Resources

📚 Helpful Resources for Parents of Children with Autism

We understand that navigating an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone. Below is a curated list of trusted, evidence-based websites and organisations to support you and your child. These resources offer practical guidance, funding advice, toolkits, and services to better understand and support your child’s unique strengths and needs.

☀️Australian Autism Support & Information

• Raising Children Network – Autism
  Government-funded, easy-to-understand information about autism, therapies, behaviour support, and parenting strategies.

• Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
  National provider of autism-specific services. Includes assessments, therapy options, and a Find Aspect Near Me locator.

• Amaze – Autism Victoria
  Advocacy, NDIS navigation, and resource support for families in Victoria. Highly recommended for local service connections.

• Autism Family Support Association (AFSA Connect)
  Peer-led support, workshops, and information for families of children with autism across Victoria.

• Aspergers Victoria
  Support, mentoring, and social groups for individuals with Asperger’s and their families.

• Autism Advisory & Support Service (AASS)
  Provides support groups, education, advocacy, and information for families.

• Statewide Autistic Services (SASI)
  Services across Victoria including supported accommodation, therapy and recreational programs.

• Gateways Support Services
  Early intervention, behaviour support, and community programs for children with autism and other disabilities.

• The Lab
  Technology clubs and mentoring programs for autistic young people who enjoy gaming, coding, and creating.

• Autism Awareness Australia
  Parent-friendly guides, videos, and advocacy campaigns. Includes downloadable toolkits and early signs information.

• Autism Diagnosis for Children – A Guide (HealthDirect)
  Government resource to understand the diagnostic process and what to expect.

• Asperger Syndrome – HealthDirect
  Concise medical overview for parents seeking info about Asperger’s and related neurodivergent traits.

• NDIS – National Disability Insurance Scheme
  Learn how to access funding support for autism-related therapy, supports, and services.

• Positive Partnerships
  Free tools and training for families and educators to support school-age children on the spectrum.

• ASAN Resource Library

  ASAN provides practical guides and toolkits that support autism acceptance, self-advocacy, and navigating key life stages for parents, educators, and autistic individuals.

• Yellow Ladybugs

  Yellow Ladybugs is an Australian autistic-led organisation that supports autistic girls and gender-diverse young people through resources addressing their unique challenges and strategies for effective support.

• Reframing Autism

  Reframing Autism is an autistic-led organisation that provides educational resources and opportunities designed to celebrate and nurture autistic identity for the community, families, and allies.
  

🌍 International Tools & Guides

• Autism Navigator
  Video-rich platform offering tools for parents and professionals. Especially helpful for early signs and language development.

• CDC – Autism Spectrum Disorder
  Research-based information and developmental milestone tracking for early childhood.

• Understood.org
  Insightful guides and tools for learning and attention differences including co-occurring ADHD or dyslexia.

• TEACCH Autism Program
  Structured teaching approach with practical strategies for home and school. Great for visual supports and routines.

• Autism Level UP!

• Autism Level UP!, founded by Jac and Dr. Amy Laurent, provides neurodiversity-affirming resources that foster understanding, acceptance, and empowerment for autistic individuals and their allies.

💤 Parent Guides on Health, Sleep & Diet

• Dietary Issues and Autism – A Guide for Parents
  Common concerns around food sensitivities, fussy eating, and gut health.

• Sleep Strategies for Children with Autism
  Evidence-based guide to helping children establish healthier sleep patterns.

• Sleep Strategies for Teens with Autism
  Helpful suggestions for supporting sleep during adolescence.

🤝 Support Groups & Community Connections

• Autism Support Group Directory (AFSA)
  Find in-person or online support groups near you.

• Aspergers Victoria Groups
  Safe, inclusive meet-ups for different ages and interests.

🧠 Mental Health Resources for Families and Young People

Supporting mental wellbeing is essential at every age. Below are some trusted Australian organisations and tools offering expert advice, support services, and practical strategies to help children, teens, and families thrive.

🌊Australian Mental Health Support

• Beyond Blue
  Australia’s leading organisation providing information and support for depression, anxiety, and related mental health conditions across all ages.

• Headspace
  National youth mental health foundation offering online and in-person support for 12-25-year-olds covering mental health, physical health, work, and study.

• Orygen – Revolution in Mind
  Specialises in youth mental health research, education, and clinical services aimed at young people and their families.

• Smiling Mind
  Free mindfulness meditation app and programs designed for children, teens, and adults to develop lifelong mental fitness.

• Victoria’s Mental Health Services
  Comprehensive information on local mental health supports, including crisis services and community programs.

• Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – Mental Health
  Specialist services and resources for children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges.

• Tips for Teaching Mindfulness to Kids
  Practical strategies and activities for introducing mindfulness in everyday family and school life.

⚡ Support & Resources for Children with ADHD

Understanding and supporting children with ADHD can be complex. These organisations and tools provide parents with guidance, clarity, and community connection.

⛱️Australian ADHD Resources

• ADHD Australia
  Advocacy, education, and support resources tailored to Australian families.

• CHADD Australia
  Support groups, events, and parenting education resources.

• Raising Children Network – ADHD
  Easy-to-read information on ADHD diagnosis, treatment, behaviour, and school support.

• Kids Health Info – ADHD (Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne)
  Detailed articles on managing ADHD at home and school.

🌍 International ADHD Support

• CHADD (US)
  Authoritative resource on ADHD for families and educators.

