Are you or have you been in a relationship with someone who has Aspergers, is autistic, or who has another similar neurodivergent profile? Then our Partners Group may be what you're looking for. 

Who is this group for?

Our Partners Group is for adults who are in a relationship with someone who has Aspergers, is autistic, or who has another similar neurodivergent profile. Your partner may have a diagnosis, be seeking a diagnosis, or be undiagnosed. We are inclusive of all genders, all relationship types, and all cohabitation situations.

If you and your partner both have Aspergers, are autistic, or have another similar neurodivergent profile, you are welcome to join the Partners Group, however if this is your situation, we would recommend that you and your partner join alternate meetings, as the Partners Group is not a couples group. You may also like to browse our other groups for autistic individuals, for example our Adults Group, Rainbow Spectrum Group, Young Adults Group, or Women & Non Binary Folk Group.

When and were does this group meet?

The Partners Group meets monthly on the first Thursday of each month (except January). As AV peer support group meetings depend on the availability of our dedicated peer support group volunteers we currently alternate between online Zoom meetings one month and meeting in person the next. In person meetings are held in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

If you are interested in volunteering to run meetings for this peer group in your area, we would love to hear from you! For more information, please contact the Group Leader or our AV admin team, or send us your details via our online volunteer application form.

What are group meetings like?

Our Partners Group meetings are facilitated by our Partners Group Leader and Group Assistant, both of whom have lived experience, and the meetings take the format of an informal discussion group. From time to time, we have guest speakers or a discussion topic, and past topics include self care, the diagnosis journey, recognising signs of burnout and maintaining social connections.

Our focus is to provide a safe space where partners can connect, share stories, exchange advice, and find community. 

You are welcome to join in the discussion or to listen to others as you feel comfortable. In Zoom meetings, you are welcome to have your video and microphone on or off as you feel comfortable, and you can also communicate via the Zoom chat function.

How can I register for the next group meeting?

The next group meeting is listed in the calendar below.

• If you would like to attend, please click “Register” on the left side and enter your details.
• If you would like to try this group and are joining for the first time, we invite you to use our free* first time attendee ticket. For more information, please read our Community Guide: About our free* first time attendee tickets or contact the AV admin team for assistance.
• If the next meeting date is not yet visible below, we invite you to add your name to the AV mailing list by following the steps below and we will contact you when registrations open.

AV Membership

Become an AV member and access peer support groups either at a discounted rate or for free! Browse our AV membership options to find the AV membership that best suits you.

Join the AV Mailing List

If you're interested in receiving emails from AV about this group including upcoming meeting announcements, please add your name to our AV mailing list. Visit the Join our AV Mailing List page, enter your first name and your email address, and select this activity as an area of interest, as well as any other topics you're interested in, and we'll include you in future emails.

Community Guide: How to join the AV mailing list

If you're already in contact with AV, make sure you have added this activity to your Areas of Interest.

Community Guide: How to update your AV profile (including your Areas of Interest)

If you would like more information about this group, please contact the Partners Group Leader.