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Career network

AV Career Network – Empowering Neurodivergent Professionals



Our Career Network

Building a Professional Network — The Right Way

The Career Network began with a simple idea:

To create a professional business network for neurodivergent talent.

A space for speakers, industry leaders and experienced professionals to connect, share insight and strengthen workplace inclusion.

But something became clear.

Many who attended were not established professionals.
They were job seekers.
Career transitioners.
Individuals rebuilding confidence.
People still learning to see themselves as professionals.

The original format didn’t fully meet that need.

So we adapted.


Why We Evolved

Rather than forcing the model, we listened.

We realised that before building a high-level professional network, we needed stronger foundations:

  • Structured job seeker pathways

  • Clear career development frameworks

  • Deeper community conversations

  • More accessible entry points

That insight led to the development of the broader World of Work ecosystem — including the Job Seeker Network, structured Roadmap delivery, coaching pathways and the Topic Spotlight podcast.

Now, we are returning to the original goal — with better infrastructure.


The Role of the Podcast

The World of Work – Topic Spotlight Podcast is now the public-facing driver of the Career Network.

It gives us:

  • A professional platform

  • Visibility beyond events

  • A way to engage employers and industry leaders

  • Promotional opportunities for partners

  • Content that feeds advocacy and funding conversations

Each episode generates discussion, insight and momentum — which flows into Touchstone sessions and informs future direction.

The podcast strengthens both community engagement and external credibility.


Where We Are Now

The Career Network is moving back toward its original purpose:

A visible, respected professional network for neurodivergent talent.

But this time, it is supported by:

  • A structured Job Seeker pathway

  • Coaching models that build capability

  • Community insight through Touchstones

  • A growing digital presence

  • Clearer alignment with funding and partnership strategy

This allows us to engage employers and sponsors with confidence.




2026 Career Network Ecosystem Timetable

How the Podcast, Community Conversations, and Job Seeker Network Work Together

Month

Podcast Spotlight

Community Touchstone

Job Seeker Network

Ecosystem Focus

March

Launch Bundle: Why Work Systems Need Rethinking

Productivity Debate

Orientation & Context Session
+
Community discussion on sustainable output

Roadmap Relaunch
+
Module 1: Self-Positioning

Setting the foundation
+
Redefining productivity

April

Rethinking Recruitment

Recruitment barriers unpacked

Module 2: Strengths & Capacity

Fixing the hiring filter

May

Real Barriers Aren’t Personal

System design vs individual blame

Module 3: Energy & Regulation

Shifting the narrative

June

Why Interviews Fail

Interview reform conversation

Module 4: Resume Logic

Moving toward task-based hiring

July

Starting Lines (Young Job Seekers)

Early pathway breakdowns

Module 5: Recruitment Pathways

Strengthening entry points

August

Executive Function at Work

Cognitive load & support design

Module 6: Interviews & Advocacy

Making invisible labour visible

September

Beyond Accommodations

Redesign over checkbox inclusion

Module 7: Workplace Fit

From adjustments to architecture

October

Pipeline Problem

Mapping drop-out points

Module 8: Transitions & Resilience

Building continuity

November

Autistic Entrepreneurship

Alternative pathways discussion

Module 9: Self-Employment & Portfolio

Expanding what “work” means

December

Future of Work (Flagship)

Vision Session for 2027

Module 10: Reflection & Next Steps

Synthesis & forward planning

January 2027

“What I Wish Employers Knew” (Community Episode)

Live Multi-Voice Recording

Turning insight into advocacy



An Invitation

The Career Network is in development.

We are strengthening it intentionally and welcome:

  • Employers who want to partner

  • Professionals who want to contribute

  • Sponsors aligned with our mission

  • Community members ready to step into visibility

This is about building a professional ecosystem that supports neurodivergent talent at every level — from emerging job seekers to experienced leaders.

The foundation is now stronger.
The direction is clearer.

And we are building it together.



