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 exceptional entrepreneurs and changemakers.

The conversation also examines how Autistic thinking differs from neurotypical approaches, why society needs Autistic innovation, and how strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming supports could help more Autistic people thrive.

All rights reserved.

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hiring through technology and design, this conversation explores how traditional recruitment processes, often built on outdated assumptions, continue to filter out the very talent organisations are seeking to include.

The episode also highlights Aspect and HireVue’s collaboration on developing an inclusive recruitment guide and broader thought leadership, offering practical insights into how employers can design fairer, more accessible hiring processes. From job descriptions and screening tools through to interview design and workplace adjustments, this discussion challenges “the way we’ve always done it” and provides a pathway forward.

Whether you’re an employer, recruiter, or Autistic jobseeker, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating more inclusive, effective and human-centred employment practices.

Further resources and reading:

Autism Friendly Employment: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-services/aspect-autism-friendly-employment

About Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia):

Aspect is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work 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 practices.

Stay Connected:

Subscribe to our channel for more videos.

Visit our website: https://www.aspect.org.au/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Aspect.Links

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Contact Us:

For more information, or to discuss how we can help you, please contact our customer service team on 1800 277 328.

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 and allied health professionals in early identification and support.

This episode is for parents, carers and professionals seeking information about the future of early childhood supports in Australia.

All rights reserved

Resources

• Thriving Kids – Fact Sheet
• Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report (Report, Summary and Easy Read)
• Positive Partnerships
• Thriving Kids service Design Engagement and Consultation
• Aspect’s position on Thriving Kids