A message from our Chair and CEO
Welcome to Issue 30 of Eyes on Autism. As AEIOU approaches 20 years of service, we recognise the meaningful support we have received over many years from partners who share our vision. This includes politicians and policy makers across all levels of government, academics, donors, families, board members, and importantly, staff.
We will celebrate our anniversary and AEIOU’s impact throughout 2025, while simultaneously focusing on this organisation’s future.
Most readers will have heard about recent NDIS reforms. What you might not realise is the rapid nature of these changes and the resulting impact to children, families, and organisations across the sector.
This is important not just in our autism community, but to every Australian who believes all children are deserving of care and attention.
The NDIS Amendment Bill passed on 22 August 2024, but changes began months before this, in an approach which is of great concern for the most vulnerable autistic children and families. AEIOU seeks to protect the integrity of evidencebased early intervention and to ensure ongoing access to specialist supports for the children who need it most. We continue to actively engage with policymakers across the early intervention and autism care sectors, ensuring that the needs, and rights of each child are heard.
Acknowledgement of Country
As we look to our anniversary and consider AEIOU’s evolution, our mission to enrich the lives of autistic children and their families remains at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Mark Algie, Chair Alan Smith, CEO
AEIOU Foundation acknowledges and pays respect to this nation’s Traditional Custodians and Elders past and present, and the continuation of cultural, spiritual, and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In the spirit of reconciliation, children attending AEIOU learn about the living culture, history, and achievements of First Nations peoples through the genuine culture and learning frameworks embedded in our learning environments. It is important to us that AEIOU is always a safe, understanding, and equal space for all our families, team members, and stakeholders.
This is a representation of the Acknowledgement of Country using images from the Picture Exchange Card System (PECS), a tool we use with children we support to help develop functional communication skills.
Preferred Language Statement
We know people use different words to talk about autism, and each person will have a way of talking about autism and about themselves that they like best. Some people like to say ‘autistic person’ (identity-first language), some like to say ‘person with autism’ (person-first language), and some are fine with using either.
In this Eyes On Autism publication, we use a mix of identity-first and person-first language.
New: part-time therapy supports and early learning childcare
As AEIOU celebrates 20 years of empowering children and families, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our autism support services. In addition to our renowned full-time early intervention program, we now offer a broader range of supports to meet the diverse needs of autistic children and their families.
These exciting new services now encapsulate autism assessments, standalone early education and childcare, private therapy appointments, and flexible parttime enrolments.
In late 2024, we successfully piloted the new standalone early education and childcare program (the Supported Learning Space) across five locations, offering families more options for early education. We’re now expanding enrolments for these services across various AEIOU centres.
The Supported Learning Space provides expert early education and care tailored for children, and greater flexibility in accessing
supports, which is very important during a volatile time of change across the NDIS.
These changes open up new possibilities for supporting even more children on their developmental journeys, ensuring AEIOU continues to deliver the best-practice autism supports we are known for.
autism assessments
specialist childcare private therapy
early intervention centre program
full-time / part-time
More about the Supported Learning Space
This is a tried and tested approach to supporting accessible, neuroaffirming early childhood early education.
Designed for children with autism or Global Developmental Delay, this enriching program offers individualised educational support in small class sizes with a high staff-to-child ratio. While therapeutic supports are not part of this pilot, families have the freedom to seek therapy services externally, or via AEIOU’s emerging private therapy service.
Children and families will love the safe, nurturing environment, which can serve as a stepping stone on a child’s early learning journey— as a transition to integrated therapy, mainstream kindergarten, or mainstream schooling.
With more centres launching the Supported Learning Space Program in 2025, now is the perfect time to register your interest at aeiou.org.au.
