A Different Brilliant

In this episode, host Angus Hamill speaks with Dr Chris Edwards and Jess Rowlings about the role gaming can play in the lives of Autistic and neurodivergent people. Together they explore how games can support friendship, communication, teamwork, confidence and belonging, while also discussing the risks of problematic gaming and how families can encourage healthy, balanced gaming habits.

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In this episode of a different brilliant®, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Belinda Duncombe, Teacher and Leader of Learning and Wellbeing at Aspect South East Sydney School, and Louise Farrugia, Occupational Therapist at Aspect Therapy, to explore dysregulation and what it can look and feel like for Autistic people.

Together, they unpack how sensory, cognitive, social and communication demands can build throughout the day, sometimes leading to overwhelm, shutdown or other responses. They discuss why dysregulation is not simply behaviour that appears “out of nowhere”, but can be the nervous system communicating that things have becom...

"School can’t" is more than simply not wanting to go to school. For some Autistic students, the demands and stresses associated with school can become so overwhelming that attending feels difficult or even impossible.

In this episode of a different brilliant®, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Tahlia Morgan, Head of Wellbeing at Aspect Vern Barnett School, and Tiffany Westphal, Director of School Can’t Australia, to explore what "school can’t" is and how parents, carers and educators can better support Autistic students experiencing school-related distress.

Together, they unpack why the language we use...

Learning to drive is a significant milestone but for Autistic young people there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

In this episode of a different brilliant®, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Brad Williams, Founder and CEO of Williams OT, occupational therapist, driver assessor and driving instructor, and Jérôme Etteridge, Aspect teacher aide, former Aspect student and licensed driver.

Drawing on professional expertise and lived experience, Brad shares practical insights on recognising driving readiness, building skills at the right pace and supporting learner drivers, while Jérôme reflects on his own experience of learn...

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 a...

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 e...

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...

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 an...

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 an...

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...

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.

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 ri...

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 wi...

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.

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In the latest episode of A Different Brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Michael Theo and therapist and author Jodi Rodgers to explore relationships, dating, intimacy and consent.

Together, they unpack common myths, including the idea that people on the autism connection don’t want romantic or physical connection, and highlight the diversity of neurodivergent experience when it comes to love, communication and sensuality.

Topics include:

• Navigating dating as an Autistic person

• How to build healthy relationships and self-worth

• Understanding consent through an Autistic lens

• Supporting...

Join host Madeleine Jane Lobsey and Aspect’s Positive Behaviour Support practitioner Anna James as they discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA and autism strategies and why anxiety, not defiance, drives avoidance.

Also known as Persistent Drive for Autonomy and Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, Anna offers examples and practical tips for parents, educators and employers when working with Autistic children and adults.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jaine Lobsey is joined by 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame — advocate, author, artist and proud autistic woman — for a powerful conversation about autism and masking.

Together, they unpack the lived experience of masking: the conscious and unconscious effort many Autistic people make to hide or suppress their needs to feel safe, fit in, or survive in a world not designed for them. Grace shares with honesty and insight how masking shaped her life, the cost it can have on physical and mental health, and the profound impact of f...

Host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, explores with Dr. Wenn Lawson and Prof. Sandra Thom-Jones why so many older Autistic people have gone undiagnosed, the lasting impact of late recognition and the critical need for autism-friendly accommodations in healthcare and aged care. A conversation that sheds light on an often-overlooked generation and the changes needed to create a more inclusive future.

Dr. Wenn Lawson is an Autistic researcher, author, speaker and poet with expertise in autism across generations. His work focuses on improving autism understanding and support, particularly in areas of mental health and ageing. He is the author...

Our host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey and Meghan Williams, Aspect's Education Autism Practice Manager, discuss school transitions. They explore the common challenges that are faced by starting a new school, returning to school, and also transitional periods during the day. They also discuss the strategies that can be implemented to help Autistic students adapt during this time of change. This episode is perfect for parents and educators to learn more about how to support Autistic children in the classroom.

Join our host, Madeleine Jaine Lobsey as she chats with Dr Chris Edwards and Dr Abbey Love from the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) to explore the pros and cons of autism disclosure and what society can do to reduce the challenges and risks associated with disclosure. . We will also hear how sharing being Autistic can lead to acceptance and authenticity, but also to stigma and discrimination.

