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peer support Groups 


If you or someone a partner or a family member has Aspergers, is autistic, or has another similar neurodivergent profile, you may be interested in joining one of our Peer Support Groups.


AV's peer support groups are a great place to meet others who share your experience of Aspergers or autism, to exchange advice, or to just escape from the outside world into a space where you know that the others in the group understand what you're going through. Peer support groups are often the first option we suggest to people contacting AV for the first time, as this often helps the person to find a few contacts and to experience that feeling of realising that you have a community of support available.


Who runs AV Peer Support Groups?

All of our peer support groups are run by volunteers who are peers of their group - they share their group attendees' perspective and experience of Aspergers or autism. Group leaders and attendees may also have experience of another peer support group, for example having Aspergers or being autistic, as well as being a parent of a neurodivergent young person. All AV volunteers hold valid Working With Children Checks.


Who can attend?

AV peer support groups are open to AV members as well as non-members. New attendees are always welcome at all of our peer support group meetings, and we invite all first-time attendees to register for free! If you would like to try out an AV Peer Support Group, please contact our AV Admin Team - let us know which group you would like to try out and we will send you the code to register for free! AV peer support groups are open to peers at all stages of the diagnosis journey, including self-identified.


Please note that our peer support groups are for peers only and attendees do need to be able to participate independently. We invite partners, parents and carers to attend their own peer support groups. For our Teens Group, as the attendees are under 18 years, a parent or carer must attend each event with their teen. Please visit the Teens Group page for more information.


How can I register?

When you have found a peer group meeting in the calendar below which suits your needs, just click on the "Register" link on the left! This will take you through the registration process.

If you have any questions about this process or need more information, please contact our AV Admin Team.



    Meeting schedule

    Since the pandemic we’ve moved to a mix of online and in-person events, so please check the peer group meeting calendar below carefully to find out if your next meeting is online via Zoom or in person.

    Aspergers Victoria Group Values and Approach:

    • A Positive Strengths Mindset: We see possibilities, strengths and talents, not problems or deficits
    • A Growth Mindset: We pursue goals through continual learning from each other equally and share that knowledge; we don’t judge ourselves or others
    • Empowerment: We listen, support and encourage others to grow
    • Empathy: We try to understand another’s situation and help, if asked
    • Trust: We value the privacy and confidentiality of others in and outside of the group
    • Respect: We acknowledge the wishes and rights of others and believe we are responsible for our own behaviour

    We call this the AV Groups Way. We expect attendees to abide by this in our events, activities and meetings. Our Peer Volunteers are NOT counsellors or therapists and cannot provide support for mental health issues.  

    AV’s Commitment to Child Safety

    Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility. All adults are required to manage & report on child safety under our laws. AV has adopted the Victorian Child Safe Standards and the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Standards.  If you feel unsafe or if you know someone who feels unsafe, please REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY to an AV team member or authorities.

    OUR PEER MEETINGS AIM TO EMPOWER ATTENDEES THROUGH DISCOVERING:

    COMMUNITY Our groups create a sense of belonging to a community with like-minded, supportive peers with lived experience

    RESILIENCE through ‘Growth Mindset’ and ‘Self-Regulation’ learning

    CONFIDENCE through a focus on appreciation of strengths, special interests and abilities

    SELF-DETERMINATION and independence through mentoring and learning

    FRIENDSHIP and social experience through regular peer gatherings. Reduce isolation, perceived stigma plus builds friendship and trust through regular contact with the group

    KNOWLEDGE shared in the group about how to extend or enjoy strengths, and ways to manage challenges 

    Ultimately our gatherings aim to support self-esteem and, confidence and self-empowerment, to determine your own life independently, including areas of physical and mental health, relationships, employment, finance, housing, special interests and self-reliance. It could be regarded as a social networking program for Aspergers - without therapy.