The latest family resources
Read:
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings –Britney Winn Lee
Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism – Barry M. Prizant with Tom FieldsMeyer, an updated and expanded version from one of the world’s leading autism experts
More than Words – Roz MacLean, all about different ways of communicating
Leah’s Voice – Lori Demonia, a story that touches on the difficulties of explaining to others what an autistic child needs
Listen:
‘Found in Translation’, on ABC’s Australian Story with Professor Tony Attwood
‘I Am Jack’, on ABC’s Australian Story
Watch:
Atypical on Netflix: a series which follows autistic teenager Sam as he decides to become newly independent
Life, Animated on Amazon Prime: after watching animated Disney movies, a young autistic man finally finds a common language in which to communicate with his parents
Do:
Attend a sensory experience at your local museum
GameAware resources: learn how to help children develop a healthy relationship with gaming while building connection
Standing with families through NDIS Reform
AEIOU has long recognised that change is the only constant in life, and this is certainly true when it comes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Armed with research-backed evidence and a strong tradition of advocacy, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the voices of autistic children and their families are heard when government policies are under review.
Right now, with the NDIS rolling out sweeping reforms that significantly impact AEIOU families and other autistic children in our communities, our advocacy is more important than ever.
An independent review of the NDIS was announced in October 2022, following widespread publicity around the Scheme’s rising costs. AEIOU actively participated in this review process.
While we understood the Scheme’s costs needed to be controlled, we remained adamant that children with complex needs and their families should be included in the consultation process, and access to evidence-based supports which have a return on investment to individuals, family, community and the economy should be retained.
When the Review was published at the end of 2023, there was cautious optimism regarding the Australian Government’s commitment to a five-year reform timeline. There was hope that this would allow leaders in the disability sector time to adjust accordingly, and for participants to be supported through change.
However, months before the first tranche of legislation was passed in October 2024, troubling signs emerged: NDIS plan reviews were under extensive delay alongside increasing cases of denials to funded supports for autistic children with complex needs.
AEIOU raised these concerns early, warning of the risks posed to this cohort of children and their families. As the impact of these changes accelerated, AEIOU launched an advocacy campaign.
We continue to encourage all AEIOU staff, families, and the community to contact their local MP and senators, as well as the NDIS Minister Hon. Bill Shorten about any concerns they have with the reforms.
This is an important point of interest for all Australians: we live in a privileged country, and it is extraordinary to see children who are deserving of everybody’s care and attention being failed in this way.
AEIOU is committed to maintaining access to quality supports during this time of uncertainty, introducing part-time enrolment options and a specialist childcare service.
You can show your support by signing the petition to safeguard integrated, intensive therapy supports for this special group of children.
Getting behind your community will help ensure their voices and lived experiences are heard. Please sign our petition and join us in advocating for the future of autistic children.
About children accessing AEIOU’s services:
A significant number of families attending AEIOU are now receiving low-value NDIS plans, limiting the quality and duration of critical autism supports their child can access
15% of parents in our cohort report high stress levels, and an additional 30% of parents report clinically high stress levels
7.41% are First Nations, Torres Strait Islander, and/or Australian South Sea Islander
36.07% identify as culturally and linguistically diverse
At AEIOU, children make gains in early learning skills, often at rates above what would be expected of a typically developing child
New autismspecific therapy centre opens in Townsville
AEIOU’s newest autism-specific therapy centre in Townsville is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and unwavering dedication to purpose.
The brand-new facility in Idalia officially opened in August, providing much-needed services to Townsville children and families navigating autism.
But the centre is more than just a building – it represents AEIOU’s continuing commitment to supporting the Townsville community while showing the power of unity to overcome adversity, after the previous centre was burned down due to arson in March.
The centre’s opening was officiated by Deputy Premier and Treasurer Hon. Cameron Dick, with distinguished guests including: Aaron Harper MP, Hon. Scott Stewart MP, AEIOU Founder Associate Professor James Morton AM, and Les Walker MP.
This special opening event showcased the features of the purpose-built centre, including classrooms, state-of-the-art therapy rooms, a playground, and a dedicated parent education room.
In addition to the impressive new fit-out, the new centre boasts expanded classroom space, allowing AEIOU to serve even more families than the previous Kirwan location.
