Celebrating 50 years of autism education Aspect Vern Barnett School

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is proud to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the first purpose-built autism school, the Vern Barnett Teaching Centre – now known as Aspect Vern Barnett School - which opened in 1971.

This pictorial account illustrates Aspect’s long and proud history of understanding, engaging and celebrating the strengths, interests and aspirations of people on the autism spectrum. This is dedicated to the thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families who have been a part of this amazing journey.

In 1966, the Autistic Children’s Association of NSW, as it was then known, was started by a committed group of parents led by Dr. Andrew and Mrs. Margaret Vern Barnett.

Their aim of developing a school for children on the autism spectrum was driven by the need for an appropriate school to cater for their daughter Susan, who was on the autism spectrum. By September 1967, the school was opened in a leased premise at the corner of Forest Way and Perentie Avenue in Belrose, NSW with five students and three teachers.

A new school site at Forestville was opened in 1971, which replaced and enlarged the site at Belrose.

Named after Dr Andrew Vern Barnett, the new school site allowed Aspect to enrol a larger number of students and provide specialised school facilities and programs.

Throughout the 1970’s, innovative teaching methods were developed and introduced into classrooms and playgrounds to support children on the autism spectrum. These learnings and methods were also evaluated with their findings published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at International conferences. This was the beginning of Aspect’s ongoing commitment to an evidence-informed approach to education.

Today, Aspect Vern Barnett School in Forestville has grown and currently provides placement for approximately 120 students on the autism spectrum from ages 4 to 16 years, as well as satellite classes within the Catholic Diocese and Department of Education schools in Sydney’s northern suburbs.

Aspect Vern Barnett School is registered and accredited by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA). Class programs align with the NSW curriculum with accommodations and adjustments made to meet individual needs and to ensure positive learning opportunities. Incorporating the students’ strengths and interests into their learning is an integral element of each class program. Each student also has an individualised plan which outlines their unique profile of strengths and learning styles.

Aspect has grown to become Australia's largest education service provider for children on the autism spectrum, with nine independent schools operating from 72 locations in NSW and South Australia, and catering for more than 1,100 students.

We would like to acknowledge the Guringai people for which the lands sits on and thank the founders of Aspect for their vision and foresight, the many valued donors, and everyone who has worked and volunteered with this great organisation.

To find out more about Aspect Schools visit

Aspect Schools

Tel: (02) 9454 8359 email: vbschool@autismspectrum.org.au

Appreciate