Autism Abilities

30/10/2026

🎃Happy Halloween from the Autism Abilities team!👻

This year, we got into the Halloween spirit by making lots of spooky decorations, giving out treats (and a few tricks here and there), and dressing up! We hope that all of you have a fun-filled day with spooky surprises and loads of excitement!🦇

30/10/2026

🌻OT Week Spotlight: Angbeen🌻

To celebrate OT Week, we wanted to get to know one of our therapists better using some conversation starter cards, courtesy of 🌱

Q: How would you describe your job to a 5-year-old❓
A: OTs turn tricky or boring things you need to learn, like handwriting, into fun games and activities! We make learning feel a lot more like playing!

Q: What's the most underrated piece of Assistive Technology❓
A: Fidgets! They've become so commonly available that they're often seen as just toys, but they can actually be valuable sensory regulation tools. When used appropriately, fidgets provide sensory input, keep hands occupied and can help some people maintain attention and engagement during tasks that require listening, concentration or sitting for longer periods.

Q: What about OT do you want to learn more about❓
A: Geriatrics/aged-care! I have not had many opportunities to work with older clients, even though I would love to. A common misconception about occupational therapy is that it is only helpful for children, even though adults of all ages can benefit greatly from it!

27/10/2026

🎏For Children's Week 2026, we recognize and champion the rights of children to use their own language, honor their cultural traditions, and practice their religion freely and joyfully.

By nurturing an environment where every child feels valued for their individuality and heritage, we lay the foundation for a more inclusive and harmonious future.

Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs that make up our world, and let’s commit to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to express themselves fully and authentically!

🎈For Children's Week events happening near you, please visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/childrens-week

27/10/2026

🌻 A wonderful day of learning, sharing and connecting! 🌻

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our Parent and Carer Workshop last week!

It was such a pleasure meeting you all. One of the highlights of the day was seeing parents and carers come together, share their experiences, exchange stories and connect with others who understand their journey.

We were also so pleased to receive such positive feedback from attendees! It's wonderful to know that the workshop was valuable, and it reminds us just how important it is to create opportunities for families and carers to come together, build their knowledge and feel supported.

A special shoutout to our wonderful PBS team, Brooke and Leanne, who did an incredible job facilitating the workshop. Your passion, knowledge and dedication to supporting individuals, families and carers really shone through!

For those who missed out or couldn't attend due to distance, we haven't forgotten about you! We're working on bringing our workshops online so more families and carers can join us, no matter where they are. Stay tuned!

Need some extra support? Our Positive Behaviour Support team is also welcoming new referrals across Melbourne and would be happy to chat about how we can help.

Thank you again to everyone who made the day so special. We loved having you there and hope to see you at another workshop soon!

23/10/2026

💛 ADHD Awareness Month – Celebrating Different Minds! 🧡

This ADHD Awareness Month, we want to take a moment to recognise and celebrate individuals with ADHD and the unique strengths, perspectives and experiences they bring to our communities.

ADHD is often misunderstood as simply being easily distracted or having difficulty concentrating. In reality, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that can influence how a person focuses, processes information, manages emotions and navigates everyday life.

Every person with ADHD is different. While ADHD can present challenges, it can also come with strengths such as creativity, curiosity, innovative thinking and the ability to approach situations from a different perspective.

When we take the time to listen, understand and provide the right support, we can help create environments where people with ADHD feel valued, accepted and empowered to thrive.

🧡 ADHD isn't something to be fixed. It's a different way of experiencing and engaging with the world, deserving of understanding, respect and support.

https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/resources/
https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/start-here/

13/10/2026

We’re getting excited – only one week to go!

Our FREE Parent & Carer Workshop is just around the corner, and we can't wait to welcome everyone!

We've had such an amazing response, and we're looking forward to a day of learning, sharing experiences, connecting with others and exploring practical, neuro-affirming strategies to better understand the person behind the behaviour.

📅 Thursday 22 October 2026
📍 Location: Moonee Ponds Bowling Club, 776 Mount Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds Victoria 3039
⏰ Time: 10AM - 2:30PM

🎟️ Only a few spots remaining!
If you've been thinking about attending, now is your chance! Get in touch with our team to secure one of the remaining places.

Can't make it in person? We have some exciting news!
Due to the overwhelming interest, and knowing that attending in person isn't always possible, we're exploring the option of offering an online workshop in the near future!

Would you be interested in joining us online? Or know a parent or carer who might benefit?
💬 Let us know in the comments or send us a message! We'd love to hear from you.
Let's keep learning, connecting and supporting one another.

09/10/2026

When we come together, we thrive.

Feeling understood, accepted and supported can make a real difference to wellbeing.

We believe understanding comes first — taking the time to listen, get to know the person, and understand what matters to them.

Because everyone deserves support that respects who they are and helps them live life well. 💙

Learn more, get involved and download resources from here: www.worldmentalhealthday.com.au

07/10/2026

We’re proud to share this event with our Autism Abilities community and encourage families, individuals and anyone passionate about inclusion and understanding to get involved.

Spend a sunny Saturday celebrating inclusion, acceptance, neurodiversity, mental health and wellbeing — and the importance of everyone feeling heard, valued and understood.

📅 Saturday 10 October 2026
⏰ 11:00am – 3:00pm
📍 Melton Specialist School, Coburns Road, Melton VIC 3337

Be heard. Be understood. Be you. ❤️

Keeley's Cause We’re getting ready for the Be Understood Expo this Saturday, 10th October, as we come together on World Mental Health Day to recognise and raise awareness of the mental health needs of people with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities. 💚

📍 Melton Specialist School
159–211 Coburns Road, Melton
🕚 11am – 3pm

There’ll be plenty happening throughout the day, including:

🌭 Sausage Sizzle
☕ Coffee Van
🎨 Face Painting
💙 Sensory Space & Sensory Activity Table
🎈 Exhibitor Show Bags & Balloons at the door
🪙 Gold Coin Entry

Come along, meet the exhibitors, connect with some incredible organisations and enjoy a great day with the community.

We can’t wait to see you there! 💚

05/10/2026

🌻We're thrilled to welcome our new PBS Practitioner and Clinical Lead, Leanne, to Autism Abilities! Leanne brings over five years of valuable experience as a Behaviour Support Team Leader and Practitioner, making her a new key member of our ever-growing team.

Make a referral today to get started 👉 https://autismabilities.com.au/make-a-referral

24/09/2026

🌱Exciting news! Autism Abilities currently has availability for Occupational Therapy and Positive Behaviour Support across Melbourne.

If you would like to book an appointment or learn more about how our services can help support you with your NDIS goals, give us a ring or submit a referral here👉 https://autismabilities.com.au/make-a-referral