Comprehensive support sets children up for success
Funding for the centre was secured in 2023 thanks to government commitments, philanthropic donations, and community fundraising. This collective support became essential when AEIOU’s previous Townsville centre was destroyed by an arson attack in March this year.
In the months following the fire, an emergency appeal raised approximately $245,000, with major contributions from donors Bill Henderson and Ross ForganSmith. The funds were used to replace vital handmade resources lost in the blaze, demonstrating the remarkable generosity of AEIOU’s donor community.
Despite the tragedy, AEIOU was able to continue its essential services with generous support from childcare provider Billy Lids Kindergarten, which temporarily housed AEIOU’s program.
“The devastation our staff and families experienced as a result of the fire was palpable,” said AEIOU CEO Alan Smith. “The supportive community, therapy, and education accessed at AEIOU are unique and valuable. Having faced these challenges made our opening event even more special.”
Front: AEIOU Founder A/Prof James Morton AM, Les Walker MP, AEIOU CEO Alan Smith, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Hon Cameron Dick, AEIOU Chair Mark Algie, Service Delivery Manager Schahana Clark.
The $5.6 million facility, designed by the Buchan Group and built by Hutchinson Builders, was made possible through a mix of government and community funding, including a $1 million grant from the Queensland Government’s Resources Community Infrastructure Fund, $2 million from the Australian Government Department of Social Services, and contributions from the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation, Tim Fairfax Foundation, and Wantz Committee.
A truly supportive corner in the autism community, Spectrum Success Network stands out as a space of education, connection, and empowerment. This community is a place for parents to go for resources across a wide range of topics, offering access to a social network, blogs, and a locally produced podcast. The Spectrum Podcast, centred on parenting neurodiverse children, is a rich resource which addresses topics like socially appropriate behaviour, neuroaffirming practices, and mentoring.
Learn more about the Spectrum Success Network’s comprehensive support system for autistic individuals, families, and professionals online, at spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au.
Back: Parent Shae Holt, Aaron Harper MP, Centre Manager Emma Newham, Hon. Scott Stewart MP.
Clinicians take their skills to Cambodia
AEIOU Speech Pathologist Nicole Balzan and Occupational Therapist Paige Leicht joined a locum program to Cambodia in September as part of a program run by Australia Source Support Connect (AUS-SSC). Alongside a team of 26 general practitioners, paediatricians, and nurses from around the country, Nicole and Paige spent 6 days in Battambang and Siem Reap, providing allied health services to their patients, many of whom include children with disabilities.
Nicole said experiencing the health care system in Cambodia was eye-opening. “Many of the children we met live in villages with limited access to appropriate allied health training, resources, or medical treatment. This was a challenge for us, because we knew a support strategy that would work well for a kid in one environment – like at AEIOU – wouldn’t be suitable for a child with the same needs in this environment.”
Cultural perceptions around disability were also important to factor into clinical recommendations. “I worked with a child who was considered
‘just naughty’ because he liked to run away and climb furniture,” said Nicole.
“When I engaged with him, I figured he actually had a lot of sensory needs, and I observed that his climbing was a way for him to meet those. He climbed because he wanted to be high up so he could see things from different angles.
“Once we knew that, I was able to work with his grandma, who’s his carer, to help her better understand his needs and we came up with some other activities that helped him meet those sensory needs.”
One of Paige’s favourite moments from the trip took place at La Paloma in Battambang, where she supported children with physical disability to build independence.
“I adapted a pair of thongs to create a splint for a child. That helped them to open their hand space and, then, tap into more functional movement. I’ll never forget the smile on their face,” Paige said.
Learning about Cambodian culture and even a little of the Khmer language was also a highlight for both Paige and Nicole.
“We were able to create bonds with the children,” Paige said. “They shared stories about their lives and culture, and told us their goals for their futures.
“The whole experience expanded my skill set. It reminded me to be creative, and has made me driven to open my scope of practice.”
“I think it’s something everyone should do, learning about different cultures and life in other parts of the world,” Nicole added. “I loved it so much that maybe, next time, I’ll stay!”
