Inspirations!
Resources, sites, strategies, services, tips, tools and articles we found inspiring.
From our team and others’, which we hope may provide some inspiration and insights for you too!
Kaleidoscope:
by Lexie Dryden.
A depiction of a of a child with a small smile, as a stained glass window that shatters into many bright colourful pieces. This kaleidoscope of shattered pieces shifts and changes and out of the shards a new picture emerges of the young person, a little older, still with a small smile.
A poem about love
Based on fact, created as fiction, written with understanding.
The LEGO® ROBOTICS Guide:
A guide to facilitating LEGO® Robotics sessions for autistic teens
“This guide consists of information on the LEGO® Robotics therapy program, how to form and facilitate the groups, supporting resources, learnings from the program, and a summary of the research findings.”
Autism Friendly Charter
“The Charter offers free online training and supporting resources to support business, organisation, agencies, departments, teams and authorities to understand autism and therefore build confidence to better support inclusion and accessibility for the autistic community. Participants that complete the training are then invited to join the Charter by committing to uphold the Autism Friendly Charter Principals and be listed on an Autism Friendly Charter directory which is used by the community to find inclusive services and supports.”
Websites of use: Click on any of the below photos to go to that website
(opens in new tab)
Autism CRC - is the world’s first national, cooperative research effort dedicated to autism across the lifespan.
Student Wellbeing Hub - an Australian Government–funded online platform that provides free, high‑quality resources to support the physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of students in schools across Australia.
Raising Children Network - Australia’s official parenting website, offering free, evidence‑based information for parents, carers and professionals.
Ask Issy - links to just about everything that might be useful! Australia‑wide online directory and mobile website that connects people in need with essential support services.
Autism Hub (Qld) - that supports school leaders, teachers, and parents to improve the engagement, inclusion, and educational outcomes of autistic students in Queensland schools - whilst still being useful for other states!
Positive Partnerships Australia - a national Australian program that provides free, research‑based workshops, tools, and resources to help families, educators, and school communities support autistic school‑aged children and strengthen their learning and wellbeing outcomes. Anyone can access the site!
Mytime groups - free support groups where parents and carers of children with disability or additional needs can relax, connect with others, and get helpful information in a supportive environment.
ACARA - Australian Curriculum and Diversity - explains how the Australian Curriculum supports all learners by promoting inclusion, equity, and tailored teaching for students with diverse abilities, backgrounds, and learning needs.
Equal Opportunity Commission - At School - explains that all students have the right to equal access to education and must be protected from discrimination, bullying, and harassment in any school setting.
Tennis Australia, Autism and Intellectual Disability Pathways - provide inclusive programs, state‑based squads, and competitive opportunities that support players to participate, develop skills, and progress toward national and international events.
MyComms - BRILLIANT App! The platform helps people understand, plan and communicate through fully customisable visual supports - using real photos, personal language or ready-made templates.
Craig's UDL Thinking Space - A "tool to help early career teachers/new to Universal Design for Learning educators. It's a 'UDL Thinking Space' dashboard - it let's you add details about your own lessons within any of the UDL elements, and then once you're done, the tool will output notes you can put into your planning documents." Also try out his "Universal Sandpit" tool!
SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICES!
NDIS Mentoring by
“AUTHENTIC SUPPORT”
“Our Promise: A Better Life Through Authentic Connection.
Journey Forward with Authentic Support
In various stages of our lives, we often crave companionship on our journey. Authentic Support was born out of the vision to connect compassionate and skilled individuals with those seeking a guiding hand.
Our mentors, undergo thorough training and are equipped with the tools and support of a nurturing team. This ensures they are fully prepared to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those they guide.
Discover the power of genuine connection and embark on your journey with Authentic Support. Together, we create lasting differences in the lives of those in need.”
“If you live in the Southern Suburbs and have a child under 8 with additional needs, such as autism (diagnosed or undiagnosed) please contact Kate on 0456 898 937”
Playconnect+
Playgroups which welcome all children with disability and/or developmental concerns aged 0-8 years, their families, carers and siblings.
MAKE AND CREATE DIGITAL CONTENT
“Do you live in the inner Southern Suburbs and are you interested in creating digital content?
Free 6-week media sessions to learn how to use digital tools to create content such as podcasts, images, sound, movies and videos
For Youth (ages 12-17 or High School Age)
No cost. Wi-Fi, snacks and devices provided. Own devices welcome
Accessible and inclusive for Neurodivergent individuals”
Click on either of the links below in PINK to access more information
Supporting individuals to “Think it!”
Most people like to share information about things they have done or seen, as well their thoughts and feelings. Doing this helps form connections with other people and strengthen bonds.
For some people knowing when and where and how much to share may need a little extra help.
Using a brain filter or “Think it” strategy is one thing that may assist.
Connection over correction
Sometimes saying “no” to a request from an autistic person can be difficult and you may not be sure how to respond to this or what strategies you should use.
Read this blog for some tips and tricks that may help.
Inspirations for the School Holidays
During the holidays there can be many unexpected changes occurring, which may be very stressful for autistic people.
If you plan and prepare for these activities, trips, or excursions, they can become more predictable and therefore much more enjoyable for everyone.
Using visuals and other supports such as timers, schedules, social scripts and providing sensory items, can mean the difference between your outing going from a potentially challenging day to a fun one!
Many of the places you may like to visit in the holidays have autism-aware staff and provide social scripts on their website as well as sensory tools to borrow!
Some examples for you are below.
We hope this information assists you and your child to have fun in the school holidays!
Click on a picture below to find out more information about each activity!
You can also find more information and a downloadable PDF here:
Social Script Video for plane travel
Adelaide Airport (Sunflower Lanyard and accessibility supports)
Adelaide Zoo - accessibility
Monarto Safari Park - Accessibility
Museums with social stories
Maritime Museum Social Script
Maritime Museum Sensory Sessions
South Australia Museum Social Script
SA Museum Access And Inclusion
MOD - Museum of Discovery
SAPOL Road Safety Centre
SAPOL Road Safety Centre Social Script