This episode is a must-listen for Autistic people faced with the often-complicated decision of when, where and how to disclose they are Autistic. Non-Autistic listeners will gain insights...

In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Aspect's PBS & Safeguarding Manager, Jessica Degrassi to address the topic of "Positive Behaviour Support", or "PBS". They look at both the support for, and some of the misconceptions around, the subject.

Note that this podcast addresses topics that may be sensitive to some listeners. If this causes you distress, please seek professional help or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Aspect online resources

Aspect has some great resources available based on their 50+ years of expertise...

In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) researchers, Dr Abbey Love and Dr Chris Edwards, and Occupational Therapist/Researcher/Parent, Leah Wiseman. Together, they discuss the worldwide epidemic of loneliness, debunk myths surrounding autism and loneliness, share effective strategies to reduce loneliness and discuss how a shift in society’s social expectations can allow Autistic people to be their authentic selves and strengthen their social connections.

Visit the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice loneliness research page to learn more about this study or sign up to fi...

In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Natalie Phillips-Mason and Lisa Whinnen, to discuss the importance of providing inclusive retail shopping experiences for Autistic shoppers. This is a must-listen episode for anyone working in the retail sector or retail shop designers and shopfitters.

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In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Michael Theo, star of hit TV shows Austin and Love on the Spectrum, to discuss the topic of navigating friendship in the high school years.

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In this episode, Dr. Vicki Gibbs, a clinical psychologist and Head of Research at Aspect, and Amanda Scali, a teacher and assistant principal, share insights on the research behind sibling experiences, strategies for parents to support all their children, and personal stories and experiences about growing up with an Autistic sibling.

Host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Kate Bondar, Senior Manager for Stakeholder Engagement and Passenger Experience Sydney Airport, and Ainslie Robinson, Aspect’s Working in Partnership Sr Officer. Ainslie discusses her experiences travelling with her two children on the autism spectrum, provides her tips and tricks as an Autistic parent, and her wish list for airlines, cruise ships, theme parks and more.

Kate also provides some tips when travelling through airports and how Sydney Airport is adapting to be more inclusive and sensory-friendly for people with hidden disabilities.

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In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by author and medical writer Benison O’Reilly (‘The Australian Autism Handbook’, Ventura Press). Together they explore how to support Autistic teenagers through adolescence, offering advice on aiding their social interactions and friendships. They also address common puberty and mental health challenges to help parents provide comprehensive support during these transformative years.

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Join us for the latest episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’. Our host, Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, is joined by Kerry Chin, an aromantic/asexual Autistic person. In this episode, we discuss World Autism Understanding Day – not World Autism Awareness Day as some of you may have heard about, but Understanding Day.

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On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Adam Howie and Emma Dresens from Positive Partnerships. Orion, Adam, and Emma explore the topic of autism and First Nations people.

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On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Professor Adam Guastella & Lorna Hankin from University of Sydney, and Stephanie Soans from Aspect Employment. Orion, Adam, Lorna, and Stephanie explore the topic of transitioning young Autistic adults from school to employment. Plus the important of inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

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On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Aspect Education National Director Maryanne Gosling. Orion and Maryanne explore the topic of autism specific education.

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On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by A-League Women's Soccer star Emma Stanbury, and Aspect Occupational Therapist Amy Gruskin. Orion, Emma, and Amy explore the topic of movement, sport and autism.

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On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Aspect's Sunflowers in Sydney Ambassador's Rebecca Street and Michael Ward. Orion, Rebecca and Michael explore the topic of hidden disabilities and autism, challenges in accessing community services, inclusivity and the innovative Sunflowers in Sydney scheme.

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On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Aspect Psychologist Caitlin Jeremy. Orion and Caitlin explore the topic of mental health and autism, including why more people on the autism spectrum are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, comorbidities and where to seek help.

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On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Clinical Neuropsychologist Nicole Mathieson. Orion and Nicole explore the topic of ADHD and autism. They discuss the similarities and differences of these diagnoses and the impact on children and adults misdiagnosed.

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On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by singer, songwriter Alex The Astronaut. Orion and Alex explore the topic of World Autism Awareness Day and the importance of moving away from awareness to understanding and appreciation.

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On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Cheryl Lumsden, mother of an Autistic son with high support needs. Orion and Cheryl explore what complex and high support needs might look like for an Autistic person.

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