Having a ball with Dolphins NRL
In August, Dolphins NRL players Mark Nicholls and Jack Bostock visited AEIOU Sippy Downs to run a mini rugby clinic at the centre. It was a day of kicking goals for all children at the centre, as we were joined by our friends (and some siblings) who attend AEIOU’s Early Learning Childcare (mainstream kindergarten) program across the corridor. Each child met and hung out with the players, received a special merchandise pack from the team, and learned how to kick the ball.
We are thrilled our partnership with the Dolphins NRL will continue in 2025, with AEIOU confirmed as a major charity partner for a second year.
Image Property Golf Day
A sincere thank you to Image Property for their continued support of AEIOU, with another fantastic Golf Day hosted at Keperra Golf Club on 13 September. On the day, 140 golf enthusiasts played through 18 holes, enjoyed music and sunshine, and shared a commitment to a great cause.
An auction and exciting raffles added to the day, which raised an amazing $64,000 of much-needed funds for children attending AEIOU. Thank you to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible.
Meet our team: Dr Kate Liley, Head of Research
AEIOU welcomes Dr Kate Liley, Head of Research, to AEIOU Foundation. Kate joined our team in September to lead the research and assessment portfolio.
Having spent the last 12 years with Goodstart Early Learning as National Research Manager, Kate is passionate about social impact, early education, and evidenceinformed practice. One of the things that excites Kate most about coming to work for AEIOU is the opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to clinical best-practice.
“It’s crucial that the unique cohort of children and families we serve benefit from AEIOU’s strong expertise in delivering quality, evidence-based supports,” she says.
Kate is also a champion of collaborative projects. During her career at Goodstart, she contributed to a multitude of collaborative projects, as well as 2 Australian Research Council (ARC) Centres of Excellence and 5 ARC Linkage Grants.
Kate’s primary focus at AEIOU is to build on and enhance the strong research foundation already in place, ensuring AEIOU continues to lead astute and valuable research focused on outcomes for autistic children. “We are a leader in childoutcomes autism research, and a high quality service provider of autism-specific assessments. My job is to ensure AEIOU continues these efforts, and remains a trusted advisor to families, community,
government, and other stakeholders in Australia’s early years sector.”
As for how Kate spends her time away from the desk, she is equally disciplined. She has been both student and teacher of Japanese martial art jujitsu, seen nearly every Saturday at a grading or competition. More often these days, she spends her weekends painting and drawing while her rescue cat, Gigi, snoozes nearby.
Creating a sensory-friendly home environment
For parents of children with high support needs, breaking away from the weekday routine and keeping children engaged at home can be stressful. Here are some quick tips to help you adjust your home environment to cater for your child’s unique needs.
1. Understand your child’s sensory preferences
Everyone’s sensory preferences are different. How does your child respond to bright lights or loud noises? Does staying still make them uncomfortable, and does running or dancing help them shake it off?
2. Build on their preferences
If they like colours and textures, you might create a sensory play station with dry rice, dry beans, or kinetic sand for your child to play with. You could move furniture to make space for active play, or pile
cushions and pillows together to set up a quiet storytime corner. Build activities around their favourite visuals, music, comforting scents, or snacks they love - whatever matches their sensory needs.
3. Reduce overwhelming sensations
When children feel sensory overwhelm, they might scream or hit or run from the room. The team at AEIOU use the ABC method to get curious about a child’s behaviours, collect data on each situation, and learn more about each child.
A is for Antecedent (what comes before the behaviour)
B is for Behaviour (what they do)
C is for Consequence (what happens after the behaviour)
The AEIOU team can help you focus on the A and the C. This will give you a better understanding of how you can help your child, whether it’s with noise-cancelling headphones, a familiar food, lower lighting, or another comfort.
