Michaela Wynne S00153267

Assessment 2
Agency Report

Autism is a developmental conditional that impacts 1 in 100 people (Aspect, 2015). It

affects an individuals ability to relate to their environment and influences their social
interaction with others (Aspect, 2015). Autism Spectrum Australia, known as Aspect, is an
agency devoted to providing the best opportunities for people with autism and other
disabilities.

The agency was first established in 1969 by a small group of adults who were the parents
of autistic children (Aspect, 2015). Andrew Vern Barnett was the founder of the agency,
and it was his passion for improving the lives of those with autism and their families that
lead him to the creation of Aspect (Aspect, 2015). Aspects imprint on the autistic
community in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT has been extensive with the
establishment of schools devoted to the needs of autistic children and the provision of
services that aim to make a difference for these people. This agency is now in contact with
more than 10000 children, youth and adults with autism as well as their families (Aspect,
2015). This number is continuously on the rise as this organization has a strong strategic
focus that drives its performance and motivation within each service unit.

Aspect has a very clear vision and mission striving to create and provide the best
opportunities for people with autism and other disabilities and to deliver person-centered
solutions by providing flexible, responsive and evidence-informed services (Aspect,
2015). The agency is currently the leading service provider for autism affected individuals
and families providing extensive services (Aspect, 2015). Autism Spectrum Australia is
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most well known for their specialized, evidence-informed schools program as it is the
largest in the world. This is a specialized education program that is offered in eight
schools as well as 94 satellite classrooms and an itinerant educational outreach team
(Aspect, 2015). They aim to help their students become more independent and enable
then to succeed in the wider community. Aspect schools provide an educational program
for children diagnosed with autism that is formed on the basis of collated evidence
(Aspect, 2015). They provide a structured learning environment that is encompassed
within a strong network of support provided by speech pathologists, occupational
therapists, family counsellors, psychologists and teachers (Aspect, 2015). The evidence
based approach employed within these schools is known as the Aspect Comprehensive
Approach for Education, which strives to recognize the individual needs of all students
with autism (Aspect, 2015). This approach is employed through the use of individual
education plans which are designed based on social, behavioral and sensory skills which
are the core competencies associated with autism. These schools aim to help their
students succeed and display characteristics such as responsibility, respect and doing
their best, which reflect the values of Australian schooling (Department of Education,
Science and Training, 2005). Students well-beings are of Aspects best interest and they
devote time to ensuring all individuals have a positive state of mind. A childs well-being is
vital and it is important that they have a strong sense of purpose and control so they can
discover enjoyment in all aspects of life (Response Ability, 2014).

Individuals can not be discriminated against on the basis of disability (Equal Opportunity
Act, 2010). Equality is a right, and the nullifying or impairment of opportunity due to a
disability is deemed discrimination and unlawful (Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Act,
1986). Through this agency and its policies we see a strong motivation to achieve equal
opportunity for those who suffer from autism and other disabilities. Aspect aims to develop
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educational settings for autistic children where they can receive an education that is
accessible and personally tailored to them (Aspect, 2015). Autism Spectrum Australia
works towards what is best for the child, which is inline with the convention on the rights of
a child (Australian Human Rights Commission, 1990). Legislation states that organizations
concerning children must have the best interests of the child as their primary consideration
which is evident in all services provided by this agency (Australian Human Rights
Commission, 1990). It is the right of a child to be able to access education and special
education if required (Australian Human Rights Commission, 1990). Aspect's vision and
mission is to help people who suffer from autism and other disabilities experience life to
the fullest by providing them with the best opportunities. A disability does not impact on an
individuals rights, and should not negatively change the way they are treated by society
(Disability Discrimination Act, 1992). Law states that individuals who suffer from a disability
should be empowered and encouraged to exercise their rights as a member of the
community (Disability Act, 2006). These individuals have the right to access services which
support their quality of life which is the core value of Aspect, as they aim to enrich the lives
of all individuals who take part in their services (Disability Act, 2006). It is also a
requirement by law that a disability service is flexible and responsive to the individual
needs of those with a disability (Disability Act, 2006). Through the Aspect Comprehensive
Approach for Education and the implication of individual education plans we can see that
Aspect tailors individually to all those they come in contact with.

