Teens Work Know-How Program
Our program runs on the financial year, in which case, we are now taking Expressions for round 1 & 2 (2025-2026)
Timetables Below!

Register here: 

https://aspergersvic.org.au/event-6210684/Registration

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 see below possible dates for the 2025 Round 2 and 2026 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.

Register here: 

https://aspergersvic.org.au/event-6210684/Registration

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

AV - Empowering and connecting Neurodiverse Individuals for 33 Year!

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions

Book Club: July

About the AV Book Club

If you enjoy reading fiction and would like to have an incentive to read more, expand your reading list, and to meet with others to share your thoughts and insights and to hear others' perspectives, consider joining the AV Book Club for your next literary adventure. We read and discuss work by autistic authors as well as non-autistic authors.

This month, we will discuss Rainbows End by Vernor Vinge

Robert Gu is a recovering Alzheimer's patient. The world that he remembers was much as we know it today. Now, as he regains his faculties through a cure developed during the years of his near-fatal decline, he discovers that the world has changed and so has his place in it. He was a world-renowned poet. Now he is seventy-five years old, though by a medical miracle he looks much younger, and he’s starting over, for the first time unsure of his poetic gifts. Living with his son’s family, he has no choice but to learn how to cope with a new information age in which the virtual and the real are a seamless continuum, layers of reality built on digital views seen by a single person or millions, depending on your choice. But the consensus reality of the digital world is available only if, like his thirteen-year-old granddaughter Miri, you know how to wear your wireless access—through nodes designed into smart clothes—and to see the digital context—through smart contact lenses. 

With knowledge comes risk. When Robert begins to re-train at Fairmont High, learning with other older people what is second nature to Miri and other teens at school, he unwittingly becomes part of a wide-ranging conspiracy to use technology as a tool for world domination.

How to access this book

• Book Club book access and purchase guide for 2025 list.
  

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

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

If cost is a barrier, please contact AV admin.

All attendees must register before attending an AV activity.

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

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

• How to register for an AV activity

• How to view your registration details or cancel a registration
  

• How to access an AV Zoom Activity (includes tips on Zoom etiquette)

• AV Zoom Guide (includes details of in-Zoom features)

For 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 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 Groups Way

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions

Parents & Carers Group: July

- 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 or fill out our Hardship Fund application form.

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)

• How to register for an AV activity, view registration details, or cancel a registration 

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to access an AV Zoom Activity (includes tips on Zoom etiquette)

• AV Zoom Guide(includes details of in-Zoom features)

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

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

Young Adults Group: July

- in person meeting

About the Young Adults Group

Our Young Adults Group is a great place for Aspergers, autistic and other similar neurodivergent profile adults aged 18 years - 35 years (approx.) to meet, chat, and play games with no social pressure. As this is a parent/carer-free zone, we invite any parents or carers to attend our separate Parents & Carers group.

This activity is likely to be fully booked with a waiting list. We're very much looking forward to seeing everyone, however if something comes up and you can no longer attend, please make sure you cancel your registration so someone else can attend.

About our Group Leaders

The session is facilitated by the Young Adults Group team:

• Matthew - YA Group Leader
• Lyndel - Young Adults Co-Facilitator
• Cal, Brooklyn, Tim, Todd, Corey - YA Mentors

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 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 or fill out our Hardship Fund application form.

Venue Information 

Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre - 34 Amaroo Street Chadstone, VIC, 3148

Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre Website
Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre on Google Maps

Public transport: Holmesglen Station (1.3km). 623 & 767 bus (350m) . There is a parking lot and on-street parking.

Accessibility: Ramp access at front and rear, accessible bathroom.

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.

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

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

• How to register for an AV activity

• How to make a payment for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to view your registration details or cancel a registration

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

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

Teens Group: July - in person meeting 

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.
• In another room at the same venue, parents will be met by our Parents Contact to chat and exchange experiences.

The Teens Team:

• Callan T, Callan B, & Amelia - Volunteer Mentors

• Sunny: 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 we can only accommodate one adult per registered teen, and we are unable to accommodate additional adults on the night.

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 Information

Power Neighbourhood House - 54 Power Avenue, Ashwood, 3145

Power Neighbourhood House website

Power Neighbourhood House on Google Maps

Public transport: Holmesglen Station (700m). 624 bus (stops outside). On-street parking.

Accessibility: Ramp access at front and rear, accessible bathroom.

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.

Rainbow Spectrum Group: July

- in person 

About the Rainbow Spectrum Group

Our Rainbow Spectrum Group is a great place to connect with other autistic adults who are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community to chat about your experiences, share ideas, exchange advice, and support each other. You are also welcome to attend our Adults Group, our Women & Non-Binary Folk Group, our Young Adults Group, or all three!