To be inspired by activities that will not only keep your child’s busy brain engaged at home but also help them to develop communication, self-care, and play skills in a fun way, read more
“AEIOU is my village“: a parent’s journey
Jessie is a mother of three, including two sons with autism. Two years ago, her son Eli was struggling in a mainstream kindergarten that was unable to provide for his complex support needs. Jessie explains how Eli struggled to regulate his emotions, making it hard for him to feel comfortable and engage with others. “If a child is dysregulated, it is very hard for them to learn anything,” Jessie says. “The emotional impacts them and for everyone else in the family.”
When Jessie secured her son a place at AEIOU’s Camira centre in early 2024, things began to shift.
“At AEIOU, Eli began to receive the personalised attention he needed. For the first time, he started to thrive.
“Eli didn’t even know his own name when he started. Now, he’s referring to himself as ‘Eli’, speaking in sentences, singing, writing his name, and making friends,” Jessie explains.
At AEIOU, children are supported by a team of therapists and educators who have the knowledge, skills, time and resources to establish real partnerships with each child and their family. A day in an AEIOU classroom integrates therapy and early education with play, embracing each child’s preferences and building on their strengths.
The shift to AEIOU’s autism support services was transformative for Eli’s confidence. Through the tailored support he received, Eli has begun to engage with his peers and feel a sense of belonging. “As any parent of a child with autism knows, it’s so important for them to make those connections,” Jessie says. “Watching Eli develop this confidence not only changed his life but also brought immense relief and joy to our whole family.”
For Jessie, having all of Eli’s therapies accessible under one roof was a game-changer. Before AEIOU, she found it challenging to care for her two other children while juggling appointments for multiple therapies across different locations. “I was running around like a person chasing their tail. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural support. But here, everything is in one place,” Jessie noted.
Beyond Eli’s progress, Jessie is grateful for how supported she felt by the AEIOU team. “They are my village for Eli,” she said, highlighting how the regular meetings with therapists helped her understand Eli’s needs better and provided strategies she could use to support him at home. She says the continued support, even as Eli now looks to transition to mainstream schooling, has given her confidence that he will succeed in his new education environment.
“As a parent [of an autistic child], I would say AEIOU is the best decision that you can make for your child and for you. This is a place that is really well-thought-out for kids with autism, and my son has come so far. It is amazing, and I hope anyone thinking about this has the chance to come here and experience it for themselves.”
Climbing to new heights in Sippy Downs
Children at AEIOU Sippy Downs will have ample opportunities to have fun and develop their motor skills throughout the day, thanks to grants received from Buderim Foundation and Nambour Community Foundation (formerly Sundale Community Foundation).
With almost $9,500 from the Buderim Foundation, and more than $9,100 from the Nambour Community Foundation, the centre is set to be fitted out with new equipment for indoors and outdoors play, as well as classroom learning resources.
Centre Manager Kim Reid was delighted to receive the grants. Speaking after the Community Grants Celebration at Buderim War Memorial Hall, Kim said, “This funding will allow us to purchase new play equipment for the children.
“Outdoor and indoor play form a big part of our autism-specific supports, essential in helping children develop motor skills.
“Thank you to the organisations, as well as the local donors, bequestors, and fundraisers who contribute to this grant funding.”
“Taking
away the ’scary’“: A hairdresser builds trust
Imagine a stranger with a sharp object in one hand and a scratchy tool in the other coming towards you, then drenching you in water and blasting you with loud, hot air – unsettling, right? For many autistic children, getting a haircut can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Sarah from Lavelle Hair steps in. As a hairdresser who specialises in sensory-friendly haircuts, Sarah has visited the children at the AEIOU Logan centre every six weeks over the last year, working with therapists to transform a stressful experience into multiple positive – and super cute – haircuts.
Sarah says creating a positive haircut experience for kids with sensory sensitivities begins with a relationship based on trust.
“I start by taking away the ‘scary’ from the tools I use. I’ll give the child the hairbrush, so they can feel the bristles. I’ll let them look at the scissors, and we’ll listen to how they sound when they cut.
“I’ve used a vibrating toothbrush to help children get used to the buzzing noise of clippers being close to their ears and on their head. We explore all of this at their own pace before I cut a single hair.”
