ACN NOTICEBOARD
NEWS / EVENTS / UPDATES
AUTISM INCLUSION AT MARDI GRAS
The Autism Community Network is proud to be part of this year’s planning committee to support inclusion for LGBTQIA+ Autistic in the 2020 Mardi Gras 2020. If you identify as both LGBTQIA+ and Autistic and would like to be part of The Neurodiversity Rainbow march at Mardi Gras, please click the link below to see full information and to register.
https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/about-aspect/diversity-inclusion/lgbtqia/mardi-gras-2020
The Autism Community Network is proud to be part of this year’s planning committee to support inclusion for LGBTQIA+ Autistic in the 2020 Mardi Gras 2020. If you identify as both LGBTQIA+ and Autistic and would like to be part of The Neurodiversity Rainbow march at Mardi Gras, please click the link below to see full information and to register.
https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/about-aspect/diversity-inclusion/lgbtqia/mardi-gras-2020
SEE AUSTRALIA DAY FIREWORKS
We have been offered the opportunity by the Premiers department to promote to our members special access to locations for the Australia Day fireworks
Use link to view the accessibility and inclusion page to register
https://www.australiaday.com.au/plan-your-trip/disability-and-mobility-support/
We have been offered the opportunity by the Premiers department to promote to our members special access to locations for the Australia Day fireworks
Use link to view the accessibility and inclusion page to register
https://www.australiaday.com.au/plan-your-trip/disability-and-mobility-support/
BACK FOR 2020
Happy New Year everyone. The ACN is now back in full action as we start planning for what promises another big year. We start the year with 1,711 families registered with us, comprising over 4,100 individuals. There are new regions coming, with support to commence in Wollongong and Central Coast first up. Stay tuned on those. Our regular groups will return in February, in the meantime, please look out for special activities during the school holidays by clicking on the icon on our website.
Happy New Year everyone. The ACN is now back in full action as we start planning for what promises another big year. We start the year with 1,711 families registered with us, comprising over 4,100 individuals. There are new regions coming, with support to commence in Wollongong and Central Coast first up. Stay tuned on those. Our regular groups will return in February, in the meantime, please look out for special activities during the school holidays by clicking on the icon on our website.
NORTHERN BEACHES SUPPORT
The ACN supports 105 families within the Northern Beaches LGA, however we have struggled to maintain a support group for this region. We need one member of the local community to step up, and we could bring a carers support group back in 2020. The group could run during the day or the evening, on a day that suits the facilitator. And as part of the ACN’s team of volunteers, you would always feel supported. Contact me on steve@autismcommunity.org.au or 0431 724 229 to learn more if you think you may be interested.
The ACN supports 105 families within the Northern Beaches LGA, however we have struggled to maintain a support group for this region. We need one member of the local community to step up, and we could bring a carers support group back in 2020. The group could run during the day or the evening, on a day that suits the facilitator. And as part of the ACN’s team of volunteers, you would always feel supported. Contact me on steve@autismcommunity.org.au or 0431 724 229 to learn more if you think you may be interested.
SOMEONE TO TALK TO ABOUT AUTISM AND LGBTQI ISSUES
Sexuality is more fluid among people on the spectrum and for some, it can be a challenging time when trying to understand their sense of self – both from an autism point of view and their sexuality. If you want someone to talk to, who has been there, we want to help. Please read below and contact steve@autismcommunity.org.au if you would like to be put in contact with Jamie, a long time ACN dad, and his partner Josh.
My name is Jamie and my partner is Josh, and we would like to give an open invitation to families who are wanting to talk to us about someone who has identified with the LGBTIQ+ sistergirl brother boy community. We offer listening ears and open hearts with no judgement. We are not health professionals; however we have lived experiences and two children with Autism.
Personally, I spent some time working as a youth worker in a LGBTIQ + youth service. I ran a group for gender diverse and transgendered young people, many who also identified as having ASD. To both families and young people, I would offer support and happy to answer difficult questions.
Josh has a background in coordinating and assisting with youth groups, in particular within the LGBTIQ+ groups in New Zealand. As a youth representative, he would go around to schools hosting open discussions and assisting with support groups.
Sexuality is more fluid among people on the spectrum and for some, it can be a challenging time when trying to understand their sense of self – both from an autism point of view and their sexuality. If you want someone to talk to, who has been there, we want to help. Please read below and contact steve@autismcommunity.org.au if you would like to be put in contact with Jamie, a long time ACN dad, and his partner Josh.
My name is Jamie and my partner is Josh, and we would like to give an open invitation to families who are wanting to talk to us about someone who has identified with the LGBTIQ+ sistergirl brother boy community. We offer listening ears and open hearts with no judgement. We are not health professionals; however we have lived experiences and two children with Autism.
