Our most frequently asked questions
There are a number of questions and topics that frequently appear on our Facebook page and in discussions related to our activities. This initiative is in direct response to recurring questions we've encountered, and takes a social and pride-based model when addressing these questions, in contrast to the many existing FAQs available online that often have a strong focus on medical aspects and a behaviourist compliance based narrative. We aim to bridge this gap by providing a fresh perspective that considers the holistic experiences through a neurodiversity model where everyone is included.
These FAQ’s were developed with sponsorship from several stakeholders including Darebin City Council and Melbourne City Mission (Strengthening Parent Support Program) with co-design from Montgomery Re-engineering for providing invaluable input during the development process.
FAQ’s
Disclaimer: The following links and resources are shared within our community as being very helpful, and include a mix of businesses, not-for-profits, government funded peak bodies, as well as community links, and free services. Be sure to check each one to understand the nature of their offerings.
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Being Autistic doesn’t need to be ‘treated’, here are some useful links to tap into, reframing Autism websites and articles:
Therapist Neurodiversity Collective - We don't treat Autism
https://therapistndc.orgAmaze website and resources:
https://www.amaze.org.au/autismconnect/Kristy Forbes website:
https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/ICAN Network website and resources:
https://icannetwork.online/talking-about-autismIf I Knew Then What I Know Now - A Parent's Autism Story
youtu.be/lKE9BPmO8-I?si=u-p4uzyz6FtZzjUL -
Darebin Council:
https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/Community-and-pets/Darebin-youth-services
https://www.facebook.com/DarebinYouthServices/We Rock The Spectrum:
https://www.werockthespectrumprestonvic.com.au/Different Journeys:
https://www.differentjourneysautism.com/Free neuroaffirming resources at The Therapists Neurodiversity Collective:
https://therapistndc.org/education/ -
The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens by Yenn Purkis and Sam Rose is a book with helpful explanations, tips and activities, plus examples of famous trans and gender divergent people. This user-friendly guide will help you to navigate the world as an awesome autistic trans teen. Covering a huge range of topics including coming out, masking, different gender identities, changing your name, common issues that trans and gender divergent people face, as well as ways to help overcome them, building a sense of pride and much, much more (Available on Booktopia, Amazon etc.).
Online Group Mentoring for Autistic LGBTIQA+ Teens and Young Adults:
https://icannetwork.online/autistic-lgbtqia/Reframing Autism:
https://reframingautism.org.au/position-statement-on-autistic-lgbtiqa-identity/ -
Look for social groups and places with other people who are interested in the same things as your child/young person. We are all more likely to make friends with people we have something in common with!
Beware of ‘social skills training’.
Useful links:
Why We Don't Use Social Thinking® (or any commercial Social Skills programs)
https://therapistndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Why-We-Dont-Use-Social-Thinking%C2%AE-or-any-commercial-Social-Skills-programs.pdfConsumer Beware
https://therapistndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Consumer-Beware.pdf -
8 Signs
https://therapistndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/8-Signs.pdf10 Neurodiversity Affirming Principles for Therapists
https://therapistndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/10-Neurodiversity-Affirming-Principles-for-Therapists.pdfContrasting therapy approaches
https://therapistndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Contrasting-Therapy-Approaches.pdf -
Jessica K Doyle - The Autistic Neurotype
https://youtu.be/QBjWSkI5KsQMilton’s ‘double Empathy Problem’: A Summary for Non-academics - Reframing Autism
https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academics/Double Empathy: Why Autistic People Are Often Misunderstood · Frontiers for Young Minds
https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2021.554875Social Skills Training & The Research
https://therapistndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Social-Skills-Training-The-Research.pdf -
Many Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent people are monotropic… Take a look at this 4 minute clip on monotropism to start understanding and supporting your Autistic family member and their unique ways of processing information and attention.
