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
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.
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.
After the success of 2024, Amaze is thrilled to offer our community the chance to attend the 2025 Australian Open All Abilities Day.
🎾 Details of the event:
🎾 Date: Tuesday 21st January, 2025
Who it’s for: Kids aged 5 to 12 years and their families.
What to expect: A special pre-gates sensory session, offering a quieter, more inclusive experience of the AO
Perks: Free access to the AO precinct for the day (excluding Rod Laver & Margaret Court Arenas)
Spots are limited – So don’t wait! Complete the Expression Of Interest form below for your chance to attend this special event.
Registrations are extremely limited, and we will be in touch with shortlisted applicants with further information on the event via email once applications close.
**Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to confirm ticket numbers and postal address for tickets via email.**
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Living on the Spectrum - Autism directory and Neurodiversity hub posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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Kids on the Spectrum - Australian Autism Directory
Welcome to Kids on the Spectrum, a unique directory of services, businesses and products created by parents with amazing kids. Our directory lists all businesses, products, services and events for autistic kids, teens and young adults.
It was established to consolidate the vast amount of services and products available, which are often difficult, frustrating and time consuming to find. As parents, we spend many hours searching for these resources so our children can thrive and become the best version of themselves. Even after many years we are still stumbling upon links and businesses that offer amazing resources and events for kids and young adults. We felt there had to be a better way, and so, Kids on the Spectrum - Australian autism directory was established. An online directory listing all those businesses, products, services and events in one spot.
All of the listings in Kids on the Spectrum, are free and is free to access. This website is funded by advertising and sponsorship. We thank those organisations that have supported us and ask that you give them your support as without them this resource would not be available.
Kids on the spectrum is compiled from local knowledge, Not for Profit organisations and referrals. No doubt we’ve overlooked some amazing companies and service providers and we apologise for any omissions. If you’re a provider of services directly related to or for autistic kids, teens or young adults and you would like to be included in a free listing, or would like to discuss a larger add on our web page please contact us with your details.