Personally, I spent some time working as a youth worker in a LGBTIQ + youth service. I ran a group for gender diverse and transgendered young people, many who also identified as having ASD. To both families and young people, I would offer support and happy to answer difficult questions.
Josh has a background in coordinating and assisting with youth groups, in particular within the LGBTIQ+ groups in New Zealand. As a youth representative, he would go around to schools hosting open discussions and assisting with support groups.
ACN NOW PODCASTING
Coming Soon – ACN will publish regular podcasts covering a range of discussions, interviews, talks and tips. We’ll let you know when there is something new, or you can just click on the podcast button on our website. |
CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY WITH FRIENDS AT OUR ADULTS PEERS EVENTS
Starting from January (our January dinner will be Monday 14 Jan) we will be including the opportunity for adults on the spectrum to celebrate their birthday with friends at the event. This is something ACN has done across other groups for some time. Simply, if you have your birthday that month, let us know in advance, and we can include you on our birthdays list as we wish you a happy birthday (we won’t sing that terrible song, we know many of you hate it) and you can be up the front as we cut a cake for all to share with you. |
FREE 30 MINUTE CONSULTATIONS AT ADULTS SOCIAL
As of December, Chiu Lau, a prominent psychologist who has been a volunteer with our Autistic Adults Peer event, has offered to provide the opportunity for guests to receive one 30-minute consultation with her at no cost. First priority will be given to adults on the spectrum in attendance, however, any other member of the community who is Autistic or who is caring for someone with Autism can also book in to see Chiu during the event. If you would like to reserve a time slot (between 6 and 8 pm, (next event is Monday 2 December) please contact steve@autismcommunity.org.au CareFlight’s Christmas Magic Mania
CAREFLIGHT’S Christmas MAGIC MANIA is a project by Magic Mania for special needs children and families throughout New South Wales. If you would like to take your family to this event, it will be held on Saturday 14th December 2019 at QUAYCENTRE (Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre), Homebush. There are three (3) available show times commencing promptly at 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm CareFlight are offering FREE tickets to this event to all special needs as well as care givers and family members who would like to attend. Please contact them via email or fax by Wednesday 11th December, With the number of tickets you require. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to call Jenny Goodman during business hours on 02 9699 3925. See full details in the SPECIAL EVENTS page on the ACN website. https://www.autismcommunity.org.au/special-events.html 
ACN RECOGNISED AT ST.GEORGE COMMUNITY AWARDS
Another great honour for ACN at this year’s St.George Community Awards, held Monday night. Our organisation was recognised for our work in the community, as were our President, Terry Lynch as a Senior Volunteer, our Ops Officer Karen Kempe as a local volunteer, Young Volunteer Rhys Jones, and ACN Ambassador Mitchell Kilduff in the Sports achievers section. All awesome, worthy recipients I feel privileged to know. But there was another honour which came as a shock of the best kind. I was called up at the start of the event to receive a Community Service Award from the NSW Government, along with a certificate from the Premier. Mark Coure MP, who hosts this event and is a long-standing advocate for ACN, said only two of these are given out each year in NSW which made the honour even more mind blowing. We don't do what we do for awards but we are all feeling quite proud that our efforts are being recognised. |
EVENTS
Wed 22 Jan 2020 01:00 PM School Holidays: Blacktown Hoyts Movie Day Thu 23 Jan 2020 10:00 AM Parramatta School Holiday Activity - Granville Pool Entry Thu 23 Jan 2020 11:00 AM School Holiday Activity: Bayside - Swimming and Lunch Sat 25 Jan 2020 09:45 AM Inner West - School holiday event - Laser Tag, kids meal and Arcade games Tue 28 Jan 2020 10:15 AM Greystanes Carers Wellness Program - kids welcome during school holidays Sat 1 Feb 2020 10:00 AM Bathurst Support Group Mon 3 Feb 2020 06:00 PM Autistic Adults Social Evening Wed 5 Feb 2020 10:00 AM Blacktown Support Group Sat 8 Feb 2020 09:00 AM SAILABILITY at KOGARAH BAY Sat 8 Feb 2020 02:30 PM Parramatta Kids Cooking Club SEEKING SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATORS
In recent months, we have lost the facilitators for our BROOKVALE and RICHMOND support groups. Just one of those things when good people who have been helping for a long time have had to step back due to other commitments in their lives. If you would like to see your local area group return and feel confident to host a meeting just once a month at a local club, please contact us for a chat. You will be joining a wonderful team of volunteers who are greatly supported by us and also enjoy a number of benefits we would love to discuss with you. |
PHOTOGRAPHER WANTED
As our profile and activities continue to grow, ACN is looking for a volunteer who would like to support using your skills with a camera It would only be a few times a year to help us capture some of our important events and moments so as we can show the community more professionally what we are about. . If you would like to know more, please call Steve on 0431 724 229 or steve@autismcommunity.org.au
As our profile and activities continue to grow, ACN is looking for a volunteer who would like to support using your skills with a camera It would only be a few times a year to help us capture some of our important events and moments so as we can show the community more professionally what we are about. . If you would like to know more, please call Steve on 0431 724 229 or steve@autismcommunity.org.au
USING THE NETWORK FOR FEEDBACK
ACN has Members Only secret status Facebook pages to help you seek feedback on issues, services, products etc from each other. We are receiving a rising number of emails asking us to provide advice and that is not something we can manage. Please use the network pages, they will give you current feedback by people with direct experience. If you are not currently on an ACN Members page, and would like to be, please send a request to be invited to ula@autismcommunity.org.au |
SEEKING CO-FACILITATORS
When one of our volunteers who runs a group is ill, we often have to cancel. To avoid having to cancel support groups or kids clubs, we are seeking volunteers to join their local groups to co-facilitate them. This way, our kids or carers don't miss out when there is illness, and volunteers don’t have to feel pressure if they are unable to be there. If interested, please contact steve@autismcommunity.org.au or 9543 9036 for more info. |
WHY JOIN ACN’S FACEBOOK PAGES?