For a smoother salon visit, Sarah encourages families to familiarise their child with the whole haircut experience ahead of the big day. “Build play into your hair washing and brushing routine. Show them the clothes they’ll wear at the salon to keep those prickly hair trims away, like the cape or a longsleeved T-shirt if they prefer.
“I also invite families to drop by the salon with their child before an appointment, so the child can see and be in the space without the pressure of a haircut that minute,” Sarah says.
With a little preparation and communication, a haircut for a child with sensory needs can go from hellish to a sensory-friendly dream.
Community Connections
Over the last 12 months, the team at AEIOU has made spending more time in the community and strengthening our relationships with local community experts a priority. We have attended several key networking events, including:
Gold Coast Disability Expo
In June, we were joined by parents and carers, as well as educators, health professionals, and other service providers to discuss the benefits of autismspecific supports delivered in an integrated therapy, education and care setting.
Sunshine Coast Education Fair
The AEIOU Sippy Downs team showcased our specialist therapeutic and educational program and how this supports early development for autistic children. Our team were also inspired by conversations with other educators about how specialist services can partner with mainstream providers to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Community Workshops
Run by AEIOU in Townsville, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba
We hosted three free community workshops in regional locations across 2024. Themed ‘Embracing Your Child’s Potential’, these workshops allowed us to meet local parents and carers, and offer insights into practical strategies – like those we employ in our centres – to support autistic children.
Regional Disability Expos
In Bundaberg, Townsville, Toowoomba, and on the Sunshine Coast
We believe every autistic child deserves access to quality supports. Strengthening community partnerships in regional areas is key to this.
Toowoomba’s Able Connect Meeting
Serving as a major sponsor for the collaborative exchange held in August, our AEIOU Toowoomba team made strong connections with local families, while also learning from other service providers about the great work being done in the region.
We are thrilled to host even more free workshops across 2025.
Head to our website for full details.
Adelaide Kids & Youth Disability Expo
Our AEIOU Adelaide team enjoyed this valuable opportunity to hear personal stories from local families. They also shared learnings and experiences gained from almost two decades of supporting children with autism, and built community relationships for the benefit of all families who care for a child with high support needs.
Across all these events, one thing was clear: the passion and drive shared across communities to support and advocate for autistic children.
Local support for Little Learners
We’re so grateful for Apex Southport’s gift of $10,000 towards our Little Learners Fund, supporting children at our Gold Coast centre and their families during times of financial difficulty.
Apex Foundation also donated $5,000 towards new learning resources for the Gold Coast centre. A cubby house, sand tables, and indoor gym equipment will help children develop critical motor skills throughout the day.
Living life in full colour
On 8 September, the AEIOU Bundaberg team hosted their first Colour Run fundraiser. With more than 80 runners and 150 attendees, it was a vibrant and colourful day for the community.
Participants chose from 400m, 5km, and 10km options, a distance to suit every fitness level. They ran, walked or danced through a rainbow of colours and raised a total of $4,500. The event also raised awareness about autism and AEIOU’s services, and celebrated the strong local support of the Bundaberg community.
The AEIOU Bundaberg Colour Run also featured plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the day. Music, alpacas, park games, raffle prizes, and awards for the best costumes promised a fun-filled day for all. A huge shoutout to Centre Manager Layla and Early Intervention Specialist Diane, and the entire Bundaberg team for their outstanding effort and results!
Bargara Beach Campout raises thousands for
With incredible support from Rum City Rods and Customs and the Bundaberg community, approximately $80,000 was raised through the Bargara Beach Campout and generous sponsorships. This enables us to upgrade the playground at our Bundaberg centre, replace essential equipment, and enhance the outdoor spaces. We are deeply grateful for the local community’s generosity.
Learning opportunities granted by Bendigo Bank
Thanks to a community grant of over $14,000 from Bendigo Bank, the team at our Logan centre received 6 brand-new iPads to assist in the delivery of therapy supports across four classrooms. At AEIOU, iPads are not just used to engage children and run alternate augmentative communication programs, but also to collect data on children’s development and monitor their progress in real-time.