A Business Arm Within a Community Organisation

World of Work is becoming the professional and enterprise-facing arm of Autism Valued.

Not separate from our community values.
Reinforced by them.

We are building:

  • Professional partnerships

  • Promotional platforms

  • DGR-aligned charitable project support

  • Sustainable funding pathways

  • Opportunities to directly employ more autistic professionals

This is social enterprise thinking within a not-for-profit framework.

Professional infrastructure.
Community heart.




Upcoming events

    • 25 Jun 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Online via Zoom
    Register


    AV Career Network · Touchstone Meeting · Session 3 of 9

    Thursday 25 June 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST · Online via Zoom

    Free for AV members · $10 for non-members


    The Hidden Effort Behind 'Doing Your Job'

    There’s the job itself and then there’s everything else: navigating unwritten rules, managing sensory load, translating communication styles, and masking before the work has even begun.

    This Touchstone explores the hidden effort behind fitting into workplace environments, what that effort costs, and what it would mean for workplaces to genuinely recognise and account for it.


    This month's podcast anchor

    This Touchstone is built around the AV World of Work episode The Hidden Cost of Fitting In at Work. Listening before attending enriches the conversation significantly. Listen on Apple Podcasts or search AV World of Work on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music or your preferred podcast app.

    This month's guest
    • Xavier Gunn — AI Enablement Lead, Minikai · Former Data Scientist, ANZ Bank & Deloitte





    Your facilitators

    • Xavier Gunn — AI Enablement Lead, Minikai · Session facilitator
    • Jacob Alan Kness — Programs Manager, Autism Valued Inc. · Session host & room manager · programs@autismvalued.org.au

    Important information

    Download this document and give it a read before attending.

    Read this- CN June.pdf

    Continue the conversation

    The conversation doesn't stop when the Zoom call ends. Join our AV Career Network LinkedIn group to keep reflecting, share resources, and expand on what was discussed each month.


    Questions? Contact programs@autismvalued.org.au and we'll make sure your voice is in the room.



      Cost and Membership Information

      Registered job seekers may be eligible to have their AV membership reimbursed or covered by job-seeking support programs, such as those offered through Disability Employment Services (DES) or NDIS providers. Please contact coordinator@autismvalued.org.au for more details.

      AV Membership Benefits

      • Access to free tickets for activities, including the AV Job Seeker Network.
      • Exclusive access to members-only programs and interest groups.
      • Opportunities to support the work AV does for the neurodiverse community.

      If cost is a barrier; and you would like to join AV, please contact our admin team for support. 

      Registration Guidelines

      • Registration is required for all AV activities.
      • For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

      Community Guides

      We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:

      These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.

      For Assistance or More Information

      Get in Touch

      Programs / Network Manager

      Jacob Alan Kness
      programs@autismvalued.org.au 
      0427 553 077

      General Admin

      Admin@autismvalued.org.au   |  0480 385 710

      Office Hours

      Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

      After-Hours Support

      Phone support available 1 hour before and during
      the first hour of each event

      Please note emails may not be attended to afterhours

      Policies and Terms


      • 26 Jun 2026
      • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
      • Online via Zoom
      Register


      Module 04 - Career Discovery


      We are relaunching the Job Seeker Network & Roadmap

       Autism Valued has launched a new cycle of the AV Job Seeker Network with an enhanced 9-Module Job Seeker Roadmap, a practical, community-led career development program designed for Neurodivergent job seekers.

      For more details, click here.

      Meeting Details

      Participants gain access to a 09 module self-paced learning series, alongside monthly Job Seeker Meetings, on the last Friday of every month. that provide space for reflection & questions, regardless of which module someone is currently engaging with.



      About This Session

      This month’s module focuses on Career Discovery exploring opportunities, pathways, and work environments that align with your interests, strengths, values, and support needs.

      What’s Included


      All AV facilitators and volunteers are peers of their group participants and hold a valid Working with Children Check. If you know a child whom could benefit from our sessions, they must be registered by the parents membership, and/ or accompanied by an adult.