An introduction to monotropism
https://youtu.be/qUFDAevkd3E -
“Being autistic is not an illness or a disorder in itself, but being autistic can have an impact on a person's mental and physical health. This is due to the often unmet needs of living in a world that is generally designed for the well-being of people who are not autistic.” … Read more…
Autistic Burnout - Supporting Young People At Home & School https://www.autisticrealms.com/post/autistic-burnout-at-home-school
Falling Into Shutdown: An Autistic Journey Beyond Overwhelm - Reframing Autism
https://reframingautism.org.au/falling-into-shutdown-an-autistic-journey-beyond-overwhelm/ -
Montgomery Re-engineering
Jenni offers capability building in the workplace for leaders, teams and individuals to find the right tools for the job.
https://www.montgomeryreengineering.com.au/Create Vitality
Rachel offers strengths based, group and individual support for parents looking for more ease and confidence in daily living.
https://www.createvitality.com.au/Become a member of NAN for access to resources:
https://northernautismnetwork.com/become-a-member -
Each school is required to outline its processes for families wishing to raise issues relating to their child. However, if the classroom teacher, wellbeing lead and school leadership has failed to respond satisfactorily, parents can raise complaints with the regional office.
Parent Concerns and Complaints
https://content.sdp.education.vic.gov.au/media/complaints-parents-quick-reference-guide-1338Office locations: Department of Education
https://www.vic.gov.au/office-locations-department-education -
Student Support Groups - Association for Children with Disability
https://www.acd.org.au/student-support-groups/Positive partnerships student personalised learning resources
https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/resources/practical-tools-information-sheets/personalised-learning-plansSupporting school-family communication:
Department of Education Student Support Groups Policy and guidance
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/student-support-groups/policyDiverse Learners Hub – supporting autistic students parents information
https://www.vic.gov.au/diverse-learners-hub/autism-student-resourcesAll Play Learn Inclusive Communities for families resources
https://allplaylearn.org.au/inclusive-communities/families/#communicationIn partnership with the Department, Different Journeys has developed a range of simple resources breaking down DE policies and guidance in plain language for families:
Education Supports - Different Journeys Autism
https://www.differentjourneysautism.com/education-supports/Association for Children with a Disability - Schools
https://www.acd.org.au/information/school/Learning difficulties - what to expect from your child's school
https://www.vic.gov.au/learning-difficulties-what-expect-your-childs-schoolYellow Lady Bugs Resource: Spotlight On Supporting Autistic Girls at School
https://autisticgirlsatschool.com.au/AboutFor neuro-affirming templates and visuals for the classroom:
Emily is an Autistic and ADHD Speech Pathologist, illustrator, artist, and Mum to 3 kiddos and develops innovative resources that are neuro-affirming for use at home, school and with families.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Emily-Hammond-neurowild -
Yellow Ladybugs Resource: Autistic Girls
https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/autistic-girls/Reframing Autism: Degendering Autism
https://reframingautism.org.au/de-gendering-autism-the-pitfalls-of-male-autism-and-female-autism/"You Don't Look Autistic": Why Neurodivergent Women Have Been Sidelined
https://thewire.in/health/neurodivergent-women-sidelined-audhdGrowing Into Autism, Sandra Thom-Jones.
In this book, Thom-Jones tells the story of gradually realising that she was autistic, and that she experienced the world in ways which were markedly different from neurotypical people. This was a profound awakening - throughout her life she had been masking her true self and this effort had come at great physical, mental and emotional cost. Applying her skills as an experienced and expert researcher, Thom-Jones delved into the literature on autism in adults, learning much more than she already knew as a parent of two autistic boys.
(Available on Amazon a Booktopia) -
What are ‘masking’ and ‘camouflaging’ in the context of autism and ADHD? – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre http://otarc.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/19122-2/
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If you require immediate assistance, please dial one of the following services:
Beyond Blue
Information and support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. 1300 224 636Lifeline
To speak to some urgently
13 11 14 OR www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chatSuicide Call Back Service
To speak to some urgently 1300 659 467Sane
Support for people experiencing recurring, persistent or complex trauma.
1800 187 26313YARN [Thirteen YARN]
First Nations crisis support line
13YARN (13 92 76) or www.13yarn.org.auButterfly Foundation
Eating disorder and body image issues
1800 334 673Suicide Response Project
Additionally, this resource can assist with detecting and responding to suicide risk for Autistic and LGBTIQA+:
www.suicideresponseproject.com