Relevant Organisations

ACT Child Development Service
Provides assessment, referral, information and linkages for children 0-6 years where there are concerns relating to their development. The service provides free autism assessments for children up to 12 years, with a referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist. The service also provides speech pathology and physiotherapy drop-in clinics for children up to 6 years old who are not eligible for the NDIS. Please call the Intake line on 6205 1246. For other information please download the "Child Development Service" flyer or contact 6205 1277 or child.development@act.gov.au.

Positive Partnerships  
Positive Partnerships is a national project, funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training through the Helping Children With Autism (HCWA) package. Marymead Autism Centre has representatives within Positive Partnerships in the ACT planning group. Check the Positive Partnerships website for webinars, online modules and other resources for parents, carers and educators for school-aged children. 

Carers ACT
Provides services to support carers needs and the needs of the people they care for. Carers ACT provides support, counselling and short term accommodation for carers supporting a family member with a disability, chronic condition or mental health issues.

Siblings Australia
Siblings Australia is committed to improving the support available for siblings of children and adults with disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorders, chronic conditions and mental health issues. Find out about the Sibworks program run the by the Marymead Autism Centre.

ACT Playgroups
Autism specific playgroups for preschool children on the autism spectrum. They are welcoming of young siblings.

Raising Children
The national Australian parenting website. The Autism section of the site provides information about ASD and fact sheets on numerous difficulties faced by parents of children and adolescents with ASD. There is a useful guide to therapies, and a service pathfinder to assist parents to make informed decisions about interventions. There are also parents forums on numerous topics.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS is a new way of providing community linking and individualised support for people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers.

National Disability Services
Promotes quality service provision and life opportunities for Australians with a disability.

Department of Human Services
Department of Human Services is about people and the services they need at different stages in their lives.

Department of Social Services
The Department of Social Services (DSS) works to improve their independence and participation in community and economic life.

Ricky Stuart Foundation
The Foundation was set up in 2011 and is raising the awareness of autism in the community.

My Time
Free support for parents of children with disabilities (not autism specific).

Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC)
OTARC is Australia's first centre dedicated to research Autism Spectrum Disorders. The site has a very useful, 'Ask a researcher' option.

Australian Autism Alliance
The Australian Autism Alliance is a pioneering network of organisations seeking to add unique value to the lives of people on the autism spectrum in Australia. It brings together autistic people, their parents and carers, service providers and researchers.

National Autistic Society (UK)
The National Autistic Society is the leading United Kingdom charity for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. They provide information and have a number of useful tip sheets.

Geneva Centre for Autism - Sonderly Training

Geneva Centre for Autism have developed Sonderly Training to offer a variety of online training courses for professionals to learn more about autism and special needs.

Sleep Help Institute - Autism Sleep Guide 

Researchers have found that autism can affect the body’s ability to produce melatonin at the correct times, causing autistic children and adults to experience daytime fatigue and difficulty falling asleep at night. Sensory issues in the bedroom can also make it difficult to fall asleep and sleep well throughout the night. The guide covers these issues in detail and gives some simple, non-prescription options for getting a better night’s sleep.

Dentably – Autism and Dental Care Guide

Going to the dentist can be a cause for anxiety for most of us, but it’s a very different feeling for those with autism. Dentably have developed an useful guide for Autism and Dental Care. Dental experts Dr. Greg Grillo and Dr. David Hudnall have spent countless hours helping patients and caregivers prepare for upcoming dental visits as well as helping them with tips and techniques that ensure proper oral health habits in the future. The guide is also available in Spanish, Autismo y el Cuidado Dental. There is also have a guide for Down Syndrome & Dental Care.

State and Territory Associations

Autism Northern Territory
Autism Queensland
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) (NSW)
Amaze (VIC)
Autism South Australia
Autism Tasmania
Autism Association of Western Australia