    AV Peer support groups

    Upcoming Peer Group Meetings

      • 6 Aug 2024
      • 6 Aug 2026
      • Hybrid- online and in-person
      Register



      Teens Work Know-How Program
      Transition to Work Know-How Program

      Early Participant Application for 2025-26


      Join Our Teens Work Know-How Program: Your Opportunity to Shine

      Are you or someone you know a student, and ready to be supported in taking the next step towards transitioning from School into the Workforce? We’re thrilled to invite you to express your early interest in our Teens Work Know-How Program, running in 2025. This expression of interest page will remain open from now until 2026! This will allow us to showcase community need.

      This early application will help us in proactively managing our program to ensure its the best it can be for all, and in our grant applications and advocacy work. Your early efforts are supporting us to keep this program funded, and our community supported. 

      Please review the timetable for 2025 below before registering to ensure you can commit to this program!

      Why This Program Matters

      Our Teens Work Know-How Program is more than just a series of workshops—it’s a community-driven initiative designed to empower neurodiverse teens with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workplace. Here’s why this program is crucial:

      • Empowering Futures: We provide the tools and support to help neurodiverse teens navigate the professional world with confidence. This program is tailored to highlight and harness their unique strengths. 

      • Building Stronger Communities: By focusing on individual abilities and fostering an inclusive environment, we are building a community where everyone can contribute and succeed.  Jacob, our Program Manager, knows firsthand, "a lot of learning for our cohort is helping them cut through the jargon, explaining the first principles, the Why behind the actions taken, and being able to understand and mentor their curiosity".

      • Advocating for Change: Your involvement helps us collect valuable data that showcases the impact and ROI of neurodiverse talent, how educators and employers can best support, harness and train your talents, and helping all parties understand how the spectrum may speak in a place of work. 

        This evidence is critical for securing future funding and expanding our reach and services to community, and more importantly, employers are businesses, this helps us showcase with tangible data, supported by our industry stakeholders, the long-term results of employing our community. The earlier our cohort understand themselves, their place on the spectrum, only then can they support, or be supported

      Eligibility Criteria

      To participate in the Teens Work Know-How Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

      • Age: Must be within the legal working age of 15- 18 by the time the program round starts.
      • School Enrollment: Must be enrolled in secondary school or through the Home Schooling Network (HEN).
      • Commitment: Must be able to meet the scheduled requirements of the program.
      • School Support: Must have the school’s knowledge and signature for work experience placement to be included as part of the participant's school VET (Vocational Education and Training) learning.

      How Your Participation Makes a Difference

      1. Early Access: By expressing your interest now, you’ll be prioritized for onboarding in our final round of the current grant extension in 2025.
      2. Future Notifications: You’ll be among the first to hear about additional funding and new programs from 2025-2026 if we receive further funding.
      3. Program Development: Your early application helps us understand community needs and develop diverse program options, including school curriculum integration, holiday programs, and/ or online courses.

      Real Stories, Real Impact

      Our program isn’t just about skills; it’s about changing lives. Here is a story from our Team that highlight the social value of our work:

      • Community Voices: One of our participants, "Emma", shared how the program helped her build confidence in a way that traditional approaches in school didn’t. She learned to speak to her unique strengths to feel more confident in job interviews and the transition process, understanding that what made her a leader in her basket ball team, and her love for sport, is why she is fit for the role; not because of her Resume. This participant then went off to work in a sports store at DFO.

        Another student, "Samantha" also suffered from stress related/undiagnosed tics, something that Jacob, due to his Tourette Syndrome understood the self consciousness of. Both of them, not being around many other "Tickers" connected, this report, this shared understanding, allowed for Sam to take of the mask, to transition from the timid shy girl who came in, feeling like her ticks would make her unable to achieve her goals, to one of the stand out students in our cohort. This preconceived mindset was brought to a halt; when she saw someone, doing exactly what she felted would never be possible. That reprograming of her believes, through seeing it with their own eyes, and being understood, was shared to be more impactful then any information, and a deeply impactful moment for both, and our program so far.  

      Our ILC Commitment

      Since 2019, supported by an ILC grant, we’ve faced challenges but remain dedicated to our mission; to deliver the Teens Work Know-How Program.