About our Group Leaders

This session is facilitated by Mark, our Rainbow Spectrum Group Leader and supported by Brooklyn.

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: $10 for AV members, $15 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 groups and events, members-only programs, and to support the work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact Jack.

Venue information

• The Cornish Arms Hotel - 163A Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
• The Cornish Arms Hotel website
  
• The Cornish Arms Hotel on Google Maps
• The Cornish Arms Hotel menu
• Public transport: Jewell Station (350m). 509 bus (400m) 19 tram (150m). On-street parking.
• Accessibility: we will be in the ground level beer garden which is fully accessible.

Anyone wanting 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.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10. Please note that first-time attendee tickets must be requested before the meeting and are not available at the door.

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

• Community Guide: How to register for an AV activity, view details of an existing registration, or cancel a registration
  

• Community Guide: How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)
  

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.
  

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

If you have further questions about the event, about AV, or need assistance with registering, please contact our AV admin team.

• Call 0480 385 710 or email us.

• 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

Adults Group: July

- in person social night

About the Adults Group

Our Adults Group is for older members of the Aspergers autistic community and those with other similar neurodivergent profiles. It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults are welcome to join in. (Young adults may prefer to attend our Young Adults group meetings as well as or instead of this group.)

As this is a parent/carer-free zone, we invite any parents or carers to join our separate Parents & Carers Group.

In each month where there is a fifth Thursday, the Adults Group has a social night out at a restaurant or pub.

This month, we are going to the Cornish Arms Hotel. We will meet there for dinner at 6:30pm. You are welcome to order a meal to enjoy with the group if you would like to. We will have the opportunity for a general chat until approximately 9:30pm.

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for a volunteer Group Assistant to support our Group Leader and help to run the group. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

About our Group Leaders

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 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 groups and events, members-only programs, and to support the work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact Jack.

Venue information

• The Cornish Arms Hotel - 163A Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
• The Cornish Arms Hotel website
  
• The Cornish Arms Hotel on Google Maps
• The Cornish Arms Hotel menu
• Public transport: Jewell Station (350m). 509 bus (400m) 19 tram (150m). On-street parking.
• Accessibility: we will be in the ground level beer garden which is fully accessible.  

Anyone wanting 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.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10. Please note that first-time attendee tickets must be requested before the meeting and are not available at the door.

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

• Community Guide: How to register for an AV activity, view details of an existing registration, or cancel a registration
  

• Community Guide: How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)
  

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.
  

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

If you have further questions about the event, about AV, or need assistance with registering, please contact our AV admin team.

• Call 0480 385 710 or email us.

• 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

Partners Group: August

- In person meeting

About our Partners Group

Join our Partners Peer Support Group to meet other adults who are or who have been 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 are peers of their group participants and welcome new attendees.

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 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.

Venue Information 

Mount Street Neighbourhood House - 6 Mount Street, Glen Waverley VIC 

Mount Street Neighbourhood House website

Mount Street Neighbourhood House on googl maps

Public transport: Glen Waverley Station (600m). 734, 736, 742, 623, 850, 855, 902, 967, 737 & 754 bus (600m). On-street parking.

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.

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

• How to register for an AV activity, view registration details, or cancel a registration 

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.
  

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

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, Tuesday and Thursday.

Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions

About the Job Seeker Network

The AV Job Seeker Network is an interest group designed to support neurodivergent-identifying individuals who are actively seeking employment or exploring self-employment. This network provides a space to connect with peers, share experiences, access open-source resources, and advocate for change in how neurodiversity is perceived in the workplace.

This activity is for individuals aged 18 and older who identify as having autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent profiles and are navigating the job market. We are an inclusive group and welcome individuals at all stages of the assessment/diagnostic journey, including self-diagnosed.

Meeting Details

Our meetings are currently held online via Zoom on the First Monday of every month, excluding January.

We also offer:

• Monthly Speaker Q&A Events featuring neurodiverse professionals, stakeholders, and founders.
• Bimonthly Touchstone Meetings which are more of a group discussion setting. The group may share challenges, strategies, and successes. These events all hold a topic of discussion, and you are encouraged to participate. 

To find out more about these events,  go to our homepage > What We Do > Employment Support > Career Network 

About Our Facilitators

The AV Job Seeker Network is facilitated by Jacob Alan Kness, Employment Projects Manager at AV.
Jacob is a neurodivergent professional and support worker with extensive experience leading employment services for neurodiverse individuals.

All AV facilitators and volunteers are peers of their group participants and hold a valid Working with Children Check.