Centre Manager Phillipa Allen and her team are grateful for Bendigo Bank’s support. “These iPads are used in the centre on a daily basis, and are essential tools that enable us to deliver and monitor individualised therapy supports depending on the child.”
Bendigo Bank creates a positive social impact by investing 50% of local profits back into the community, made possible in partnership with 220 franchises across Australia. Collectively, the group has invested more than $360 million back into local communities. We’re delighted that when locals bank with Community Bank Logan & Helensvale, profits come back to Logan.
Staying sun-safe this summer
Children at our Canberra centre will be protected during playtime this summer, thanks to the IMB Bank Community Foundation. Their generous grant of more than $21,000 funds a shade sail in the centre’s playground, as well as backbone resources like classroom furniture and IT equipment.
WIRQ Luncheon raises critical funds
In October, Women in Insolvency and Restructuring Queensland nominated AEIOU Foundation as the charity beneficiary of their annual luncheon. Held at the Sofitel Brisbane with guest speakers Wally Lewis AM and Gayle Broughton, over 550 guests raised $38,452.18. AEIOU is very grateful to WIRQ and Westpac for their generous support.
Jurassic Jam: 10 Years Strong!
We celebrated a significant milestone on 24 August: Jurassic Jam’s 10th anniversary. This event sees Brisbane’s top business talents trading their suits for rock ‘n’ roll gear to support our children, creating an unforgettable night of good tunes for a great cause.
Over 600 attendees filled The Triffid for an incredible evening, enjoying performances from six talented cover bands: Gold Creek, Roger the Cabin Boy, Jump The Shark, The Manilows, The Planktons, and The Waterhouse Girls. The atmosphere was electric and the night a huge success, raising $82,000 for children with autism!
A massive thank you to everyone who has contributed to the ongoing success of Jurassic Jam. The past decade has seen us unite over 3,000 attendees and raise more than $400,000. Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of children with autism and their families.
Thank you, Team Jacob!
Team Jacob recently presented AEIOU Foundation with an extraordinary donation: a cheque for $91,000, from their amazing fundraising activities across 2024. What an incredible moment! Thank you, Team Jacob, for your outstanding generosity and continued support.
our supporters
AEIOU Foundation’s success and impact over the last two decades is made possible with thanks to our corporate partners, sponsors, funders, and donors, who support us to deliver individualised specialist support and help children with autism live their best lives.
Join our supporters by donating here
Bill Henderson
Ken Warriner Foundation
Brazil Family Foundation
Mary-Jeanne Hutchinson
Duke Foundation
Peabody Family
Douglas Family Foundation
Peter Heusler
Grant Flannery Family Foundation
Ross Forgan-Smith
Gambling Community Benefit Grant
Stephen Ryan
Jurassic Jam Committee Sue Howieson
Hazel and Brian Orton
What’s on
Be Awesome Toowoomba Fun Run & Family Day – Sunday 23 March
Be Awesome For Autism – April (World Autism Month)
Be Awesome Brisbane Fun Run & Family Day – Sunday 6 April
Join us for the Be Awesome for Autism Brisbane Fun Run and Family Day at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus. Come for the main events of the 400m kids’ dash, or the 5km or 10km run, and stay for the sensory play area, face painting, petting zoo, food trucks, and more! Register online.
Brisbane Chain Reaction Challenge – 2-9 May
Alongside funds raised in 2024, funds raised by Chain Reaction’s 2025 peloton will go towards the construction of a new purpose-built centre for autistic children living in southwest Brisbane and Ipswich, addressing a growing waitlist for autism-specific supports in the region.
For more information about the 2025 ride or to register, head online.
AEIOU 20th Anniversary Gala Ball – Saturday 21 June
A night of glamour at the Star Brisbane promises live entertainment, premium drinks, and indulgent three-course meal to celebrate two decades of AEIOU’s leading specialist support for children with autism.
Early bird tickets can be purchased by emailing events@aeiou.org.au.
