There are many ways to get involved with the organisation and help increase awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the community.
Enjoy the Benefits of Membership
Membership helps you – and it helps all those with an ASD: through your membership you will gain a whole range of benefits and be part of the wider autism community. The more members we have, the stronger our voice and the better our ability to lobby for the benefit of the autism community.
The Spectrum Magazine
The Spectrum Magazine is distributed quarterly to all current members. It includes instructive articles about services, helpful items on strategies and interesting information about every aspect of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
eNews
Sign up for our online newsletters – it’s a great way to stay informed about the world of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Victoria.
Become a Volunteer
We maintain a database of people who are willing to volunteer their time to help us: we had about 40 volunteers work as marshals for us on World Autism Awareness Day for example and we have other opportunities to help out.
Participate in Autism Research Projects
Specialist researchers all over the world are studying Autism Spectrum Disorders: their work aims to provide improved understanding of the disorder and leads to new and more effective therapies to help individuals affected by ASDs.
In Victoria we are lucky to have many ongoing research projects into ASDs, and sometimes they require individuals with an ASD, or their family members, to participate in their studies to help with information about their disorder.
This section is both for academics and researchers currently working in the field, an for individuals with an ASD and their families.
Use the Directory of Services
The Directory of Services puts people in touch with services, and services in touch with the people needing them. It is a database of services and professionals across the state who have indicated they have knowledge and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
For autism-aware and autism-specific practitioners and service providers, this is a great way to ensure that you can be easily located by the people who need your help.
Find out more
Join a Support Group
Support groups can be an invaluable resource for parents and relatives of individuals with an ASD: first and foremost they provide a friendly space or an understanding ear.
These groups can also work on other levels, such as helping to create a sense of community and lessen any feelings of isolation from the wider community that people affected by ASDs may feel.
Many support groups welcome autism practitioners who have a professional interest, even though the group is primarily designed to support parents and families.
Raise Funds and Awareness
Over the past year, there have been some fantastic fundraisers – Greg Hunt’s walk around his electorate, the Paynsesville footy players waxing, the Alpha-riders, the Jimmy Dooley Rollers, Run Melbourne, the City2Sea and many more.
As well as these events, there have been morning teas, balloon releases, movie nights, work drinks, and many other events, big and small, organised by individuals and groups across our state. This is a tremendous support to us.
Have you thought about running a fundraiser? Get some ideas here.
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter – tell us what’s on your mind or share your views with others.
Join our Online Forum hosted by HealthShare.