      Cost and Membership Information

      Registered job seekers may be eligible to have their AV membership reimbursed or covered by job-seeking support programs, such as those offered through Disability Employment Services (DES) or NDIS providers. Please contact coordinator@autismvalued.org.au for more details.

      AV Membership Benefits

      • Access to free tickets for activities, including the AV Job Seeker Network.
      • Exclusive access to members-only programs and interest groups.
      • Opportunities to support the work AV does for the neurodiverse community.

      If cost is a barrier; and you would like to join AV, please contact our admin team for support. 

      Registration Guidelines

      • Registration is required for all AV activities.
      • For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

      Community Guides

      We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:

      These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.

      For Assistance or More Information

      Get in Touch

      Facilitator (JSN)

      Sarah Ballard
       jsmoderator@autismvalued.org.au 

      Programs / Network Manager

      Jacob Alan Kness
      programs@autismvalued.org.au 
      0427 553 077

      General Admin

      Admin@autismvalued.org.au   |  0480 385 710

      Office Hours

      Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

      After-Hours Support

      Phone support available 1 hour before and during
      the first hour of each event

      Please note emails may not be attended to afterhours

      Policies and Terms

      Join the AV Job Seeker Network and take the first step toward meaningful employment, supported by a community that values your unique strengths and potential.

      • 30 Jul 2026
      • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
      • Online via Zoom
      Register



      AV Career Network · Touchstone Meeting · Session 4 of 9

      Thursday 30 July 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST · Online via Zoom

      Free for AV members · $10 for non-members


      What We Wish Someone Had Told Us

      Finding work is rarely just about the job itself. It’s also about navigating interviews, applications, waiting periods, workplace expectations, and the energy cost of managing it all  while still trying to figure out what you actually want and need from work.

      This Touchstone brings together community wisdom, lived experience, and professional insight to explore the things people wish they had known earlier: the unwritten rules, the unexpected barriers, the strategies that helped, and the advice they would give their younger selves now.



      This month's podcast anchor

      This Touchstone is built around the AV World of Work episode What Nobody Tells You About Getting a Job. Listening before attending enriches the conversation significantly. Listen on Apple Podcasts or search AV World of Work on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music or your preferred podcast app.

      This month's guests
      • Sarah Ballard — Career Practitioner · NDIS Employment Support Specialist
      • Jack Palit — Community Admin Manager, Autism Valued · Allied Health background




      Your facilitators

      • Xavier Gunn — AI Enablement Lead, Minikai · Session facilitator
      • Jacob Alan Kness — Programs Manager, Autism Valued Inc. · Session host & room manager · programs@autismvalued.org.au

      Important information

      Download this document and give it a read before attending.

      Read this- CN July.pdf

      Continue the conversation

      The conversation doesn't stop when the Zoom call ends. Join our AV Career Network LinkedIn group to keep reflecting, share resources, and expand on what was discussed each month.

      Questions? Contact programs@autismvalued.org.au and we'll make sure your voice is in the room.



        Cost and Membership Information

        Registered job seekers may be eligible to have their AV membership reimbursed or covered by job-seeking support programs, such as those offered through Disability Employment Services (DES) or NDIS providers. Please contact coordinator@autismvalued.org.au for more details.

        AV Membership Benefits

        • Access to free tickets for activities, including the AV Job Seeker Network.
        • Exclusive access to members-only programs and interest groups.
        • Opportunities to support the work AV does for the neurodiverse community.

        If cost is a barrier; and you would like to join AV, please contact our admin team for support. 

        Registration Guidelines

        • Registration is required for all AV activities.
        • For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

        Community Guides

        We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:

        These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.

