SUPPORT & INFORMATION
Autism Victoria provides a number of Information and Support Services to Victorians. Charges vary depending on the service and whether or not you or your agency are a member of Autism Victoria.
Information
Autism Victoria provides the following information services:
The Spectrum - is a print based magazine published quarterly and mailed to members.
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eSpectrum - is a periodic electronic bulletin emailed to all interested persons.
Subscribe to Autism Victoria eSpectrum -
Information Packages - Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Much of the information on this web site is adapted from our printed information packages that are available on request from our office. Simply send us an email with your name and postal address, and whether you want the Autism or Aspegerger Syndrome package. Students requiring a package for their resource folders should send a request with a stamped self-addressed envelope (A4 size, currently requiring a $1 stamp) to Autism Victoria. This helps us with our costs. Information packages are free of charge to families and service providers.
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Library - we have over 1700 books, videos and newsletters about Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Library is available to Autism Victoria members.
Guidance about Victorian service options and their contact details. At Autism Victoria you can talk to someone who knows about Autism Spectrum Disorders and can help you navigate the service maze. If we don't know the answer, we will try and find out. This service is free of charge.
Conferences, Seminars and Information Sessions - these are organised by Autism Victoria and by our affiliates. Details are published in The Spectrum, eSpectrum and in the Events Calendar. Fees usually apply to these activities.
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Public Awareness - we produce posters, brochures, Christmas Cards and other materials to help promote a greater community awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Awareness Australia is held in May of each year, and Autism Victoria auspices a number of events in Victoria. Posters and brochures are available free of charge, simply contact our office.
Support
We have a Family Counsellor on staff. Our current counsellor is a psychologist experienced in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our program of support services is free of charge to Autism Victoria members. Fees apply for non-members and for in-service presentations.
The type of support available can take several different forms:
- Independent and confidential counselling support for families and primary carers. This can be provided by phone, email or at our Carlton office.
- Limited consultancy support to other professionals.
- New Parent Groups - a two-hour information session for small groups of parents new to the world of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Regional visits - organised by regional support groups or agencies, these visits can be a combination of an agency/school visit, a two-hour presentation and a number of confidential sessions with families.
- In-service Presentations to educate parents/professionals.
Specific areas in which support may be given include:
- Suggestions for behaviour management strategies
- Advice regarding how to access other services
- Provision of up to date information about Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Sibling support
- Liaison with other agencies
Contact the Counsellor by phone - 96571606 (1300 308 699 for non metropolitan callers) and leave a message, or by email - counsellor@autismvictoria.org.au. The waiting time to speak with the Counsellor can be up to two weeks, depending on demand. Autism Victoria is not a Crisis Service or Help Line. If your needs are urgent, please call
- Parentline on 13 22 89
- Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you need some immediate guidance about your child's behaviour, try the Autism Help web site run by Gateways Support services.
Contact with other parents is a very valuable form of support. The Asperger Syndrome Support Network Victoria Inc. has produced a very valuable guide to parent support groups in Victoria. A pdf copy of the 2005 edition of this guide can be downloaded here. Printed copies of this guide are available by emailing your name and address details to the Autism Victoria office, or to the ASSN direct.
An excellent web based support for brothers and sisters is the Your Shout program developed by the Assocation for Children with a Disability.