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, or a professional supporting neurodivergent people, this episode offers both practical insights and moving lived experience.

Please note: This episode discusses sensitive themes. If you experience distress, please seek support through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the services below.

Additional resources:

Aspect’s self-compassion program: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-research/evidence-informed-guides-programs/aspaa

Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/

Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/

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