Supports for Families

Set out below are details of various organisations that offer services to support parents of children with autism or have links to helpful services and support groups.

Autism: What Next?

Autism Awareness and Amaze have partnered to create a free digital toolkit which acts as a central hub to help families and individuals navigate the first year following an autism diagnosis. Visit the Autism: What Next? website for unbiased, up to date and relevant information and explanations about options for support and intervention. It also contains information about the NDIS and accessing funding. You can search through the website to find information relevant to you or you can click through their “Autism Pathway” digital toolkit to follow a step by step process for options available to you.

AMAZE

Visit www.amaze.org.au/support/useful-links for a list of organisations and support groups that you can search for by suburb and/or specific interest.

Amaze also facilitates Early Days Workshops for parents and carers of young children who have a diagnosis of autism, or who are currently undergoing diagnosis, visit www.amaze.org.au/support/early-days. These workshops aim to equip participants with some skills needed to promote their child’s early development. Workshops offered include topics such as:

• • My Child and Autism (introductory workshop)
  • Understanding Behaviour
  • Encouraging Interation
  • Tips for Everyday Skills
  • Progression to School
  • Helping my Child Cope with Change

ABIA Parent Support Network

ABIA run regular meetings, dinners and play groups with parents of children with autism who are involved in ABA therapy. The aim of the group is to provide support, advice and laughter and facilitate a positive attitude towards autism and ABA. See www.abia.net.au.

Asperger Syndrome Support Network Victoria

ASSN run a variety of support groups for parents, carers and individuals with Aspergers. They are a place where you can listen, learn and share about your journey with Aspergers. Attendance is free to members; however, you can attend one or two meetings before joining. Visit www.aspergersvic.org.au for further information.

Autistic Family Support Association

AFSA provide a list of online and face-to-face parent and family support groups around Victoria. See www.afsaconnect.org.au, email: contact@afsaconnect.org.au or phone/SMS: 0421 642 364.

Outside the Square Psychology

The psychologists at Outside the Square Psychology have extensive experience working with children who have autism and their families. They are available to provide counselling to parents of children with autism. For more information, see www.outsidethesquarepsychology.com.au/services or call them on 9889 9932

The Centre of Child Development

The Centre of Child Development has centres in Preston and Hawthorn providing a variety of psychological services. Visit  www.centreforchilddevelopment.com

APS Find a Psychologist

Australian Psychological Society find a psychologist service can link you in with a psychologist in your area, to support your needs. Visit www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologist

Crisis Support

Self help is important and below are some numbers to call when in need of support:

• Parent line: 1300 30 1300
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide call back service:1300 659 467
• Emergency services: 000