        For Assistance or More Information

        Get in Touch

        Programs / Network Manager

        Jacob Alan Kness
        programs@autismvalued.org.au 
        0427 553 077

        General Admin

        Admin@autismvalued.org.au   |  0480 385 710

        Office Hours

        Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

        After-Hours Support

        Phone support available 1 hour before and during
        the first hour of each event

        Please note emails may not be attended to afterhours

        Policies and Terms


        • 31 Jul 2026
        • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Online via Zoom
        Register


        Module 05 - Understanding Workplaces


        We are relaunching the Job Seeker Network & Roadmap

         Autism Valued has launched a new cycle of the AV Job Seeker Network with an enhanced 9-Module Job Seeker Roadmap, a practical, community-led career development program designed for Neurodivergent job seekers.

        For more details, click here

        Meeting Details

        Participants gain access to a 09 module self-paced learning series, alongside monthly Job Seeker Meetings, on the last Friday of every month. that provide space for reflection & questions, regardless of which module someone is currently engaging with.


        About This Session

        This month’s module focuses on understanding workplace environments and accessibility before accepting a role.

        What’s Included


        All AV facilitators and volunteers are peers of their group participants and hold a valid Working with Children Check. If you know a child whom could benefit from our sessions, they must be registered by the parents membership, and/ or accompanied by an adult.

        Cost and Membership Information

        Registered job seekers may be eligible to have their AV membership reimbursed or covered by job-seeking support programs, such as those offered through Disability Employment Services (DES) or NDIS providers. Please contact coordinator@autismvalued.org.au for more details.

        AV Membership Benefits

        • Access to free tickets for activities, including the AV Job Seeker Network.
        • Exclusive access to members-only programs and interest groups.
        • Opportunities to support the work AV does for the neurodiverse community.

        If cost is a barrier; and you would like to join AV, please contact our admin team for support. 

        Registration Guidelines

        • Registration is required for all AV activities.
        • For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

        Community Guides

        We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:

        These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.

        For Assistance or More Information

        Get in Touch

        Facilitator (JSN)

        Sarah Ballard
         jsmoderator@autismvalued.org.au 

        Programs / Network Manager

        Jacob Alan Kness
        programs@autismvalued.org.au 
        0427 553 077

        General Admin

        Admin@autismvalued.org.au   |  0480 385 710

        Office Hours

        Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

        After-Hours Support

        Phone support available 1 hour before and during
        the first hour of each event

        Please note emails may not be attended to afterhours

        Policies and Terms

        Join the AV Job Seeker Network and take the first step toward meaningful employment, supported by a community that values your unique strengths and potential.

        • 28 Aug 2026
        • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Online via Zoom
        Register


        Module 06 - Personal Value & Skills

        We are relaunching the Job Seeker Network & Roadmap

         Autism Valued has launched a new cycle of the AV Job Seeker Network with an enhanced 9-Module Job Seeker Roadmap, a practical, community-led career development program designed for Neurodivergent job seekers.

        For more details, click here


        Meeting Details

        Participants gain access to a 09 module self-paced learning series, alongside monthly Job Seeker Meetings, on the last Friday of every month. that provide space for reflection & questions, regardless of which module someone is currently engaging with.


        About This Session

        Personal Value & Skills explores how to identify and communicate your strengths, transferable skills and unique value in the workplace. Participants will use practical tools to connect their experiences, skills and career goals, while building confidence in presenting themselves to employers and making informed disclosure decisions.

        What’s Included


        All AV facilitators and volunteers are peers of their group participants and hold a valid Working with Children Check. If you know a child whom could benefit from our sessions, they must be registered by the parents membership, and/ or accompanied by an adult.

        Cost and Membership Information

        Registered job seekers may be eligible to have their AV membership reimbursed or covered by job-seeking support programs, such as those offered through Disability Employment Services (DES) or NDIS providers. Please contact coordinator@autismvalued.org.au for more details.

        AV Membership Benefits

        • Access to free tickets for activities, including the AV Job Seeker Network.
        • Exclusive access to members-only programs and interest groups.
        • Opportunities to support the work AV does for the neurodiverse community.

