Living on the Spectrum - Autism directory and Neurodiversity hub

28/08/2026

Spring is almost here, and so is a great lineup of neuroinclusive events 🌸

National Gallery of Victoria – Relaxed Sessions: Cartier
Nearly 400 iconic Cartier jewels and design pieces in a quieter setting, with reduced crowds and sensory stimuli. Booking required.

📅 Saturday 5 September, 8:00–10:00 am
📅 Tuesday 22 September, 5:30–7:30 pm
📍 NGV International, Ground Level

Melbourne Recital Centre – Relaxed Performances
Two upcoming shows in their relaxed performance series with adjusted lighting, access resources and a quiet area if you need a moment.

🎵 Michelle Nicolle | Tuesday 15 September
🎵 Bronzewing | Thursday 8 October
10:30 am or 12:00 pm | $10 per ticket

Find the full details and more events on our directory.

03/07/2026

Did you know we keep an up-to-date events list on Living on the Spectrum?

Two neuroinclusive upcoming events worth knowing about 🌊🎻

Ocean Heroes – free surfing event
Sunday 19 July | Currumbin Alley, QLD
A free surfing event for Autistic people and their families, with no age limit and no surfing experience needed. Wetsuits, surfboards, life jackets and patient, experienced volunteers are all provided - just bring your bathers and a sense of adventure.

MSO: Carnival of the Animals (Relaxed Performance)
Friday 28 August, 12:30pm | Hamer Hall, Melbourne
A relaxed performance of Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals, with lights kept on, open doors and space to move around. A genuinely lovely way to experience live orchestral music at your own pace.

Find these and more on our directory - searchable by location, type and date 🔗 in comments.

15/05/2026

We love this video from . 💛

Now more than ever, it’s important to pause before judging someone else’s behaviour, reactions or way of communicating.

What looks rude, dramatic or too sensitive on the surface can often be overwhelm, anxiety, shutdown, sensory distress or years of feeling misunderstood.

Has something like this ever happened to you?

To our Autistic community: we see you out there. 🫶

17/10/2025

We have something very exciting to share! 🩵💜

Living on the Spectrum - Autism directory and Neurodiversity hub, is now powered by Amaze.

For years, Living on the Spectrum has been lovingly created and run by Anita, a mum of an Autistic child who wanted to make it easier for families like hers to find the right help, in one place.

Through her dedication and lived experience, Anita built something incredible: a free, community-driven resource that has helped thousands of Autistic people, families and supporters across Australia.

Now, with Amaze powering the next chapter, Living on the Spectrum will continue to grow, reaching more people, sharing more stories, and making autism supports easier to find than ever before.

Together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected future for autism support in Australia 🩵💜

Explore the directory today: livingonthespectrum.com

26/05/2025

THIS WEEKEND: Think Autism – Sydney Conference & Community Workshops

🗓 Saturday 31 May | 🕙 10:00 AM–6:00 PM 📍 UTS Business School, Sydney

🎟 Pay what you can — free, pay-it-forward, or business supporter

🔗 Register:  is link in bio

Unapologetically Autistic. Empowerment. Visibility. Justice.

Workshops. Panels. Quiet spaces. Real connection.
Everything about this day is Autistic-led and community-powered.

Join us in person — or watch the digital release on Autistic Pride Day, 18 June.

In partnership the Aurum Foundation and with the support of the City of Sydney & University of Technology Sydney.

Hosted by

24/04/2025

Hey community!

Are you looking for an NDIS Registered Provider with Support Worker Services in Melbourne Metro & Surrounds - You First Support that works for YOU!

You can check out the team You First
Reach out to see if they can assist you today.

NDIS Registered Provider - Support Worker Services Melbourne Metro & Surrounds - You First Support that works for YOU! Call us today 1300 52 56 56.

22/04/2025

Understanding Alexithymia in Autism: A Guide for Parents and Carers

Did you know that alexithymia—a difficulty in identifying and describing emotions—is present in approximately 50% of autistic individuals, compared to about 10% in the general population?

What is Alexithymia? Alexithymia isn't a lack of emotions but rather a challenge in processing them. Children with alexithymia may struggle to recognise their feelings or articulate them, leading to expressions like "I don't know how I feel" or physical complaints like stomachaches when they're actually anxious.

Why is it Important? Understanding alexithymia can help differentiate between behaviors stemming from emotional processing differences and those from other causes. This awareness allows for more compassionate and effective support strategies.

Supporting Your Child:
Use Visual Aids: Emotion charts or color-coded feelings wheels can help children identify and express emotions.
Create a Safe Space: Encourage open discussions about feelings without judgment.

Model Emotional Expression: Share your own feelings to provide examples of emotional articulation.

Remember, recognising and supporting emotional processing differences is a crucial step in nurturing your child's well-being.

19/04/2025

Happy Easter to our beautiful community!

This Easter, we’re sending love to all the incredible autism families out there.

Whether you’re celebrating with a big family lunch, keeping it low-key at home, skipping the chocolate hunt altogether, or creating your own unique traditions — do what works best for your family.

There’s no “right” way to celebrate. What matters most is that everyone feels safe, supported, and included.

Maybe that means noise-cancelling headphones, a quiet corner to decompress, or a visual schedule to help the day go smoothly. Maybe it’s just a regular Sunday — and that’s perfectly okay too.

Wishing you peace, joy, and plenty of space to just be — exactly as you are.

Happy Easter, from our family to yours.

16/04/2025

Hey Community!

Belongside Families are hosting these fantastic webinars for those experiencing school can't. What’s often labelled as 'school refusal' doesn’t always reflect what’s really going on—a child who doesn't feel safe.⁠
⁠
It can be an overwhelming and complex situation to navigate—but you're not alone.⁠
⁠
Belongside Families are hosting two free online webinars with School Can't Australia, designed to help you understand what might be happening for your child and how best to support them.⁠
⁠
Understanding School Can’t⁠
📅 Wednesday 16 April, 7:30PM NSW Time⁠
https://events.humanitix.com/infosession1604
⁠
School Can’t Strategies & Supports⁠
📅 Wednesday 23 April, 7:30PM NSW Time⁠
https://events.humanitix.com/infosession2304
⁠
Whether you're just starting to face this challenging issue or have been navigating school can’t for some time, these sessions offer valuable insights into the emotional experience of children along with practical tools and strategies for parents and carers.⁠
⁠
📩 Register to attend live or receive the replay. These sessions are only available to those who register—don’t miss out.

08/04/2025

Tired of sifting through Google for autism info that actually makes sense?
So were we.

Living on the Spectrum was created to cut through the confusion. We’re Australia’s first national autism directory and news hub, built by a parent who’s been there—stressed, overwhelmed, and searching for answers that actually help.

We challenge myths, fight stigma, and support carers and autistic people with reliable, inclusive, and neuro-affirming information. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a long-time advocate, or just trying to support someone you love, we’ve got your back.

Follow us for posts that are real, respectful, and backed by lived experience.
You deserve better than misinformation.
You deserve Living on the Spectrum.

💜 Head to our free directory, link in our bio