      Despite the hurdles, including those from COVID-19, we’ve persevered, and pivoted through these challenges with the support of our community and stakeholders.
      We continued to focus on leading by example, employing more lived experience team members, and exceeding past outcomes. 

      Your participation is key to our success. It allows us to:

      • Showcase Unique Talents: Highlight the skills and abilities of neurodiverse teens.
      • Secure Essential Funding: Use collected data to advocate for extended or new grants.
      • Expand Our Offerings: Create more programs tailored to various needs and preferences.


      Express Your Interest

      Ready to make a difference? Fill out the EOI Form to express your interest in the Teens Work Know-How Program. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a program that is changing lives and making a real impact.

      Together, We Can Create a Brighter Future

      Thank you for considering joining us. Your involvement will help us build a more inclusive and supportive community for neurodiverse teens.


      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      AV - Empowering and connecting Neurodiverse Individuals for 33 Year!


          AV Privacy Policy

          AV Event Terms & Conditions

          • 4 Dec 2024
          • 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
          • Online via Zoom
          Register



          Parents & Carers Group: December

          - online meeting


          About the Parents & Carers Group

          This is an online peer support meeting open to all parents and carers (including autistic parents / carers) of Aspergers / autistic children, teens and adults to meet, chat, exchange ideas and find support.


          About our Group Leaders

          Our Parents & Carers Group Leaders are Toni, Jenny, and Sue.

          All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.


          Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members. FREE for +Groups membership holders and first-time attendees.

          Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

          Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community.

          If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.


          Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

          For online events, you will need to register to receive the Zoom meeting link / Discord link. First-time attendee tickets must be requested at least 24 hours before the meeting.

          NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.


          Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)


          For assistance or more information

          • Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

          • The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

          • Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity start time and for the first hour of the activity.

          • Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.


          AV Privacy Policy

          AV Event Terms & Conditions

            • 7 Dec 2024
            • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
            • Online via Zoom
            Register



            Women & Non-Binary Folk Group: December

            - online meeting



            The topic for this session will be: Emotional Regulation & Self-regulation


            About our Group

            Our Women & Non-Binary Folk Group is a great place to connect with other Aspergers autistic women (cis and trans) and non-binary folk to chat about your experiences, share ideas, exchange advice, and support each other. You are also welcome to attend our Adults GroupRainbow Spectrum Group, or our Young Adults Group, or all of them!


            This session is facilitated by our Women & NB Group Leader.

            All AV volunteer group leaders are peers of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check. 


            Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members. FREE for holders of a +Groups Membership and for first-time attendees.

            Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

            Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team do for our community.

            If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.


            Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

            For online events, you will need to register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

            First-time attendee tickets must be requested at least 24 hours before the meeting. Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.


            Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)


              For assistance or more information

              • Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

              • The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

              • Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity.

              • Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.


                AV Privacy Policy

                AV Event T&Cs

                • 13 Dec 2024
                • 7:00 PM - 8:20 PM
                • Pancake Parlour - 682 Warrigal Rd, Malvern East
                • 12
                Register



                Teens Group: December- in person meeting (Pancake Parlour)


                About our Group

                Our Teens group is for teens with Aspergers, autistic teens, and those with a similar neurodivergent profile to meet and hang out to play games or chat while their parents / carers meet in another room at the same venue to chat, provide support and share ideas and advice.


                • Teens will be supervised by our Teens Mentors.


                The Teens Team:

                • Callan T, Callan B, Sunny - Volunteer Mentors

                • Simone: Parent Contact


                Volunteers needed

                We’re looking for volunteers aged 18 and older to help out as Teens Mentors so we can continue to run in-person activities. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.


                All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV volunteers have a Working with Children Check.


                Each teen must be accompanied by one parent or carer.

                A parent or carer must attend with their teen and must remain on site for the duration of the activity.

                We understand that another parent or family member may wish to join the activity, however our booking can only accommodate one adult per registered teen, and we are unable to accommodate additional adults on the night.


