Inspirations

Resources, strategies, new research, tips, tools and articles we found inspiring.

From our team and other’s, which we hope may provide some inspiration and insights for you too!

The LEGO® ROBOTICS Guide:

A guide to facilitating LEGO® Robotics sessions for autistic teens

“This guide consists of information on the LEGO® Robotics therapy program, how to form and facilitate the groups, supporting resources, learnings from the program, and a summary of the research findings.”

Autism Friendly Charter

“The Charter offers free online training and supporting resources to support business, organisation, agencies, departments, teams and authorities to understand autism and therefore build confidence to better support inclusion and accessibility for the autistic community. Participants that complete the training are then invited to join the Charter by committing to uphold the Autism Friendly Charter Principals and be listed on an Autism Friendly Charter directory which is used by the community to find inclusive services and supports.”

  • The story of one mum's Neurodivergent household. 2024

    Edited version - used with permission

    For full “essay” see our FB page

    Post by Jessy Spence

  • Today is Autism Day 2024. I don't make it any secret that I am autistic. My children are also all autistic. Therefore we have a very neurodiverse household.

    Jessy Spence

  • We don't need awareness, we need acceptance and we need support. Autism can be obvious in some people and it can also be much harder (outwardly) to pick in others

    Jessy Spence

  • Living with Autism is tricky enough without forever having to try justify ourselves. I received my diagnosis as a child but I am still just as autistic now that I'm in my 30s, it didn't magically go away when I became an adult.

    Jessy Spence

  • Throughout my entire childhood I struggled, I was never the same, I didn't fit in, I didn't have friends, even teachers gave me shit. As I got older I began to accept my diagnosis and learn about the way my brain works differently, this made it pretty easy for me to spot autism in each of my kids as soon as they reached toddlerhood.

    Jessy Spence

  • I prefer person first language- "I am autistic" vs "I have autism" or "On the spectrum". Believe me if I simply had autism I'd put it down and if I was simply standing on a spectrum I'd just step off. I also don't like use of the puzzle piece.. we need acceptance not solving.

    Jessy Spence

  • Please don't say things like "We're all on the spectrum somewhere", this is dismissive of our struggles. Please do not claim to be autistic just because you relate to a couple of memes or TikToks, this is extremely dismissive of the struggles that actual Autistics go through every single day.

    Jessy Spence

  • Anyone can have some autistic traits, this does not automatically make them autistic. We aren't all either non verbal or geniuses. We don't all have some form of obsessive hobby. And finally, we do not all like chicken nuggets.

    Jessy Spence

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICES!

NDIS Mentoring by

“AUTHENTIC SUPPORT”

“Our Promise: A Better Life Through Authentic Connection.

Journey Forward with Authentic Support

In various stages of our lives, we often crave companionship on our journey. Authentic Support was born out of the vision to connect compassionate and skilled individuals with those seeking a guiding hand.

Our mentors, undergo thorough training and are equipped with the tools and support of a nurturing team. This ensures they are fully prepared to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those they guide.

Discover the power of genuine connection and embark on your journey with Authentic Support. Together, we create lasting differences in the lives of those in need.”

“If you live in the Southern Suburbs and have a child under 8 with additional needs, such as autism (diagnosed or undiagnosed) please contact Kate on 0456 898 937”

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION TO DARLINGTON

Playconnect+

Playgroups which welcome all children with disability and/or developmental concerns aged 0-8 years, their families, carers and siblings.

MAKE AND CREATE DIGITAL CONTENT

“Do you live in the inner Southern Suburbs and are you interested in creating digital content?

Free 6-week media sessions to learn how to use digital tools to create content such as podcasts, images, sound, movies and videos

For Youth (ages 12-17 or High School Age)  

No cost. Wi-Fi, snacks and devices provided. Own devices welcome

Accessible and inclusive for Neurodivergent individuals”

Click on either of the links below in PINK to access more information

MarionLIFE Youth Media Hub | Humanitix

Supporting individuals to “Think it!”

thinking emoticon with light bulb within a thought bubble

Most people like to share information about things they have done or seen, as well their thoughts and feelings. Doing this helps form connections with other people and strengthen bonds.

For some people knowing when and where and how much to share may need a little extra help.

Using a brain filter or “Think it” strategy is one thing that may assist.

How to say “no” to

an autistic individual

Sometimes saying “no” to a request from an autistic can be difficult and you may not be sure how to respond to this or what strategies you should use.

Read this Blog for some tips and tricks that may help.

Inspirations for the School Holidays

During the holidays there can be many unexpected changes occurring, which may be very stressful for autistic people.

If you plan and prepare for these activities, trips, or excursions, they can become more predictable and therefore much more enjoyable for everyone.

Using visuals and other supports such as timers, schedules, social scripts and providing sensory items, can mean the difference between your outing going from a potentially challenging day to a fun one.

Many of the places you may like to visit in the holidays have autism-aware staff and provide social scripts on their website as well as sensory tools to borrow!

Some examples for you are below.

We hope this information assists you and your child to have fun in the school holidays!