Aspect has offices based in New South Wales, the ACT and Victoria, however their
services are accessible Australia wide (Aspect, 2015). As previously mention Autism
Spectrum Australia offers a network of autism-specific schools and classes where the
individual needs of each student is met and catered for. Along with school involvement, the
agency offers a variety of services including:
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- Diagnostic assessments
- Early days workshops
- Autism Advisor Program
- Early intervention programs
- Educational outreach
- Positive behavior support (a range of specified strategies that enable achieving desired
outcomes whilst preventing problem behaviour (Lewis, 2015))
- Adult services
- Parent support network
- Parental education and professional development
- Cultural and Indigenous support
- (Aspect, 2015)
All services can be accessed by the wider community and in partnership with these
services, Aspect offer over the phone customer services where individuals can easily
assess verbal information and support when in immediate need (Aspect, 2015). When
developing their programs, Aspect made sure that services not only supported the
individual but their families as well. It is recognized that family partnerships are crucial,
therefore all services have strong involvement of parents and require high levels of
communication (Department of Education and Training, 2014).

Social justice reflects and holds value in the idea of fairness and equality (FSG Australia,
2015). It is about keeping balance between all groups of society and the community by
the removal of barriers, such as disability (FSG Australia, 2015). Aspect addresses the
issues of social justice by ensuring that there is equal distribution of opportunities amongst
all people by enabling those diagnosed with autism the chance to experience all
opportunities of life that society may be unwilling to provide them. Equality is Aspects
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mission, and they perform this by making sure that a disability doesn't impact the
opportunities an individual may be offered.

Access to the services provided by Autism Spectrum Australia is open to all who inquire.
Individuals can enroll themselves or their children into programs through contact with the
agency where guidance is provided to make sure decisions are made that best suit an
individuals needs and situation (Aspect, 2015). Even though services are open to the
public, referrals can be made, but they are not essential. Medial professionals will often
refer patients to the agency for diagnostic assessment and schools will often often make
contact with the educational outreach program where referrals to specialist schools and
classrooms can be made (Aspect, 2015). Referrals such as these require the completion
of intake forms which require dates and details of diagnosis, as well as information
regarding severity and impacts on behavior (Aspect, 2015).

Aspect have a range of responses and strategies which are embedded through out their
services that aid in the enrichment of the lives of those who part take in these programs.
The agencys responses to individual circumstances are based on their life stage and the
severity of their diagnosis. All services are grouped together according to life stage, such
as early years, primary years, adolescent, adult and family (Aspect, 2015). This means
that each case is approached in the best way possible with a suitable program that suits
the individual. Strategies and responses will alter for each case, and Aspect pride
themselves on their ability to offer flexible services that meet specific criteria for each
person. The agency also caters for the needs of those who are culturally and linguistically
diverse, paying special attention to the aboriginal culture of Australia (Aspect, 2015).
Aspect have developed a range of Aboriginal specific documents on autism which are
easily accessible to those who require them.
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Autism Spectrum Australia have a heavy focus on educational outreach and aim to provide
teachers with as much information and support as they can when faced with teaching a
child diagnosed with autism. Aspect have educational resources available for teachers
upon request, as well as school based in-service professional development programs and
provision of learning and development courses (Aspect, 2015). The agency also provide a
customer service hotline which can be used for the acquisition of specific information
needed for a particular incident that has occurred in the classroom which requires
assistance (Aspect, 2015).