                Important information

                All attendees will be required to pay for their food online via the QR codes on the tables. 


                Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members, FREE for +Groups membership holders and first-time attendees.

                Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

                Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community.

                If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.


                Venue

                Pancake Parlour - 682 Warrigal Rd, Malvern East

                Pancake Parlour website

                Pancake Parlour menu online

                Pancake Parlour - Malvern East in Google Maps

                Transport: Buses 623, 624, 767 903 stops approx. 250m. On-site undercover parking.

                Accessibility: accessible parking, ramp access, accessible toilet.


                Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

                For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

                In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered. First-time attendee tickets must be requested at least 24 hours before the meeting. 

                NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.


                How to register

                - In the first section, enter the details of the teen attending.

                - In the second section, enter the details of the parent / carer / support worker who will be attending with the teen.


                Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)


                For assistance or more information

                • Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity.

                • Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.


                Privacy Policy

                AV Event Terms & Conditions

                • 19 Dec 2024
                • 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
                • Online via Zoom
                Register

                Partners Group: December - online meeting


                About our Partners Group

                Join our Partners Peer Support Group to meet other adults who are in a relationship with someone who has Aspergers, is autistic, or has a similar neurodivergent profile. Sharing experiences within the safe environment of our peer support meetings can be a lifeline, and sharing with people who have similar lived experience is validating and often educational. Your partner may be self-diagnosed or have a formal diagnosis, and you may share a household or live separately. We are an inclusive group and welcome partners of all genders and relationship types.


                This session is facilitated by our Partners Group Leaders. All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees.


                Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members.

                Registration is FREE for holders of a +Groups Membership and for first-time attendees. How to access a free first-time attendee ticket for regular peer support groups.

                Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for groups and events, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the wonderful work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

                If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team

                Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

                For online events, you will need to register to receive the Zoom meeting link / Discord link.

                Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.


                Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)


                For assistance or more information

                • Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.
                • The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.
                • Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity.
                • Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.


                  AV Privacy Policy

                  AV Event Terms & Conditions



                  • 20 Jan 2025
                  • 6 Jun 2025
                  • Hybrid- online and in-person
                  Register



                  Teens Work Know-How Program
                  A Transition to Work Know-How Program

                  Participant Application for 2025

                  Join Our Teens Work Know-How Program: Your Opportunity to Shine

                  Are you or someone you know a student, and ready to be supported in taking the next step towards transitioning from School into the Workforce? We’re thrilled to invite you to express your early interest in our Teens Work Know-How Program, running in 2025. This expression of interest page will remain open from now until January 17th 2025!

                  This early application will help us in proactively managing our program to ensure its the best it can be for all, and in our grant applications and advocacy work. Your early efforts are supporting us to keep this program funded, and our community supported. 

                  Please review the timetable for 2025 below before registering to ensure you can commit to this program!


                  Why This Program Matters

                  Our Teens Work Know-How Program is more than just a series of workshops—it’s a community-driven initiative designed to empower neurodiverse teens with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workplace. Here’s why this program is crucial:

                  • Empowering Futures: We provide the tools and support to help neurodiverse teens navigate the professional world with confidence. This program is tailored to highlight and harness their unique strengths. 

                  • Building Stronger Communities: By focusing on individual abilities and fostering an inclusive environment, we are building a community where everyone can contribute and succeed.  Jacob, our Program Manager, knows firsthand, "a lot of learning for our cohort is helping them cut through the jargon, explaining the first principles, the Why behind the actions taken, and being able to understand and mentor their curiosity".

                  • Advocating for Change: Your involvement helps us collect valuable data that showcases the impact and ROI of neurodiverse talent, how educators and employers can best support, harness and train your talents, and helping all parties understand how the spectrum may speak in a place of work. 

