Young Adults Hub: Online Peer Discussion    Chat & play online games

We had a great time last month with a good turnout, chatting and playing online card games (in a separate breakout room).  This month we thought we would try playing some "Jackbox" games. By ow we're all settled in to the new world of lock-down so we are again running an online meeting via the web-based application "Zoom".

Feedback from those who attended was that it was "fun and informative". 

We came up with some great ideas for what we can do in the following groups, so for April's meeting we will: Introduce our pets and play online card games e.g. perhaps Cards Against Humanity was a popular vote!  This peer meeting is for adults aged (minimum) 18 years -35 years old (approx.) with Aspergers (or Autism Spectrum Disorder level 1-2). 

This is a popular group where you can meet new friends, enjoy an environment with no social pressure and have an enjoyable night out! Looking forward to seeing you there! 

Cost:  $5 AV Members, $10 Non-Members  Please book and pay online before attending, You will receive the link to join the meeting when your payment is done and you will receive a Event Confirmed email containing this link. 

Please note the following about how our group runs:

• This event is for Young Adults who are between the ages of 18-35 years.  
• This is a parent/carer-free zone. 
  
• New attendees will be made to feel comfortable and welcome by our peer leaders so please let us know if you are new. 
  

Parents & Carers Hub: Online / Phone Peer Meeting Discussion with Guest Speaker:

"Benefits of animal-assisted therapy with ASD"

This month we have an interesting speaker from our community to shine a light on how our loved ones can reap positive benefits  from therapy that involves having animals as a form of treatment. (e.g. dogs, horses)  We have asked clinical psychologist Leanne Winter from Mullum Rd Clinic to join us our meeting for some of the session.

We will also talk about how to look after ourselves with the challenges of balancing this with caring for ourselves and all the usual demands of being parents.  This will again be an online meeting via a web-based application called Zoom.See below for more information on what Zoom is and how to access the meeting with it. 

This peer meeting is for parents, grandparents and carers (of a person with Aspergers / Autism Spectrum Disorder Level ASD 1-2) to meet, share their experiences and support each other. We have a range of parents who attend, who have children of varying ages from toddlers through to young adults. The group is facilitated to allow opportunity for all attendees to talk if they wish. Attendance varies from month to month and it's great to talk to others who have been through similar challenges.  

Cost:  $5 AV Members, $10 Non-Members. Please book and pay online before attending. Once your payment is processed and you will receive an Event Confirmed email containing the Zoom link.

Discussion  Topic:

Guest Speaker Leanne Winter:  "Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy for people with ASD".

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a program that allows video, web and audio conferencing.You can download it free onto your computer or phone/tablet. Or you can simply just dial in and participate via telephone.  Download the AV Zoom Guide (pdf)

STEP 1: Before the Meeting: Make sure you download Zoom

Download onto your computer:

1. Visit https://zoom.us/download, locate Zoom Client for Meetings and click Download.
2. Follow the download and installation prompts (you do not need admin access).

Download onto your phone / tablet:

1. Go to the App store of your device (e.g. App Store or Google Play).

2. Search for Zoom

3. Download it, as per other apps.

Participate via phone line only:

1. Dial in via one of these numbers:  +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia. Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahxpuxnWU

2. Key in the Meeting ID (from your registration confirmed email).

STEP 2: At the Meeting time: Join the Zoom Meeting

1. Open up the Zoom application

1a.  If using a computer - Go to "Settings", and do "Audio" -> "Sound and "Microphone" checks before you start.

2. Enter the Meeting ID you've been provided (in the confirmed registration email). The host will receive a 'door bell' that you are waiting and will admit you to the meeting.

Once you have entered the Zoom meeting room:

• Make sure that your microphone is muted
• Video - you can choose if its on or off    (On = more internet used)
• When you want to talk - unmute microphone.
• Make sure 1 person talks at a time.

More instructions of how to use Zoom in the meeting will be provided at the start of the meeting. However we can email you an outline for Zoom use in case you need help. 

Contact Details:  Emma at admin@aspergersvic.org.au  emall preferred, or 0432 139 528

Teens Hub: Online Peer Meeting Discussion

Teens on Discord, Parents with Guest Teen Parent on Zoom

The Teens had a great time last month playing games together on Discord, so we thought we would do it again!  Coronavirus hasn't stopped our meetings, we have just moved them  to an online meeting format, via two web-based applications - one called Discord (for the teens) and another called Zoom (for parents). 

Parents can come together and chat about how they’ve been managing, share ideas and support to maintain connections with each other.  Meanwhile the Teens can enjoy a few rounds of "Secret Hitler" or some other "Jackbox" games. See below for more about what Zoom and Discord are.

This is a popular group where you can meet new friends and catch up with old buddies, enjoy an environment with no social pressure and have an enjoyable night out! Looking forward to seeing you there!

Cost:  $5 AV Members, $10  Please book and pay online before attending.  Once your payment is processed and you will receive an Event Confirmed email containing the Discord and Zoom links.

Aspergers Victoria volunteers with lived experience run all meetings. Our Teen group peer leaders are very encouraging and welcoming to their peers including new attendees. All group leaders have a Working With Children Check.  Refer to our Groups page for more information. 

The Discord teens session will be facilitated by the Teens Mentor Team:

Aspergers Victoria Online Educational Event:

GAMEAWARE WITH ANDREW KINCH

Aspergers Victoria has been fortunate to organise Andrew Kinch from GameAware for this 90 minute presentation (including Q&A) explaining gaming mechanics, impacts, culture and our need to develop balance and resilience. Andrew will discuss the bigger picture of gaming and then present strategies to manage gaming/technology use as a hobby, instead of an unhealthy compulsion.