Cost and Membership Information

• Cost: Free for AV members, $10 for non-members.
• Membership Reimbursement:

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. To check eligibility and request support:

1. Contact your job-seeking program provider or NDIS plan manager.
2. Explain that AV membership provides access to employment support programs designed for neurodiverse individuals.
3. Provide them with AV’s details and a description of the AV Job Seeker Network (available upon request from our admin team).

If you need further assistance, please reach out to our AV admin team directly.

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

Community Guides

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

• How to register for an AV activity: View registration details or cancel a registration.
• How to pay for an AV activity registration: Includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options.
• How to access an AV Zoom Activity: Tips on Zoom etiquette and troubleshooting common issues.
• AV Zoom Guide: Detailed instructions on using in-Zoom features and settings.

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

For Assistance or More Information

Contact us:

• Call the Network Manager on 0427553077 or email at programs@aspergersvic.org.au.
• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team at Admin@aspergersvic.org.au.
• The AV phone is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

After-hours support:

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone for an hour before and during the first hour of the activity.
• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

Policies and Terms

• AV Privacy Policy
• AV Event T&Cs

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.

Parents & Carers Group: August

- 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 or fill out our Hardship Fund application form. 

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)

• How to register for an AV activity, view registration details, or cancel a registration 

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to access an AV Zoom Activity (includes tips on Zoom etiquette)

• AV Zoom Guide(includes details of in-Zoom features)

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

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

                                          

About the Career Network The AV Career Network provides a supportive platform for neurodivergent professionals to build connections, share their stories, and explore strategies for professional success. Our inclusive approach ensures participants at all stages of their careers feel supported and valued.

We welcome adults aged 18+ who identify as neurodivergent, including those who are formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or exploring their diagnostic journey.

Meeting Details

August: THE ROLE OF holistic practices in enhancing social connections

In August, we’re excited to welcome Annelil Desille, a registered clinical psychologist and director of Neurokinnection. As an AudHD (Autistic and ADHD) professional, Annelil is dedicated to fostering authentic connections within neurodivergent communities through holistic approaches.

This session will explore the role of mindfulness, movement, and other holistic practices in enhancing emotional well-being and strengthening social connections. Participants will gain practical techniques to integrate mindfulness into daily life and take part in a guided activity designed to deepen their connections.

Zoom access will be provided to all participants upon completing their paid registration.

Additional Opportunities

In 2025, we’ve expanded our group offerings to better support and provide tailored experiences for our community. With the introduction of three distinct groups—the Career Network, Job Seeker Network, and Peer Support Touchstone Meetings—we now host a total of 26 events throughout the year.

This expansion allows us to provide more specificity and targeted support to members at various stages of their professional and personal journeys. Each group is designed to address unique needs:

• Career Network: For neurodivergent professionals or someone in a career transition' seeking growth, connections, and strategies to thrive in professional environments.
• Job Seeker Network: A focused group offering practical tools and guidance for individuals actively navigating job transitions or entering the workforce.
• Peer Support Touchstone Meetings: Informal, open discussions for sharing experiences, strategies, and peer support in a welcoming community setting.

These additional opportunities ensure our community can connect in ways that meet their specific needs. Explore the variety of offerings on our Career Network page and Job Seeker Network page for more information.

About Our Facilitators and Speakers

All our facilitators are proudly on the autism spectrum and proudly neurodiverse, bringing their lived experiences and deep understanding of neurodivergent professional journeys to every session.

Our guest speakers and supporting contributors are either neurodivergent themselves, peers within the neurodiverse community, or loved ones of neurodivergent individuals. Together, they provide authentic, insightful, and empowering perspectives that reflect the diverse experiences of our community.

This commitment ensures that every session is led by individuals who truly understand the challenges, strengths, and unique contributions of neurodivergent professionals.

All AV volunteer facilitators hold a valid Working with Children Check.

Cost and Membership Information

• Cost: $10 for AV members, $15 for non-members.
• Membership Benefits: Becoming an AV member provides discounted tickets, access to members-only programs, and opportunities to support the neurodiverse community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV 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.
• Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $15.

Community Guides

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

• How to register for an AV activity: View registration details or cancel a registration.
• How to pay for an AV activity registration: Includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options.
• How to access an AV Zoom Activity: Tips on Zoom etiquette and troubleshooting common issues.
• AV Zoom Guide: Detailed instructions on using in-Zoom features and settings.

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

For Assistance or More Information

Contact us:

• Call the Network Manager on 0427553077 or email at programs@aspergersvic.org.au.
• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team at Admin@aspergersvic.org.au.
• The AV phone is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

After-hours support:

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone for an hour before and during the first hour of the activity.
• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

Policies and Terms

• AV Privacy Policy
• AV Event T&Cs
  
  Join the AV Career Network and connect with like-minded professionals to share experiences, leverage talents, and support positive change in the perception of neurodiversity in workplaces.

