Autism Toolkit

Navigating the world of autism can feel like an endless search for the right information. This collection of helpful links has been handpicked by Anna to save you time, stress, and guesswork. From funding and support services to educational tools and community networks, these are the trusted resources every autism parent should have at their fingertips.

Autism Awareness Australia
www.autismawareness.com.au
Clear, practical autism information, videos, and toolkits for families.
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
www.autismspectrum.org.au
The largest autism-specific provider in Australia, offering assessment, early intervention, and school services.
Raising Children Network – Autism Section
www.raisingchildren.net.au/autism
Trusted parenting resource with evidence-based autism guides for every stage.
Amaze (VIC-based, nationally useful)
www.amaze.org.au
Offers support and information around diagnosis, advocacy, and inclusive communities.
Reframing Autism
www.reframingautism.org.au
A neurodivergent-led space promoting acceptance, identity, and informed parenting.
Autism CRC (Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism)
www.autismcrc.com.au
National research hub with free reports, tool-kits, and family resources.

Autism Hub – QLD Department of Education
www.qld.gov.au/autismhub
Education-focused support for autistic students, families, and teachers (great even outside QLD).
Different Journeys
www.differentjourneysautism.com
Peer-led events, youth social groups, and carer support (mainly VIC but expanding).
First Path Autism

www.firstpathautism.com

Simple, practical online learning videos for parents to support language and daily skills (international but useful).
Autism Connect (via Amaze)
www.autismconnect.org.au
Australia’s first national autism helpline, with live chat, email, and phone advice.
I CAN Network

www.icannetwork.com.au

Peer mentoring, school programs, and strong autistic representation — ideal for teens and young adults.

Association of Independent Schools (AIS) – Special Education
www.aisnsw.edu.au
Provides support and guidelines for inclusive practices in independent schools across NSW.
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
www.acer.org
Offers research-based education support, including special education tools.
Queensland Department of Education – Inclusive Education
education.qld.gov.au
Resources and policies for inclusive schooling in QLD.
Gowrie Australia
www.gowrie.org.au
National early childhood organisation supporting inclusion practices.

Carer Gateway
www.carergateway.gov.au
Government support services and respite options for carers.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
www.ndiscommission.gov.au
Ensures safe and high-quality services for NDIS participants.
Disability Gateway – Financial Help
www.disabilitygateway.gov.au
Access grants, payments, and financial support specific to disability.
Noah’s Ark – NDIS Support Coordination
www.noahsarkinc.org.au
Victoria-based, but services across regions helping families navigate NDIS planning and support.

Early Start Australia
www.earlystartaustralia.com.au
National therapy provider offering OT, psychology, and speech.
Windermere Child & Family Services
www.windermere.org.au
Offers autism assessments, therapy, and early intervention across VIC.
Fighting Chance Australia
www.fightingchance.org.au
Offers allied health and NDIS-funded services for children and adults.
Brain Train Co
www.braintrainco.com.au
Brisbane-based, offering neurodiverse therapy, coaching, and parent support.

VALID (Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability)
www.valid.org.au
Advocacy and peer-support programs for people with disabilities and their families.
Side by Side Advocacy
www.sidebyside.org.au
Independent advocacy service supporting human rights and inclusion.
Interchange Australia
www.interchange.org.au
Family support, community inclusion, and respite services for kids with disabilities.
MyTime (Parent Support Groups)
www.mytime.net.au
National parent peer-support groups facilitated by trained professionals.
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)
www.cyda.org.au
Advocacy, education, and leadership for young people with disability and their families.

Early Days Workshops (via Amaze/Positive Partnerships) www.earlydays.com.au Free workshops for parents of newly diagnosed children.
Positive Partnerships – www.positivepartnerships.com.au
Great for navigating school transitions and parent-teacher collaboration.
Association for Children with a Disability – www.acd.org.au
Advocacy, peer support, and guidance for families in Victoria — many resources are nationally useful.