The Amaze Lived Experience Network connects Autistic people and their families across Australia with opportunities to shape autism policy, programs and media. We’re guided by the principle ‘Nothing about us without us’ to ensure that Autistic voices and lived experience are central to the development of programs, resources and public conversations about autism.
The Network is a clear and respectful way for Autistic people to be contacted about consultation opportunities with organisations, such as government bodies, not-for profit organisations and media outlets. It’s a way for the Autistic community to actively participate in co-design and share insights drawn from lived experience.
The Lived Experience Network is just one way that Amaze centres Autistic voices. The Network is a database of people with lived experience of autism, either as Autistic people themselves, or as parents or carers of Autistic people.
Amaze links Network members with opportunities that suit their experience and interests. You might contribute to policy and advocacy campaigns, shape resources for Autistic people, participate in media activities, or contribute to co-design processes. These may be government initiatives or mainstream media engagements, or they may be for Amaze projects.
Through this network, Amaze aims to build stronger, ongoing partnerships with the community it serves, and make sure lived experience remains central to Autism inclusion.
Membership is open to adults aged 18 and over across Australia.
Selection will be based on:
Complete our short expression of interest form by 31/01/2026 to join the Amaze Lived Experience Network.
We’ll email you to let you know if your application is successful, waitlisted, or not eligible this time.
Membership is open to Autistic adults aged 18 and over and to parents or carers of Autistic people who live in Australia. We aim for representation across different ages, backgrounds and experiences to reflect the diversity of the Autistic community.
Lived experience refers to the personal knowledge and insights that come from directly experiencing life as an Autistic person, or from supporting an Autistic family member. These perspectives are tied with the Amaze’s advocacy commitment to ‘nothing about us, without us’ to help shape better policy, programs and media representation.
Network members may be invited to share their views or take part in:
We collect this information to understand your experience, interests and areas of expertise. This helps us share opportunities and updates that are most relevant to you.
When organisations contact Amaze to seek lived experience input, or when Amaze is looking for a lived-experience perspective for one of its own projects, we reach out to Network members whose experiences and interests best fit the opportunity. Members can let us know if they’d like to take part, and Amaze will review each expression of interest to make sure it’s a good match.
Some opportunities may offer payment or reimbursement for your time. This will depend on the project or organisation leading the consultation. Details will always be shared before you agree to take part.
Amaze values transparency and confidentiality. Personal information is collected only to help match you with suitable opportunities. We handle your information in line with the Amaze Privacy Policy, which explains how data is collected, used, and stored.
It’s flexible. You can choose which opportunities to take part in. Each opportunity comes with its own time commitment once you have agreed to take part in it, but you can withdraw from the Network at any time. Some projects might take just a few minutes, others a few hours over several days.
Yes. You can request to update your details or withdraw at any time by contacting the Amaze Community Partnerships team at [email protected].
The Network is specifically for people with lived experience – that is, Autistic people and parent/carers of Autistic people. However, Amaze welcomes professionals and allies to connect with us through our training and inclusion programs. Visit our inclusion training workshops page to learn more.
After you submit your form, we’ll review your application and let you know by email whether you’ve been accepted, waitlisted or not eligible this time.
The Network ensures that Autistic voices and lived experience guide decisions about autism policy, services and representation. It’s one of the ways Amaze works toward an Australia where Autistic people have real influence in shaping the systems that affect their lives.
To express your interest in joining the network, please complete this form.
Amaze respects your privacy and values transparent, inclusive engagement. Read our Privacy Policy to learn how we protect your information.
Amaze collects your personal information to assess your suitability and areas of interest. Without this information, we will be unable to consider your application.
Amaze respects the privacy of our employees, volunteers, clients/beneficiaries, donors, business partners and online users. We are committed to safeguarding the personal information that is provided to us. Our Privacy Policy explains our general information handling practices, including information about how we collect, use, disclose and store your personal information.
The purpose of this privacy policy is to:
Information about accessing or correcting your personal information or making a privacy complaint, is available in our Privacy Policy.
If you have any questions about the Amaze Lived Experience Network, contact the Community Partnerships team via email [email protected].