        If cost is a barrier; and you would like to join AV, please contact our admin team for support. 

        Registration Guidelines

        • Registration is required for all AV activities.
        • For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

        Community Guides

        We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:

        These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.

        For Assistance or More Information

        Get in Touch

        Facilitator (JSN)

        Sarah Ballard
         jsmoderator@autismvalued.org.au 

        Programs / Network Manager

        Jacob Alan Kness
        programs@autismvalued.org.au 
        0427 553 077

        General Admin

        Admin@autismvalued.org.au   |  0480 385 710

        Office Hours

        Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

        After-Hours Support

        Phone support available 1 hour before and during
        the first hour of each event

        Please note emails may not be attended to afterhours

        Policies and Terms

        Join the AV Job Seeker Network and take the first step toward meaningful employment, supported by a community that values your unique strengths and potential.

        • 25 Sep 2026
        • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Online via Zoom
        Register


        Module 07 - The Job Seeker Toolkit


        We are relaunching the Job Seeker Network & Roadmap

         Autism Valued has launched a new cycle of the AV Job Seeker Network with an enhanced 9-Module Job Seeker Roadmap, a practical, community-led career development program designed for Neurodivergent job seekers.

        For more details, click here

        Meeting Details

        Participants gain access to a 09 module self-paced learning series, alongside monthly Job Seeker Meetings, on the last Friday of every month. that provide space for reflection & questions, regardless of which module someone is currently engaging with.


        About This Session

        The Job Seeker Toolkit provides practical strategies and tools to help participants navigate the job search process. It covers resume writing, personal branding, ATS-friendly applications, networking, interview preparation and job search planning, helping participants present themselves confidently and manage applications effectively.

        What’s Included


        All AV facilitators and volunteers are peers of their group participants and hold a valid Working with Children Check. If you know a child whom could benefit from our sessions, they must be registered by the parents membership, and/ or accompanied by an adult.

        Cost and Membership Information

        Registered job seekers may be eligible to have their AV membership reimbursed or covered by job-seeking support programs, such as those offered through Disability Employment Services (DES) or NDIS providers. Please contact coordinator@autismvalued.org.au for more details

        AV Membership Benefits

        • Access to free tickets for activities, including the AV Job Seeker Network.
        • Exclusive access to members-only programs and interest groups.
        • Opportunities to support the work AV does for the neurodiverse community.

        If cost is a barrier; and you would like to join AV, please contact our admin team for support. 

        Registration Guidelines

        • Registration is required for all AV activities.
        • For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

        Community Guides

        We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:

        These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.

        For Assistance or More Information

        Get in Touch

        Facilitator (JSN)

        Sarah Ballard
         jsmoderator@autismvalued.org.au 

        Programs / Network Manager

        Jacob Alan Kness
        programs@autismvalued.org.au 
        0427 553 077

        General Admin

        Admin@autismvalued.org.au   |  0480 385 710

        Office Hours

        Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

        After-Hours Support

        Phone support available 1 hour before and during
        the first hour of each event

        Please note emails may not be attended to afterhours

        Policies and Terms

        Join the AV Job Seeker Network and take the first step toward meaningful employment, supported by a community that values your unique strengths and potential.

        • 30 Oct 2026
        • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Online via Zoom
        Register


        Module 08 - Interviews & Communication


        We are relaunching the Job Seeker Network & Roadmap

         Autism Valued has launched a new cycle of the AV Job Seeker Network with an enhanced 9-Module Job Seeker Roadmap, a practical, community-led career development program designed for Neurodivergent job seekers.

        For more details, click here

        Meeting Details

        Participants gain access to a 09 module self-paced learning series, alongside monthly Job Seeker Meetings, on the last Friday of every month. that provide space for reflection & questions, regardless of which module someone is currently engaging with.



        About This Session

        Interviews & Communication helps participants build confidence in interviews by developing authentic communication skills, preparing for common interview formats and understanding what employers are looking for. The session also covers requesting workplace adjustments, managing interview nerves and evaluating whether a role and organisation are the right fit.


