Create Your Own Future - Occupational Therapy

10/10/2025

08/10/2025

Yesterday, we pushed back against dangerous myths about autism. Tens of thousands of you shared our message: autistic people and their families deserve respect, evidence, and care, not conspiracy.

This November, we’re taking that mission further to bringing families, professionals, and international experts together for Australia’s first Profound Autism Symposium. We’re proud to announce our second keynote speaker: Dr Amy Lutz. Amy is a historian of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Vice-President of the National Council on Severe Autism, and mum to her profoundly autistic son, Jonah.

She has written widely about profound autism in journals such as The American Journal of Bioethics and Autism Research, and for mainstream outlets including The Atlantic, Psychology Today, and The Washington Post. Her latest book, Chasing the Intact Mind (2023), shines a light on how families with profoundly autistic children are too often excluded from the debates that matter most.

On 17–18 November at the State Library of NSW (and via livestream), Amy will join other international leaders, Australian experts, and families to put profound autism front and centre on the national agenda.

Early bird tickets are available for a strictly limited time. More info about the event and how to book are in the comments.

08/10/2025

To advocate for clients is part of the process

08/09/2025

Autistic women

27/04/2025

Not being able to articulate thoughts, feelings, and choices using speech can lead to considerable distress for the autistic person and those who support them at home, school and in recreational and occupational activities. The distress can be expressed by agitated behaviour, destruction, and self-h...

25/04/2025

👨‍🦽 👩‍🦯 People with lived experience of disability need to be at the centre of decision-making on issues that impact them. We welcome your feedback to help ensure the needs and priorities of the disability community are accurately reflected in the implementation of South Australia’s new State Disability Inclusion Plan. https://buff.ly/8EGHQhu

22/04/2025

If you’re not already following James and his family’s journey via Stories About Autism you really should. James is dad to two autistic boys, Tommy and Jude, and for the past decade, he has been openly sharing both the challenges and joys of being part of an autism family in such a beautiful way.

We are thrilled that he's joining us in Sydney for AUStism 2025, where he’ll share his valuable advice and insights. Don’t miss your chance to see James in person or via livestream on May 7th! For more info and to book your tickets visit https://buff.ly/P8zIk2t

22/04/2025

📣 Webinar Alert for Parents and Families of children, teens and adults with communication disability

Our friends at AGOSCI are hosting a fantastic webinar in May! It's all about bringing parents and families of people with communication disability together for support and connection.

The team from Agosci Inc will facilitate a safe discussion and meetings will not be recorded. This session is co-presented by two parents of AAC users.

🗓️ Don’t miss it – register now via the link below:
🔗 https://www.agosci.org.au/index.cfm?module=event&pagemode=indiv&page_id=2705656

19/03/2025

19/03/2025

Trigger warning: This discussion will address topics related to sexual violence against people with disability, including systematic barriers and advocacy for change. Please engage in a way that feels safe for you.

The team at Yarrow Place are hosting a sexual violence & disabilities networking forum to raise awareness of the high prevalence of sexual violence for people living with disability. They aim to connect the disability and sexual violence sector.

You’ll hear from keynote speakers currently undertaking specialised work in the field. Two Way Street will be sharing information on the impact of communication tools in crisis situations.

📅 Date & Time: Thurs 3 April 2025
📍 Location: Adelaide Zoo Fig Tree Room
💬 Facilitated by: Yarrow Place Training
💲 Cost: $90 (inc GST) - catering and zoo entry included

This forum is a safe space for discussion, learning, and advocacy. Yarrow Place invites people with lived experience, professionals, and allies to join the conversation.

🔗 Register here: https://buff.ly/4bhSqKv
📞 Need support? Contact 1800respect.org.au or 1800 737 732

17/03/2025