• ADDitude Magazine
  Expert tips, personal stories, and downloadable tools.

• Understood.org
  Support for learning and attention differences including ADHD.

📚 Best Articles for Parents of Kids with ADHD

These are highly recommended, parent-friendly reads to deepen your understanding and build practical skills.

• 12 Things Every Parent of an ADHD Child Should Know
  Simple truths and mindset shifts that make a big difference.

• Understanding ADHD in Children
  Covers signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and parenting strategies.

• How to Discipline a Child with ADHD
  Clear advice on what works (and what to avoid).

• Creating Routines for Children with ADHD
  Why structure matters and how to build it into your day.

• ADHD and Behaviour Management Plans
  Helpful for both home and school settings.

• What Parents Should Know About ADHD
  An excellent starting point for parents navigating a new diagnosis.

📚 Learning Difficulties: Support for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia & Dyscalculia

Trusted Australian & international resources + expert-reviewed articles for families & educators

🏦Australian Resources

• Raising Children Network – Learning Disabilities
  Overview of learning difficulties including causes, diagnosis and parenting strategies.

• SPELD Victoria (Specific Learning Difficulties)
  Practical tips, fact sheets, and assessment services for children with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

• Learning Difficulties Australia (LDA)
  Evidence-based reading and learning support resources for teachers and families.

• Five from Five – Reading Instruction
  Research-based literacy programs for supporting children with reading difficulties.

🌍 International Resources

• International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
  Fact sheets, webinars and intervention guides on reading difficulties.

• Understood.org – Learning & Attention Differences
  Highly practical guides for parents across all areas of learning differences.

• Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
  Accessible info for families plus insights from world-leading dyslexia researchers.

• ADDitude Magazine – Learning Disabilities Section
  Articles on co-occurring ADHD, dyslexia, and writing/math difficulties in school.

📖 Helpful Articles & Guides for Parents

Here are hand-picked, easy-to-read, yet evidence-informed articles for families supporting children with learning difficulties:

✳️ Dyslexia

• “Dyslexia Explained” – Yale Center for Dyslexia
  A parent’s guide to what dyslexia is and isn’t.

• “What is Dyslexia?” – British Dyslexia Association
  Explains signs, strengths, and classroom supports.

• “Signs of Dyslexia by Age” – Understood.org
  Developmental checklist to help spot early signs.

✍️ Dysgraphia

• “What is Dysgraphia?” – Understood.org
  Breaks down symptoms and strategies for home and school.

• “Handwriting Trouble: Signs and Support” – ADDitude Magazine
  Insightful article on helping kids with writing difficulties.

• “Supporting Children with Dysgraphia in the Classroom” – Edutopia
  Practical tips for teachers (can also help parents advocate).

➗ Dyscalculia

• “What is Dyscalculia?” – Understood.org
  Clear explanation plus strategies to use at home.

• “Recognising and Supporting Dyscalculia” – British Dyslexia Association
  Overview of symptoms, comorbidities and intervention approaches.

• ‘‘Top Tips for parents with Dyscalculia’’ – Dyscalculia Network

  Top Tips on how you can help your dyscalculic child/young person at home

🌈 Special Needs & Disability Support Resources

Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for ways to navigate complex systems like the NDIS, these reliable resources and articles are designed to support parents, carers, and educators.

📖Key NDIS Resources

• The National Disability Insurance Scheme: FAQs
  Simple answers to common NDIS questions. Suitable for families of children aged 0–18.

• Contact Us | NDIS
  Find the best contact channels and local offices for NDIS assistance.

• NDIS Review and Reforms
  Stay updated on upcoming changes and improvements to the scheme.

• How to Make a Complaint About a Provider
  Guide for families wanting to raise concerns with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

• Financial Assistance & NDIS Support – Autism Awareness Australia
  Explains how NDIS can help children with autism and what funding can be used for.

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Cerebral Palsy Alliance
  Specific guidance for families with children living with cerebral palsy.

🛠️ Educational Tools & Advocacy

• Do2Learn
  Offers educational, behavioural, and life-skill tools for children with special needs.

• Association for Children with a Disability
  Provides advocacy, peer support, and free workshops for Victorian families.

• Cerebral Palsy Alliance
  Comprehensive services, therapy, and tech support for children with cerebral palsy.

📄 Helpful Articles for Families Navigating Special Needs

🧩 Understanding the NDIS

• "What is the NDIS?" – Raising Children Network
  An excellent, easy-to-follow explanation of how the NDIS works and what it funds.

• "How to Prepare for Your First NDIS Planning Meeting" – Carer Gateway
  A practical checklist to help parents advocate effectively for their child.

• "Making the Most of Your NDIS Plan" – Reimagine Australia
  Parent tips for using your plan flexibly and effectively.

🌟 Support for Specific Needs

• "Helping Your Child Thrive with a Disability" – Kids Matter / Be You
  A compassionate overview of supporting emotional wellbeing alongside disability.

• "Special Needs and School Support" – Raising Children Network
  Insight into how schools can support children with disabilities and how parents can advocate.

• "NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)" – NDIS Official
  Details the pathway for families with children aged 0–6 years.

If you'd like support navigating these resources, or you’re unsure which are best for your child’s needs—chat with one of our clinicians at your next appointment.

Please note: We are not affiliated with any of these resources. These links are just to help you navigate the supporting resources in these websites.