and website design which enabled users to search for services by typing their postcodes into the search engine . My Autism Link App and website is a one-stop-shop for everything autism . Families can find information on early intervention , therapy , psychology , respite , education , resources , support groups , mobile therapy services , disability services , all in one place and make an informed decision about the best support for their child .
With growing numbers of children affected by autism , community support is vital to help them lead happy and connected lives . Without the correct support , services and resources , the quality of life for kids with autism may be detrimentally affected . They may feel as though they don ’ t belong and find it difficult to form friendships . Likewise , families with autistic children can find it challenging to find support for their kids and may feel isolated within their own communities . This is where Autism Link comes in .
I have big plans for extending Autism Link with many other services and to include support for teens and adults on the spectrum . If you are a service that provides support to people with autism then please visit www . autismlink . com . au to create your listing , and help families Australia wide locate and access autism related services .
Autism Link app can be downloaded for free on Apple iTunes or Google Play . supporting the supporters
A stable , secure and loving home is vital for children to grow and develop to their best potential . Sadly , this isn ’ t the reality for many young people and can be particularly challenging for a child also living with complex needs , such as autism . Thanks to the dedication of foster carers all around Australia , these children are being given a bright new start with full-time carer families , and receive added supported from respite carers once a month .
Kelly * a social worker , knows the importance of providing respite care to sustaining full-time foster care . She provides respite care one weekend a month for two girls aged seven and eight years old , who both live with autism . Outside of school activities , their opportunities to form friendships have been minimal due to their care requirements , so Kelly enjoys the chance to introduce them to new friends and new experiences on the weekends they spend with her .
“ The girls now look forward to playing with my two full-time foster children , and participating in our outdoor exercise classes on the weekend ,” she says .
Kelly finds reward in the knowledge that her support means the girls will stay with their full-time carers in their stable and loving home longer .
Uniting Communities is a South Australian based organisation which helps to find foster care accommodation for children and young people living with disability , many of them with autism . Uniting Communities ’ foster care program prides itself on the personalised service and support for foster carers as they welcome children into their homes , and continue to care for these children .
People interested in learning more about foster care for children living with complex needs can contact Uniting Communities on ( 08 ) 8202 5190 .
* Name has been changed .
autism stories from across the spectrum
linkonline . com . au autism feature
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