Living on the Spectrum - Autism directory and Neurodiversity hub

17/10/2025

We have something very exciting to share! 🩵💜

Living on the Spectrum - Autism directory and Neurodiversity hub, is now powered by Amaze.

For years, Living on the Spectrum has been lovingly created and run by Anita, a mum of an Autistic child who wanted to make it easier for families like hers to find the right help, in one place.

Through her dedication and lived experience, Anita built something incredible: a free, community-driven resource that has helped thousands of Autistic people, families and supporters across Australia.

Now, with Amaze powering the next chapter, Living on the Spectrum will continue to grow, reaching more people, sharing more stories, and making autism supports easier to find than ever before.

Together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected future for autism support in Australia 🩵💜

Explore the directory today: livingonthespectrum.com

26/05/2025

THIS WEEKEND: Think Autism – Sydney Conference & Community Workshops

🗓 Saturday 31 May | 🕙 10:00 AM–6:00 PM 📍 UTS Business School, Sydney

🎟 Pay what you can — free, pay-it-forward, or business supporter

🔗 Register:  is link in bio

Unapologetically Autistic. Empowerment. Visibility. Justice.

Workshops. Panels. Quiet spaces. Real connection.
Everything about this day is Autistic-led and community-powered.

Join us in person — or watch the digital release on Autistic Pride Day, 18 June.

In partnership the Aurum Foundation and with the support of the City of Sydney & University of Technology Sydney.

Hosted by

24/04/2025

Hey community!

Are you looking for an NDIS Registered Provider with Support Worker Services in Melbourne Metro & Surrounds - You First Support that works for YOU!

You can check out the team You First
Reach out to see if they can assist you today.

NDIS Registered Provider - Support Worker Services Melbourne Metro & Surrounds - You First Support that works for YOU! Call us today 1300 52 56 56.

22/04/2025

Understanding Alexithymia in Autism: A Guide for Parents and Carers

Did you know that alexithymia—a difficulty in identifying and describing emotions—is present in approximately 50% of autistic individuals, compared to about 10% in the general population?

What is Alexithymia? Alexithymia isn't a lack of emotions but rather a challenge in processing them. Children with alexithymia may struggle to recognise their feelings or articulate them, leading to expressions like "I don't know how I feel" or physical complaints like stomachaches when they're actually anxious.

Why is it Important? Understanding alexithymia can help differentiate between behaviors stemming from emotional processing differences and those from other causes. This awareness allows for more compassionate and effective support strategies.

Supporting Your Child:
Use Visual Aids: Emotion charts or color-coded feelings wheels can help children identify and express emotions.
Create a Safe Space: Encourage open discussions about feelings without judgment.

Model Emotional Expression: Share your own feelings to provide examples of emotional articulation.

Remember, recognising and supporting emotional processing differences is a crucial step in nurturing your child's well-being.

19/04/2025

Happy Easter to our beautiful community!

This Easter, we’re sending love to all the incredible autism families out there.

Whether you’re celebrating with a big family lunch, keeping it low-key at home, skipping the chocolate hunt altogether, or creating your own unique traditions — do what works best for your family.

There’s no “right” way to celebrate. What matters most is that everyone feels safe, supported, and included.

Maybe that means noise-cancelling headphones, a quiet corner to decompress, or a visual schedule to help the day go smoothly. Maybe it’s just a regular Sunday — and that’s perfectly okay too.

Wishing you peace, joy, and plenty of space to just be — exactly as you are.

Happy Easter, from our family to yours.

16/04/2025

Hey Community!

Belongside Families are hosting these fantastic webinars for those experiencing school can't. What’s often labelled as 'school refusal' doesn’t always reflect what’s really going on—a child who doesn't feel safe.⁠
⁠
It can be an overwhelming and complex situation to navigate—but you're not alone.⁠
⁠
Belongside Families are hosting two free online webinars with School Can't Australia, designed to help you understand what might be happening for your child and how best to support them.⁠
⁠
Understanding School Can’t⁠
📅 Wednesday 16 April, 7:30PM NSW Time⁠
https://events.humanitix.com/infosession1604
⁠
School Can’t Strategies & Supports⁠
📅 Wednesday 23 April, 7:30PM NSW Time⁠
https://events.humanitix.com/infosession2304
⁠
Whether you're just starting to face this challenging issue or have been navigating school can’t for some time, these sessions offer valuable insights into the emotional experience of children along with practical tools and strategies for parents and carers.⁠
⁠
📩 Register to attend live or receive the replay. These sessions are only available to those who register—don’t miss out.