                    This evidence is critical for securing future funding and expanding our reach and services to community, and more importantly, employers are businesses, this helps us showcase with tangible data, supported by our industry stakeholders, the long-term results of employing our community. The earlier our cohort understand themselves, their place on the spectrum, only then can they support, or be supported

                  Eligibility Criteria

                  To participate in the Teens Work Know-How Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

                  • Age: Must be within the legal working age of 15- 18 by the time the program round starts.
                  • School Enrollment: Must be enrolled in secondary school or through the Home Schooling Network (HEN).
                  • Commitment: Must be able to meet the scheduled requirements of the program.
                  • School Support: Must have the school’s knowledge and signature for work experience placement to be included as part of the participant's school VET (Vocational Education and Training) learning.

                  How Your Participation Makes a Difference

                  1. Early Access: By expressing your interest now, you’ll be prioritized for onboarding in our final round of the current grant extension in 2025.
                  2. Future Notifications: You’ll be among the first to hear about additional funding and new programs from 2025-2026 if we receive further funding.
                  3. Program Development: Your early application helps us understand community needs and develop diverse program options, including school curriculum integration, holiday programs, and/ or online courses.

                  Real Stories, Real Impact

                  Our program isn’t just about skills; it’s about changing lives. Here is a story from our Team that highlight the social value of our work:

                  • Community Voices: One of our participants, "Emma", shared how the program helped her build confidence in a way that traditional approaches in school didn’t. She learned to speak to her unique strengths to feel more confident in job interviews and the transition process, understanding that what made her a leader in her basket ball team, and her love for sport, is why she is fit for the role; not because of her Resume. This participant then went off to work in a sports store at DFO.

                    Another student, "Samantha" also suffered from stress related/undiagnosed tics, something that Jacob, due to his Tourette Syndrome understood the self consciousness of. Both of them, not being around many other "Tickers" connected, this report, this shared understanding, allowed for Sam to take of the mask, to transition from the timid shy girl who came in, feeling like her ticks would make her unable to achieve her goals, to one of the stand out students in our cohort. This preconceived mindset was brought to a halt; when she saw someone, doing exactly what she felted would never be possible. That reprograming of her believes, through seeing it with their own eyes, and being understood, was shared to be more impactful then any information, and a deeply impactful moment for both, and our program so far.  

                  Our ILC Commitment

                  Since 2019, supported by an ILC grant, we’ve faced challenges but remain dedicated to our mission; to deliver the Teens Work Know-How Program.

                  Despite the hurdles, including those from COVID-19, we’ve persevered, and pivoted through these challenges with the support of our community and stakeholders.
                  We continued to focus on leading by example, employing more lived experience team members, and exceeding past outcomes. 

                  Your participation is key to our success. It allows us to:

                  • Showcase Unique Talents: Highlight the skills and abilities of neurodiverse teens.
                  • Secure Essential Funding: Use collected data to advocate for extended or new grants.
                  • Expand Our Offerings: Create more programs tailored to various needs and preferences.


                  Express Your Interest

                  Ready to make a difference? Fill out the EOI Form to express your interest in the Teens Work Know-How Program. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a program that is changing lives and making a real impact.

                  Together, We Can Create a Brighter Future

                  Thank you for considering joining us. Your involvement will help us build a more inclusive and supportive community for neurodiverse teens.


                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  AV - Empowering and connecting Neurodiverse Individuals for 33 Year!


                      AV Privacy Policy

                      AV Event Terms & Conditions

                    AV Peer Support Groups - Disclaimer:

                    AV Peer Support Groups are not able to provide professional advice, therapy, medical advice, counselling, crisis management or case management. Our volunteer group leaders are volunteer peers: they are not mental health professionals and they are not qualified to provide crisis support or to fill the role of carer for any attendees. Attendees requiring a carer or support worker present may need to re-assess suitability before attending.  If you are looking for mental health crisis support, please visit our Professionals Directory  or browse our list of organisations offering crisis support.

                    AV has become aware of groups using the AV logo or name to promote services or groups without AV approval. AV cannot provide any assurance of the quality of any group not coordinated by AV and not listed in the links above. They will not be covered by our insurance, they will not have AV Group Leader training and we cannot confirm that the quality of support they deliver fits within AV standards.


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