Are you or have you been in a relationship with someone who 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?

The Partners Group is for adults who are in or have been in a relationship with someone who 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. Noting most meeting participants are, or have been, in a relationship with a late identified autistic partner.

Please note the Partners Group is not a couples group or a forum to meet a partner.

Refer Peer Support Groups for links to other AV Peer Support groups and the AV Groups Way (i.e. group values & approach).

When and where does this group meet?

As meetings depend on the availability of our peer support group volunteers, we currently alternate monthly between in-person and online Zoom meetings (usually 7-9pm on the first Thursday of each month) with no meeting in January. In-person meetings are held at Power Neighbourhood House in Ashwood. 

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?

Partners Group meetings are facilitated by our volunteer team who all have lived experience. We discuss topics most relevant to the needs of attendees after a brief round table introduction. Our focus is to provide a safe space where partners can connect, share experiences, and find community. From time to time, we have guest speakers and/or a specific discussion topic. Past topics include self-care, the diagnosis journey, recognising signs of burnout and maintaining social connections.

Participants receive our quarterly (Partners Support) ‘Passport Newsletter’ and

‘Passport Information Pack’.

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 cost is a barrier, please email the AV Admin Team or complete the AV Hardship Fund application form.

• 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.