Individuals who are diagnosed with autism learn in a very particular way. They require
tailored learning plans and specific attention in order to maximize the learning that the
child is capable of. When teaching children with autism it is important to assess their ways
of learning in order to discover their preferred learning style (Hirsrtwood, 2012). Howard
Gardener suggests that individuals have a preferred learning style which is described in
his theory of multiple intelligences (Businessballs, 2015). Gardner labels 9 different
learning styles, and it is recognized by educators that the identification of an autistic childs
preferred learning style is crucial in the development of their individual education plans.
In relation to autism and the importance of the environment in which an autistic child finds
themselves, we can also see evidence of Bronfenbrenner's theory of child development.
Bronfenbrenner highlights how a childs environment can impact their growth and
development (Oswalt, 2008). Referred to as the microsystem, is a childs environment that
includes their immediate relationships, such as parents, but also schools and
organizations that are of close intimacy with the child (Oswalt, 2008). It is recognized that
the more encouraging and nurturing a school environment is, the better the child will be
able to grow (Oswalt, 2008). Aspect is devoted to creating services that provide the best
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opportunities for children with autism which nurture and care for the individual and specific
needs.

Autism Spectrum Australia aims to enrich the lives of those impacted by Autism, and
through their many services they are making a positive impact on the nation of Australia.
Highly detailed information about all their programs and visions can be located on their
website where they share their aspirations and hopes for the autistic community.

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REFERENCE LIST

Australian Human Rights Commission. (1990). Convention on the rights of a child.

Retrieved from https://www.humanrights.gov.au/convention-rights-child
Department of Education, Science and Training. (2005). National Framework for Values
Education in Australian Schools. Retrieved from http://www.curriculum.edu.au/verve/
_resources/Framework_PDF_version_for_the_web.pdf

Autism Spectrum Australia. (2015). About Aspect. Retrieved from https://

www.autismspectrum.org.au/content/about-aspect

Businessballs. (2015). Howard Gardners Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved from http://

www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm

Department of Education and Training. (2014). Importance of Family Partnerships.

Retrieved from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/partnerships/Pages/
familypartnerimportance.aspx

Disability Act 2006, Victorian State Government. Part 5, Section 1. Retrieved from http://
www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubStatbook.nsf/
f932b66241ecf1b7ca256e92000e23be/0B82C05270E27961CA25717000216104/$FILE/
06-023a.pdf

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Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Commonwealth of Australia. Part 1, Section 5.

Retrieved from http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2014C00013/Html/
Text#_Toc374623161

Equal Opportunity Act 2010, VIctorian State Government. Part 2, Section 7. Retrieved from
http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/ltobjst8.nsf/
DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/8F8C26D69F046558CA257D0900094156/$FI
LE/10-16aa013%20authorised.pdf

Hirsrtwood, R. & Smith, Clive. (2012). Learning Styles and Autism. Retrieved from http://
www.autismspectrum.org.au/content/what-autism

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986, Commonwealth of Australia.
Part 1, Section 3. Retrieved from http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/
C2006C00094/0149d776-b489-4a35-b5a3-f974e4790bd3.

Lewis, Tim. (2015). Building a Realistic Pyramid of Instructional and Behavioral Support for
Prevention and Intervention. Retrieved from https://www.pbis.org/resource/117/building-arealistic-pyramid-of-instructional-and-behavioral-supports-for-prevention-and-intervention?
text-only

Oswalt, Angela. (2008). Urie Bronfenbrenner and Child Development. Retrieved from
https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/urie-bronfenbrenner-and-child-development/

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Response Ability. (2014). Promoting resilience and wellbeing. Retrieved from http://
www.responseability.org/home/fact-sheets-and-podcasts/promotion-and-prevention?
a=10538

Standing for Freedom, Social Justice and Growth. (2015). Social Justice. Retrieved from
http://www.fsg.org.au/about-us/social-justice/

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ASSESSMENT RUBRIC
(sorry about the images, my computer wouldnt let me attach the rubric)

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