Andrew is the founder of GameAware and is a secondary teacher. Andrew advises this introductory talk is intended for gamers, and also psychologists, teachers and parents to better understand gaming mechanics and culture so they are better equipped to support gamers who need help developing self regulation approaches, life balance and resilience. Learn more about where the lines begin to blur between hobby and compulsion. This will explore the many sides of gaming culture and why games are so appealing, with how to help gamers re-frame their gaming into a healthy hobby using the GameAware key strategies.

This is Andrew's introductory session. Andrew offers programs for gamers, families, parents and schools around healthy gaming/screen habits. Click here to read more Andrew 's Gameaware programs.

Time: 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm

Timing on the night:

7.30 pm: Welcome and introduction from Tamsin (President)

7.35 pm: Andrew's presentation 

8.30 pm: Question and answer session

9.00 pm: Event concludes.

Cost: $20 Aspergers Vic Members, $35 Non-Members. Please book and pay online before attending, You will receive the link to join the meeting when your payment is done and you will receive a Event Confirmed email containing this link.

Who should attend: This event is suitable for Aspergers Victoria members, families, professionals, or anyone else interested in this topic. Suitable age: teenagers and upwards. 

The Zoom session will be facilitated by the Event Team:

• Speaker: Andrew Kinch
• Tamsin Jowett - AV President
• Lyndel Kennedy - Events & Young Adults Team Volunteer
• Emma Howden - AV Staff Member

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a program that allows video, web and audio conferencing.You can download it free onto your computer or phone/tablet. Download the AV Zoom Guide (pdf)

STEP 1: Before the Meeting: Make sure you download Zoom

Download onto your computer:

1. Visit https://zoom.us/download, locate Zoom Client for Meetings and click Download.
2. Follow the download and installation prompts (you do not need admin access).

Download onto your phone / tablet:

1. Go to the App store of your device (e.g. App Store or Google Play).

2. Search for Zoom

3. Download it, as per other apps.

STEP 2: At the Meeting time: Log into Zoom

1. Open up the Zoom application

1a.  If using a computer - Go to "Settings", and do "Audio" -> "Sound and "Microphone" checks before you start.

2. Enter or click on the Meeting ID you've been provided (in the confirmed registration email). The host will receive a 'door bell' that you are waiting and will admit you to the meeting.

Participate via phone line only:

1. Dial in via one of these numbers:  +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia. Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahxpuxnWU

2. Key in the Meeting ID (from your registration confirmed email)

Once you have entered the Zoom meeting room:

• Your microphone will need to be MUTED  (to minimize background noise)
• Video - you can choose if its on or off   (On = more internet used & you are visible)
• Q&A will be submitted in writing via the Q&A or chatbox functions
• If you want to contribute something to the session chat, you can type your message, either to 'everyone' or to the person you wish to see it (private chat). We recommend chat is kept to a minimum during the talk so we don't distract attendees. Please wait for the Q&A timing. 
• It will be recorded and your contribution may also be recorded. 

More instructions of how to use Zoom in the meeting will be provided at the start of the meeting. 

Contact Details:  Emma at admin@aspergersvic.org.au  emall preferred, or 0432 139 528

Parents & Carers of Young Adults Hub: Online / Phone Peer Meeting Discussion

In response to member requests, we are trialing a dedicated group for how to support our young adult Aspies to survive and thrive amidst the challenge of the Coronavirus lockdown.  We will also talk about how to look after ourselves as well while caring for our young adults.  This will be an online meeting via a web-based application called Zoom. See below for more information on what Zoom is and how to access the meeting with it. It’s easy to use and you get a link in your registration confirmation email to join the meeting. 

This peer meeting is for parents, grandparents and carers (of a person with Aspergers or Autism Spectrum Disorder / ASD 1-2 aged 18 years+) to meet, share their experiences and support each other. The group is facilitated to allow opportunity for all attendees to talk if they wish.  

Cost:  $5 AV Members, $10 Non-Members. Please book and pay online before attending. Once your payment is processed and you will receive an Event Confirmed email containing the Zoom link.

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a program that allows video, web and audio conferencing.You can download it free onto your computer or phone/tablet. Or you can simply just dial in and participate via telephone.  Download the AV Zoom Guide (pdf)

STEP 1: Before the Meeting: Make sure you download Zoom

Download onto your computer:

1. Visit https://zoom.us/download, locate Zoom Client for Meetings and click Download.
2. Follow the download and installation prompts (you do not need admin access).

Download onto your phone / tablet:

1. Go to the App store of your device (e.g. App Store or Google Play).

2. Search for Zoom

3. Download it, as per other apps.

Participate via phone line only:

1. Dial in via one of these numbers:  +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia. Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahxpuxnWU

2. Key in the Meeting ID (from your registration confirmed email).

STEP 2: At the Meeting time: Join the Zoom Meeting

1. Open up the Zoom application

1a.  If using a computer - Go to "Settings", and do "Audio" -> "Sound and "Microphone" checks before you start.

2. Enter the Meeting ID you've been provided (in the confirmed registration email). The host will receive a 'door bell' that you are waiting and will admit you to the meeting.

Once you have entered the Zoom meeting room:

• Make sure that your microphone is muted
• Video - you can choose if its on or off    (On = more internet used)
• When you want to talk - unmute microphone.
• Make sure 1 person talks at a time.

More instructions of how to use Zoom in the meeting will be provided at the start of the meeting. However we can email you an outline for Zoom use in case you need help. 

Contact Details:  Emma at admin@aspergersvic.org.au  emall preferred, or 0432 139 528