Resources
What Is Autism?
Autism is the name of a type of Human Neurology, which includes the Brain and the Nervous System.
Neurology is the process of the human body taking in sensory information, moving it around the body, processing it and then reacting to it.
Autistic people actively process more sensory information than non-Autistic people and that can create big differences in processing speeds, communication styles and how we interpret and interact with the world. There is no negativity or positivity in this, just difference.
Most descriptions of Autism won't tell you this, they're too busy telling you their perception of the negative impacts of Autistic Neurology.​
Sensory processing
The nervous system receives information from outside and inside the body, organises and interprets it, and helps the body respond. This includes information connected with sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, balance, body position, movement and internal body signals such as hunger, pain and temperature.
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Autistic people commonly perceive, filter or process this information differently. A person may be more sensitive to particular sounds, lights, textures or movements, less sensitive to other sensations, or seek additional sensory input. A person may experience several of these differences at the same time.
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Sensory overload can occur when the amount or intensity of information becomes more than a person can comfortably process. Reducing noise, glare, crowding, uncertainty and competing demands can make an environment more accessible.
Learning Disabilities
Learning Disability, or LD (known as Intellectual Disability in some cases) is an umbrella term for a number of disabilities which impact on someone's ability to learn and interact with the world very much based on their IQ and the world's perception of what is the 'right way' to learn and exist.
Identifiable Learning Disabilities are co-occurring conditions given to between 15-40% of Autistic people (dependant on the research).Â
 Those Autistic people are usually the ones slapped with a problematic 'Low Functioning Autism' label, or worse 'Severe' Autism.Â
Co-Occurring Conditions
Co-occurring conditions are simply any stand-alone conditions that you have. When you are Autistic it is likely that you have any of a large number of co-occurring conditions which occur regularly amongst Autistic people.Â
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 Although 'officially' research states that most Autistic people have one co-occurring condition, anecdotally it's a greater number.
Through my work I have identified over 60 different co-occurring conditions, some present from birth and some acquired, these range from the obvious like ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, to lesser well known ones such as Hyperlexia, Alexithymia and C-PTSD.
Strengths, disability and support
Autism is not inherently positive or negative. Autistic people can experience strengths, difficulties, disability and substantial support needs—often at the same time.
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Support needs are not always obvious and may vary between environments. Someone who can manage independently in a quiet, predictable setting may need considerable support in a noisy, unfamiliar or demanding setting.
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Helpful support should reduce barriers, respect autonomy and communication preferences, accommodate sensory needs and help the person pursue goals that are meaningful to them. Support should not require an Autistic person to hide harmless traits simply to appear non-autistic. Australia’s current national assessment guideline also recommends individualised, strengths-focused and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
More Resources:
NDIS, Funding and Everyday Support
For information about eligibility, applying, evidence requirements, plans and local NDIS partners.
Phone: 1800 800 110.
Current applications are assessed against age, residence, disability and/or early-intervention requirements, with supporting information from treating professionals.
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The current NDIS early-childhood approach supports children younger than nine with developmental delay or disability. Early-childhood partners can also connect families to community support, including some support for children younger than six who have developmental concerns but do not yet have a diagnosis.
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Australia’s early-childhood arrangements are changing. The government’s Thriving Kids programme is scheduled to start rolling out state services no later than 1 October 2026, with full rollout expected by 1 January 2028. Families should therefore use current NDIS information rather than older autism-access guides.
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Disability Gateway
A national government service for locating disability information and support relating to income, housing, education, employment, transport, equipment, health, everyday living and legal rights.
Phone: 1800 643 787
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm AEST/AEDT.
School and education
Positive Partnerships
An Australian Government programme for families, carers, teachers and other school staff supporting school-aged Autistic students. It provides free workshops, webinars, planning tools, online learning and practical resources informed by research and lived experience. It also has translated and culturally adapted resources.
https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/
Employment
JobAccess
Free advice for disabled jobseekers, employees and employers. It covers job-search support, workplace assessments, reasonable adjustments, disability employment providers, rights and responsibilities, and the Employment Assistance Fund.
Phone: 1800 464 800
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–7pm AEDT/AET.
https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/
Support for parents and carers
Carer Gateway
Free Australian Government support for unpaid carers, including counselling, coaching, peer support, practical assistance, tailored support packages and planned or emergency respite.
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Phone: 1800 422 737
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm.
Autistic-led and peer resources
Reframing Autism
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An Autistic-led charity providing neuro-affirming education, resources, research, identity information and material for newly diagnosed or questioning Autistic people, parents and allies.
https://reframingautism.org.au/
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network Australia and New Zealand — ASAN AUNZ
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Run by and for Autistic people, with self-advocacy resources, community membership and systemic disability-rights advocacy.
https://www.asan-aunz.org/
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I CAN Network
Autistic-led mentoring and peer-support programmes for Autistic and neurodivergent children and young people, including online and school-based programmes.
https://icannetwork.online/
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Yellow Ladybugs
An Autistic-led organisation focused on Autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people. It provides neuro-affirming resources, workshops, podcasts and guidance about identity, mental health, education and often-overlooked presentations of autism.
https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/