New Aspect to Autism Education
There is already a waiting list for places at the new Aspect Hills Shire School at Gables just, less than two months after the purpose built, autismspecific primary school opened its doors.
The development of the school was made possible through a $10.2 million investment jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program and Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia).
Aspect Hills Shire School is the tenth autism-specific school to be opened by Aspect across NSW and South Australia and will eventually cater for 72 students on the autism spectrum from Kindergarten to Year 6.
The two-storey school features 12 autism-friendly classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, a sensory outdoor area, life skills kitchen and technology room.
Hills father Irfan Hussain (pictured) said being able to take his son Aayan to a local Aspect school saved him at least 2 hours of travel time a day. “When you’re caring for a child with special needs, the thing that most often gets neglected are your own needs as a parent or a couple. Having that extra time for self-care or other personal goals is incredibly helpful for the family.”
Maryanne Gosling, Aspect’s National Director of Education, said: “We are thrilled to expand into the Hills Shire, one of the fastestgrowing areas in NSW.
“With Western Sydney now home to over a quarter of the state’s population, and Aspect’s latest estimate that more than 1 in 40 Australians are Autistic, the demand for specialist education continues to rise.”
Shane Morris, Principal of Aspect Hills Shire School said: “Since opening with an initial cohort of 24 students, Aspect Hills Shire School is on track for a phased expansion. In 2026, enrolment numbers will double to 48 students, with registrations currently open for Kindergarten and Year 1 for the next two years. By 2027, we will have 72 students.”
He said Aspect is planning a satellite program – an autism-specific classroom located within the grounds of a mainstream school.
“This will involve engaging with local mainstream schools to establish transition pathways for students who are ready to integrate into mainstream education settings through satellite classes within various primary schools.”
He said while there was a wait list the school would be holding information sessions each term. “We also offer school tours at our Gables campus, allowing parents to experience firsthand what our school has to offer.”
He said: “Parents are very positive about the school services, particularly the integration of Aspect Therapists within the school day. He said the “significant benefit” of the on-site services was that children no longer have to miss school days or part-days to access external therapy sessions.
“Beyond this, families have highlighted the strong sense of connection they feel—both with the school itself and with other like-minded families. They have also expressed appreciation for the supportive and professional staff, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in ensuring student success,” he said.
People wanting to find out more can visit the website at Aspect Hills Shire School – Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect).