We know the concerns some people have about using Facebook, but as the ACN continues to grow, we are using our special FB pages to bring you so much more.
SECURITY:
The ACN FB pages are all SECRET STATUS. This means that if you are not in them you can’t search for them, you can’t see who is on them, nor what anyone is writing. That means your family, friends or colleagues can never see anything you do on these pages.
Our pages are strictly for Members only: This means that we will never accept anyone invited by a member unless they are a member themselves. Once someone registers with us, we then invite them to access the pages.
And if you are still not comfortable using your name, we have no issue with you using a maiden name or pseudonym, as long as we know who you are and know you are a member.
BENEFITS:
You can speak with others on a local area level, a whole network level or via Common Ground pages.
With the amount of information that we receive each day, a lot of it will find itself shared through our FB pages rather than the website. This includes access to special events.
If you have an issue that’s troubling you, you can access real time support from the combined wealth of knowledge and experience from a network of families just like yours.
If you are not currently using ACN FB pages and would like to join, simply email ula@autismcommunity.org.au and provide your local area and any common ground groups you want to connect with as well as the email you use for FB so we can invite you.
We know the concerns some people have about using Facebook, but as the ACN continues to grow, we are using our special FB pages to bring you so much more.
SECURITY:
The ACN FB pages are all SECRET STATUS. This means that if you are not in them you can’t search for them, you can’t see who is on them, nor what anyone is writing. That means your family, friends or colleagues can never see anything you do on these pages.
Our pages are strictly for Members only: This means that we will never accept anyone invited by a member unless they are a member themselves. Once someone registers with us, we then invite them to access the pages.
And if you are still not comfortable using your name, we have no issue with you using a maiden name or pseudonym, as long as we know who you are and know you are a member.
BENEFITS:
You can speak with others on a local area level, a whole network level or via Common Ground pages.
With the amount of information that we receive each day, a lot of it will find itself shared through our FB pages rather than the website. This includes access to special events.
If you have an issue that’s troubling you, you can access real time support from the combined wealth of knowledge and experience from a network of families just like yours.
If you are not currently using ACN FB pages and would like to join, simply email ula@autismcommunity.org.au and provide your local area and any common ground groups you want to connect with as well as the email you use for FB so we can invite you.
PLEASE DON’T BOOK IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND
Unfortunately we are seeing a growing number of people who regularly book in to attend ACN events but fail to turn up. This costs others the opportunity to attend and for some groups it also costs us money. Please note that consistent failure to attend a booking will result in exclusion from our events. 
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
We are regularly approached to promote credible research programs seeking participants. As we believe the more research out there the better for the future for our children, we post these requests on the Research section of our website. You can view these or respond to them by simply clicking on the black Autism Research button on our website. |
“FIRST OPTIONS” PAGE
When my son was diagnosed 13 years ago, everything changed. I needed to learn a lot in a short time. If only there was a document, ideally put together by other parents who knew more than me, to help me get started with navigating the autism world. There wasn’t, so we created one. We have now moved that to our website, in the form of pages providing advice on First Things to Do, Therapy Options, and available programs to consider. It also allows our members to send us your own recommendations so we can keep it current and helpful to those new families in the position every one of us have been in have something to look at. You can find the info in our Services tab on our website. – From Steve Drakoulis 
REMINDER: PLEASE DO NOT INVITE FRIENDS TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGES
We created our Facebook pages for ACN members who are part of this local community. It is a means for parents and carers of children on the autism spectrum to communicate for mutual support. Each person who registers is invited to join their preferred pages. Non members will not be given access so please do not invite them. Our pages has been set up with secret status so that non members cannot search for it or see who is in it or what's being said. Ask your friends to register and they will be invited, non members will always be rejected. Your privacy is a priority for us. |