        What’s Included


        All AV facilitators and volunteers are peers of their group participants and hold a valid Working with Children Check. If you know a child whom could benefit from our sessions, they must be registered by the parents membership, and/ or accompanied by an adult.

        Cost and Membership Information

        Registered job seekers may be eligible to have their AV membership reimbursed or covered by job-seeking support programs, such as those offered through Disability Employment Services (DES) or NDIS providers. Please contact coordinator@autismvalued.org.au for more details.


        AV Membership Benefits

        • Access to free tickets for activities, including the AV Job Seeker Network.
        • Exclusive access to members-only programs and interest groups.
        • Opportunities to support the work AV does for the neurodiverse community.

        If cost is a barrier; and you would like to join AV, please contact our admin team for support. 

        Registration Guidelines

        • Registration is required for all AV activities.
        • For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

        Community Guides

        We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:

        These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.

        For Assistance or More Information

        Get in Touch

        Facilitator (JSN)

        Sarah Ballard
         jsmoderator@autismvalued.org.au 

        Programs / Network Manager

        Jacob Alan Kness
        programs@autismvalued.org.au 
        0427 553 077

        General Admin

        Admin@autismvalued.org.au   |  0480 385 710

        Office Hours

        Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

        After-Hours Support

        Phone support available 1 hour before and during
        the first hour of each event

        Please note emails may not be attended to afterhours

        Policies and Terms

        Join the AV Job Seeker Network and take the first step toward meaningful employment, supported by a community that values your unique strengths and potential.

        • 27 Nov 2026
        • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
        • Online via Zoom
        Register


        Module 09 - Building Momentum


        We are relaunching the Job Seeker Network & Roadmap

         Autism Valued has launched a new cycle of the AV Job Seeker Network with an enhanced 9-Module Job Seeker Roadmap, a practical, community-led career development program designed for Neurodivergent job seekers.

        For more details, click here

        Meeting Details

        Participants gain access to a 09 module self-paced learning series, alongside monthly Job Seeker Meetings, on the last Friday of every month. that provide space for reflection & questions, regardless of which module someone is currently engaging with.



        About This Session

        Building Momentum focuses on sustaining career growth beyond securing a job. Participants will learn practical strategies for setting goals, building positive work habits, navigating workplace challenges, growing professional networks and creating a long-term plan for career development and success.

        What’s Included


        All AV facilitators and volunteers are peers of their group participants and hold a valid Working with Children Check. If you know a child whom could benefit from our sessions, they must be registered by the parents membership, and/ or accompanied by an adult.

        Cost and Membership Information


        Registered job seekers may be eligible to have their AV membership reimbursed or covered by job-seeking support programs, such as those offered through Disability Employment Services (DES) or NDIS providers. Please contact coordinator@autismvalued.org.au for more details.

        AV Membership Benefits

        • Access to free tickets for activities, including the AV Job Seeker Network.
        • Exclusive access to members-only programs and interest groups.
        • Opportunities to support the work AV does for the neurodiverse community.

        If cost is a barrier; and you would like to join AV, please contact our admin team for support. 

        Registration Guidelines

        • Registration is required for all AV activities.
        • For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

        Community Guides

        We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:

        These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.

        For Assistance or More Information

        Get in Touch

        Facilitator (JSN)

        Sarah Ballard
         jsmoderator@autismvalued.org.au 

        Programs / Network Manager

        Jacob Alan Kness
        programs@autismvalued.org.au 
        0427 553 077

        General Admin

        Admin@autismvalued.org.au   |  0480 385 710

        Office Hours

        Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

        After-Hours Support

        Phone support available 1 hour before and during
        the first hour of each event

        Please note emails may not be attended to afterhours

        Policies and Terms

        Join the AV Job Seeker Network and take the first step toward meaningful employment, supported by a community that values your unique strengths and potential.


      ABN 47 066 180 983

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