08/04/2025

Tired of sifting through Google for autism info that actually makes sense?
So were we.

Living on the Spectrum was created to cut through the confusion. We’re Australia’s first national autism directory and news hub, built by a parent who’s been there—stressed, overwhelmed, and searching for answers that actually help.

We challenge myths, fight stigma, and support carers and autistic people with reliable, inclusive, and neuro-affirming information. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a long-time advocate, or just trying to support someone you love, we’ve got your back.

Follow us for posts that are real, respectful, and backed by lived experience.
You deserve better than misinformation.
You deserve Living on the Spectrum.

💜 Head to our free directory, link in our bio

01/04/2025

Hey parents and carers! Carers deserve support too!

Did you know that if you’re a parent of an autistic child, you’re also a carer? That means you’re entitled to access Carer Gateway a free service designed to support you on your caring journey.
Through Carer Gateway, you can access:

✔️ Respite care – take a break when you need it
✔️ Counselling – talk to someone who understands
✔️ Tailored supports – get the help that you need.

Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone. Carer Gateway is here for you.

💜 Head to Carers gateway now to register for a free callback

🟣 https://ereferral.carergatewayvictoria.org.au/self-referral?source=livingonthespectrum

05/03/2025

Hey community!

Exciting Announcement! Free Event for Neurodiversity Week 🌟
I’m thrilled to share that Living on the Spectrum has proudly partnered with Melton Library to co host "Celebrating Neurodiversity: Stories, Myths, and Inclusion."

📖 This in-person event will feature incredible neurodivergent authors, advocates, speakers, and local providers who will share their work and insights with our community.

📅 March 17th
⏲️ 10.30 am - 12.30 pm

👥 Who is this event for?
-Neurodivergent individuals
-Aspiring authors
-Students, parents, and carers
-Plan managers and service providers
-Anyone interested in networking and learning more about neurodiversity!

Please feel free to share with your networks, family and friends.

Book your seat now. https://www.livingonthespectrum.com/event/neurodiversity-week/

11/02/2025

Hey Community!

Free tickets to relaxed performances, We love it!

The Melbourne Recital Centre is offering free tickets to their 2025 Relaxed Performances series.

Designed for people who are neurodiverse, have a disability, or those with additional sensory or communication needs, the Centre's series of Relaxed Performances welcome all audience members seeking a comfortable and less formal musical experience.

🎧 Specifically suited for audiences with sensory sensitivities, these performances include:
✔️ 45-minute duration with no interval
✔️ Open venue doors
✔️ Quiet space in the foyer
✔️ Accompanying visual story
✔️ Altered lighting and sound
✔️ 50% capacity for ease of access
✔️ Seats and cushions for audiences.

🗓️ When: Monthly - March through to October 2025

⏰ Time: 10:30am

🎵 Where: Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank

😀 Register: To register your interest in receiving a free ticket/s, email community@amaze.org.au or visit Amaze where further information will be provided. Please note that limited tickets are available for each performance.

✅ Learn more here: https://www.melbournerecital.com.au/whats-on/series/relaxed-performances

05/02/2025

Hey community!

Do you provide care for a child, adult or friend? Then you are entitled to carer support through Carer Gateway

It is so easy to register and support can be tailored to individual needs.

It’s free and as a carer you are entightled to this support.

Request a call back 👇

https://www.carergateway.gov.au/request-call-back

21/01/2025

Hey Community!

Are you an autistic individual, 18 years or over and interested in journalism?

If so, now's your chance to apply for Season 2 of the The Assembly by ABC Australia

You can apply via the application form here: www.theassemblycasting.com.au