AUTISM FEATURE
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN From websites to support groups and social media hubs there are a multitude of destinations out there to assist you and your child, but determining what’s really useful and valuable can be overwhelming. Here are some of the resources that we think are a great place to start...
Amaze downloads and online learning Amaze has a wide range of evidencebased resources for autistic people, family members, professionals and educators. The materials are developed in consultation with autistic people and their families and reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure they’re respectful, accurate and practical. We especially love the useful, practical information sheets for parents, families and carers and the ones for people with autism. www.amaze.org.au/support/ resources/downloadable-resources
Aspect Another organisation with useful fact sheets to download is Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT). Topics covered include tackling bullying, siblings, mental health and wellbeing, positive behaviour support and more. Aspect have also recently released the Autism Launchpad – a website dedicated to information and supports for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. Each section on the site is divided into two tabs – one containing info targeted at young people, the other has relevant info and resources for parents. www.autismspectrum.org.au/ about-autism/fact-sheets www.autismlaunchpad.org.au
Autism Awareness Australia The goal of Autism Awareness is a simple one: “to improve the lives of all Australians on the autism spectrum and the families who love them.” Resources include campaigns, events, quality information and educational programs for families, professionals and the wider community. www.autismawareness.com.au
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Autism CRC If you feel like you want to go a bit deeper and you’re ready for some in-depth information and validated research then your first stop should definitely be Autism CRC – they are the world’s first national cooperative research effort focused on autism across the lifespan and their website is a vast repository of informative publications and reports. www.autismcrc.com.au/
ASD Matters A private Facebook group with over 18,000 members. They state that they’re ‘A group for families (predominantly in Australia) to socially network, that is full of information, lovely helpful and supportive members, it’s a place to share experiences, ask questions, to just connect with other people in similar circumstances.’ www.facebook.com/groups/ asdmatters
Autism Discussion Page A Facebook page set up by By Bill Nason, MS, LLP – a mental health professional, behaviour and autism specialist – to share tools that help children on the spectrum “feel safe, accepted and competent.” https://www.facebook.com/pg/ autismdiscussionpage
Autistic Not Weird A Facebook page set up by Chris Bonnello, a former teacher with Asperger Syndrome turned autism speaker. Autistic Not Weird exists to educate readers about autism issues and life from autistic perspectives and to provide support to autistic people and also to their families, sharing ideas and insights on how best to help them.
Girls and Autism – Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum A Facebook page set up by Eileen Riley Hall, author of the book of the same name and mum of two amazing daughters, one with autism and one with Asperger’s. www.facebook.com/AutismGirls
The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism (TPGA) is a one-stop source for carefully curated, evidencebased, neurodiversity-steeped information from autistic people, parents, and autism professionals. The information provided on their website is clear, thoughtfully presented, balanced, and referenced. www.thinkingautismguide.com
I CAN Network The goal of the I CAN Network is to drive a rethink of autism from ‘I can’t to I CAN’. They mentor young people on the autism spectrum to live life with an I CAN attitude. They bring out the ‘awe’ in AWEtism through education, advocacy and providing opportunities, building networks across schools, unis, TAFEs, communities, businesses and governments. www.icannetwork.com.au
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AUTISM RESOURCES
Autism Dads A Facebook group of dads of kids with autism. Offering support to each other, celebrating wins, consoling losses and generally talking about the unique experiences as dads in a slightly different world. www.facebook.com/groups/ AutismDadsAustralia
The Social Studio Based at The Sports Hub in Bokarina on the Sunshine Coast the Social Studio is a purpose-built studio catering to the needs of kids, teens and young adults living with autism, ADHD, social isolation or anyone who would benefit from being a part of their community. They provide special interest groups ranging from Art, Just Dance, Virtual Reality, Date Nights to programs in Lego, Life Skills and more to come! www.socialstudio.com.au
Different Journeys A VIC based organisation whose mission is to empower young people with ASD by providing them with a social platform of events to create positive connections, feeling of inclusion, and linking families with services and support. www.differentjourneysasd.com
ASteen Social Group ASteen from Autism Spectrum Australia is a Sydney-based parentcoordinated social group for teenagers aged 13 and over, with autism. ASteen aims to provide a safe, family-friendly environment for teens who can communicate and interact with others and are seeking friendship and development of social skills. There is no cost to join the group; just the cost of the outings themselves. Outings range from picnics, museum trips and movies through to putt-putt golf, ghost tours, and theatre visits. Email asteen.info@gmail for more info.
Designer Chewable Jewellery, Sensory Resources and Educational Tools • Self-regulate, concentrate & participate • Stylish unisex designs for 3yrs+ • Stress/Anxiety reduction and sensory stimulation • Necklaces, pendants, bangles, hand-held and pencil toppers • Shop by levels of chewing
www.NinjaBabies.com.au !%$'
ISSUE 23
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AUTUMN 2020
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