Teens Hub: August

- online meeting via Discord

About our Group

Our Teens group celebrates Aspergers, autistic and other similar neurodivergent teens. It provides a fun and inclusive environment, for these teens to to meet and hang out to play games or chat, with people that have a similar life experience. At our online meetings, the Teens meet via Discord, and each Teen must be supervised by a parent or carer when accessing the Discord server. 

The Teens Team:

• Callan T, Callan B, Amelia - Volunteer Mentors

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for volunteers aged 18 and older to help out as Teens Mentors. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

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 or fill out our Hardship Fund application form. 

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.

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 at the same address as the teen.

Enable GingerCannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection
or reload the browserDisable GingerRephraseRephrase with Ginger (Ctrl+Alt+E)Edit in GingerGinger is checking your text for mistakes...Disable Ginger in this text fieldDisable Ginger on this website×

AV are excited to announce that we are starting a Member Forum. The opinions and thoughts of our members are incredibly important to AV as an organisation. For that reason, it is a priority of AV to find ways to better connect with our members. We believe that this Member Forum will be a hugely beneficial way of facilitating that connection.

What is a Member Forum?

The Member Forum is an online video meeting, where we listen to your ideas for what Aspergers Victoria should do in future. In particular we encourage proposals for new volunteer-run Peer Groups, Interest Groups, Activities and Events.

How will it work?

All participants will have the opportunity to present a short verbal or chat-box “elevator pitch” of their idea(s), and consider what level of effort or expense is involved. Each idea proposed is then opened for wider discussion, to identify how it may be resourced and gauge the level of interest and support.

Members who are not able to present their proposals in person may also forward them to memberforum@aspergersvic.org.au before the day of the Forum.

Note that the Forum will use video recording to ensure that all views and feedback are considered. This recording will remain confidential for use within AV only.

Who is running it?

The Member Forum is being hosted by a Forum Committee of AV volunteers, AV Team and Committee of Management representatives. The Member Forum Committee will subsequently review and prioritise all ideas and proposals raised during the Member Forum. We welcome AV Members to join the Member Forum Committee.

If you would like to be part of the Committee as a representative AV Volunteer, then please send a brief Expression of Interest to memberforum@aspergersvic.org.au.

How do I participate?

Registration for the Member Forum is free to all AV Members. Non-members who may be interested in participating or volunteering for future AV events can also attend for a Registration Fee of $10.

For more information

If you have further questions or feedback about this activity, please contact our AV admin team.

• Call 0480 385 710, or email us.
• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.
• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions

mailto:memberforum@aspergersvic.org.au

Rainbow Spectrum Group: August

- online meeting

About our Group

Our new Rainbow Spectrum Group is a great place to connect with other autistic adults who are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community to chat about your experiences, share ideas, exchange advice, and support each other. You are also welcome to attend our Adults Group, our Women & Non-Binary Folk Group, our Young Adults Group, or all three!

This session is facilitated by our Rainbow Spectrum 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.

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for volunteers to help out as Group Assistants. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

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)

• How to register for an AV activity, view registration details, or cancel a registration

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to access an AV Zoom Activity (includes tips on Zoom etiquette)

• AV Zoom Guide (includes details of in-Zoom features)

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

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

Adults Group: August

- in person meeting

About the Adults Group

Our Adults Group is for older members of the Aspergers autistic community and those with other similar neurodivergent profiles. It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults are welcome to join in. (Young adults may prefer to attend our Young Adults group meetings as well as or instead of this group.)

This month, we will be talking about: “Friends and Lovers”

The Adults Group is a parent/carer free zone - we ask that parents / carers of attendees join our separate Parents & Carers Group instead.

(Autistic adults who are also parents or carers are most welcome to attend independently of the person they care for.)

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for a volunteer Group Assistant to support our Group Leader and help to run the group. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

About our Group Leaders

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: $10 for AV members, $15 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 groups and events, members-only programs, and to support the work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

Venue information

• Power Neighbourhood House - 54 Power Avenue, Ashwood, 3145
• Power Neighbourhood House website
• Power Neighbourhood House on Google Maps
• Public transport: Holmesglen Station (700m). 624 bus (stops outside). On-street parking.
• Accessibility: Ramp access at front and rear, accessible bathroom.

Anyone wanting 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.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10. Please note that first-time attendee tickets must be requested before the meeting and are not available at the door.

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

• Community Guide: How to register for an AV activity, view details of an existing registration, or cancel a registration
  

• Community Guide: How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)
  

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.
  

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

If you have further questions about the event, about AV, or need assistance with registering, please contact our AV admin team.

• Call 0480 385 710 or email us.

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

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs