Finding services

I was just listening to some parents who were trying to find services and supports for themselves and their children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The consensus was that the most effective way to find what they needed was not necessarily through web research, but through word of mouth. That is, by talking to other parents and finding out what they have found most useful.


Finding other families

If you are looking for people who know a bit about the services in your area, then the best place to start is with support groups. But how can you find a support group in your area?


On the web:

Specific support groups I know about, or have been told about:

A 24-hour hotline: Autism Advisory and Support Service

Rainbowland Playtime (Grenwith, South Australia)

Hunter Connect (Medowie, NSW)

The Autism and Aspergers Support Group Inc (Sydney area)

Hunter Valley ASD Support Group


Playconnect: Playgroups for families with children who have or may have ASDs

Call your State or Territory Playgroup Association on 1800 171 882 (toll-free) for information or search...

ACT contacts

NSW Playconnect groups

NT playgroups (not clear if they have any playconnect groups at this stage, but give them a call to clarify.

Queensland Playconnect

South Australia Playconnect

Tasmanian Playconnect

Victorian Playgroups (including supported and playgroups for children with special needs)

Western Australian Playconnect


Places to find more support groups:

Autism South Australia's listing of support groups

Autism Queensland's listing of support groups

MyTime support groups



And here is an Aspect document that may be useful:



AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER SUPPORT GROUPS – NSW Last updated -


If you have a support group you would like to share, please post it in a comment or contact me and I will add it to this list.