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Teens Group

Are you a young person aged 12 to 18 years who has Aspergers, is autistic, or who has another similar neurodivergent profile, who is currently enrolled in secondary school?

Are you looking for a group of peers to hang out with, to chat about interests and passions over board games and activities, and generally have fun?

Then our Teens Group may be what you're looking for!



Who is this group for?


Our Teens Group is for young people aged 12 to 18 years who are currently enrolled in secondary education, who have Aspergers, are autistic, or who have another similar neurodivergent profile. We welcome teens of all genders and at all stages of the diagnostic journey, including self-identified. If your teen is aged 18 or older and is no longer enrolled in secondary education, the Young Adults Group may be more suitable.



When and where does this group meet?


The Teens Group meets on the first Friday of each month.

Our in-person meetings take place at a range of venues. Usually, we meet at a community centre in Ashwood in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, however we also go bowling, rock climbing, or meet at a restaurant to share a meal together.

When we meet online, our Teens group uses Discord to chat with each other.



What are group meetings like?


In-person Teens Group meetings: these meetings are split into two parts. In one room, the teens meet with our Teens Mentors, young adults volunteering in a mentor role. The Teens Mentors welcome new attendees, facilitate conversation, and provide supervision.
In a separate room at the same venue, our Teens Parents Group Leaders welcome the teens' parents and carers and facilitate conversation amongst the group. This is setup allows teens to build independence, to meet peers, and develop social connections without pressure, while their parents and carers can also catch up with their peers. Each teen must be accompanied by a parent or carer at each meeting: the parent or carer must stay on-site for the duration of the event and is responsible for the supervision of their teen.


Online Teens Group meetings: these meetings take place via a private, moderated Discord server. The Teens Mentors provide several Discord rooms for the teens to interact, chat, or play online games, and they welcome new participants, facilitate chat and interactions, and provide supervision. Teens are welcome to join in the discussion or to listen to others as they feel comfortable. Each teen must be supervised by a parent or carer while they are accessing the Discord server.



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 Teens Group Leader.

Upcoming Group Meetings

  • Teen Work Know-How Program: Early/ open Participant Application and EOI

    • 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

        Show details

      • Teens Group: November - in person meeting

        • 29 Nov 2024
        • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
        • Power Neighbourhood House - 54 Power Avenue, Ashwood
        • 7
        Register

        Teens Group: November - 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, 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 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.


        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

        Show details

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

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

        Show details

      AV Peer Support Groups disclaimer: Please note that AV Peer Support Groups do not not provide professional advice, medical advice, counselling, crisis management or case management.
      If you or someone else needs urgent support, please visit our list of organisations offering crisis support.



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