A new partnership between Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) and Malek Fahd Islamic School will expand access to specialist autism education for families in Sydney, with new satellite classrooms set to open at the schools Greenacre campus from Term 1, 2027.

The new classrooms will be located within Malek Fahd Islamic School and will initially support students from Kindergarten to Year 4 who require specialist autism-specific learning support.

The partnership brings together Aspect’s more than 60 years of experience in autism-specific education with Malek Fahd Islamic School’s supportive, faith-led learning environment, creating a new education option for Autistic students and their families.

Students will learn in a small, structured classroom setting with trained staff from Aspect South East Sydney School and a high staff-to-student ratio, while also having opportunities to participate in the wider life and activities of Malek Fahd Islamic School.

Specialist support with connection to a wider school community

Aspect’s satellite classroom model provides autism-specific education within a mainstream school setting. It enables students to receive individualised specialist support while creating opportunities for connection, participation and inclusion within the broader school community.

Jo Tisdell, Principal of Aspect South East Sydney School, said,  “We are very proud to partner with Malek Fahd Islamic School to establish new autism-specific classrooms where students will receive specialist support while being part of a welcoming and connected school community,” Ms Tisdell said.

“Every Autistic student has different strengths, interests and support needs, and it’s important that families have access to educational options that recognise and respond to those differences. We’re excited about what this partnership will offer students and families, and we look forward to becoming part of the Malek Fahd Islamic School community.”

Individualised learning and support

Aspect’s approach recognises that every Autistic student has individual strengths and learns in different ways.

Students will benefit from personalised, evidence-informed teaching and learning, small class sizes and a high level of individual support. The program will also help  students to develop skills in areas such as communication, social connection and independence, with close collaboration between families, educators and other professionals.

The Aspect classrooms may be suitable for students who:

  • have an autism diagnosis and require specialist autism learning support
  • can participate in structured classroom learning with appropriate support
  • are not yet ready to learn full-time in a mainstream classroom
  • would benefit from a small class and a high level of individual support.

Each student’s individual needs and suitability for the program will be considered through Aspect’s enrolment and eligibility process.

Expanding choice for families

This partnership will give families another education option that combines specialist autism support with the opportunity for their child to learn as part of a broader school community.

Dr Zachariah Matthews, Principal, Malek Fahd Islamic School, said,“For many Muslim families, this initiative provides a pathway that has not previously existed in Australia. We are honoured to be leading the way and look forward to welcoming learners into a setting where they can grow academically, socially and spiritually while receiving the specialist support they deserve.”

Enrolments open for 2027

Opening in Term 1, 2027 for students from Kindergarten to Year 4.

To learn more, register for a free online information session, visit: www.mfis.nsw.edu.au/aspect/

About Aspect

Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. Celebrating 60 years in 2026, Aspect is a not-for-profit organisation working 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 practice.

About Malek Fahd Islamic School

Established in 1989, Malek Fahd Islamic School provides education grounded in Islamic values and the NSW curriculum. The school is committed to supporting students academically, spiritually, socially and personally, and creating a learning environment where students can develop a strong sense of identity, purpose and belonging.