Family Support Groups
Please note: Some of these groups are supported by Autism SA while others are run by members of the community. We recommend contacting the individual or organisation facilitating the group to discuss whether it fits your needs. For further information, please call the Autism SA Info Line on 1300 288 476.
Northern metro
Para Hills West Primary School
Small group of parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Morning tea provided.
Meets: Thursday 9:15am – 11:15am once a term
Venue: Para Hills West Primary School
Contact: 8258 2216
Creche: Parents can bring their children as the group runs in a room with toys
Autism/Asperger Family Support Group
Provides support to carers who care for a family member with autism or Asperger syndrome. They meet to discuss the highs and lows of caring as well as enjoying guest speakers, outings, pamper days and lasting friendships. On alternate fortnights the group meets unfacilitated for coffee and a chat at Northern carers Network.
Meets: 1st Tuesday of each month from 9.30am - 11.30am
Venue: Northern Carers, 15/130 Peachy Road, Davoren Park
Contact: Chris at Northern Carers Network on 8284 0388
Respite: Available
Website: www.ncnw.org.au
Family Connections: 2 Groups
Supporting families with children on the ASD spectrum through understanding and information.
For all Groups Contact: Felicity Bylhouwer 0417 858 901
Website: www.familyconnections.vpweb.com.au
Meets: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 9:30am – 11:45am
Venue: Surrey Downs Community Centre, 6 Zanoni Cres, Surrey Downs
Creche: Occasional Care available in the Centre
Bring: Yourself, a tissue and good sense of humour
Contact: Felicity Bylhouwer 0417858901 or hap2@bigpond.com
Meets: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:15pm – 9:00pm
Venue: Jubilee Way Community Centre, 1 Jubilee Way, Wynn Vale
Bring: Yourself, a tissue and good sense of humour
Contact: Julie Golotta 0466585041or juliegolotta@hotmail.com
Parents with Attitude 100%
Support network for parents/families of students in the Gawler/Barossa district who have children diagnosed with autism or Asperger syndrome
Meets: time and day varies
Venue: Room 5, Evanston Gardens Primary School, 71 Angle Vale Road, Evanston Gardens
Contact: Bronnie Whitelaw 8522 2082 or 0422 124 734
MOC Parents
Parents and caregivers of children with learning needs.
Meets: Meets alternative Wednesday mornings in the CPC (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) 9am – 11am
Venue: Mark Oliphant College Newton Boulevard Munno Para West
Contact: Pam Jacobs on 8209 1600
Crèche: No
REFRESH
Support group for Mums of childern with special needs. Mums supporting each other in a relaxed meeting with a cuppa having a chat.
Meets: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month during term time
Venue: Golden Grove Baptist Church, 93-95 Wynn Vale Drive, Wynn Vale
Crèche: No, but you can bring your child if necessary
Bring: $2
Contact: Anusha on 8251 7042 or 0435 046 295 or anu.atukorala@gmail.com
Caring Parents Support Group
Support group for parents and carers of a child with special needs. Group support, guest speakers and information sharing. Transport is available to anyone with a health care card.
Meets: 2nd Monday of the month 10am-12 unless its a public holiday then it meets the 3rd Monday
Venue: Lyell McEwin Hospital, Child Development Unit, Haydown Rd, Elizabeth Vale
Crèche: Free upt to age 8
Bring: Gold coin donation welcome
Contact: Gail on 81829379 or Gail.Henton@health.sa.gov.au
Wandana Community's Autism and Asperger's Support Group
A safe place for parents and friends of the Wandana Community to have a hopt drink and discuss challenges and succee stories relating to their children and journey with autism. We are also a resource for families that need help to work through particular issues relating to autism that are affecting their children.
Meets: Fortnightly during school terms 9-10am, Starting week 1
Venue: Wandana Primary School, in the kitchen
Crèche: yes on request
Contact: Janine Hughes 83690199 or janinehughes@live.com, School info@wnadanac7.sa.edu.au
Autism Families Living in South Australia (AFISA)
A new support group for ASD carers. Networking families to family support through coffee and chat and events.
Meets: Thursdays in term time 10am-12pm.
Venue: The Paddocks, cnr of Kesters and Bridge Roads, Para Hills
Crèche: No
Bring: $2 donation
Contact: Bronwyn 0487448900 or afisa@bigpond.com
Website: www.facebook.com/AutismfISA
Central and western metro
Western Area Support Group
The Western Area Suport Group is for carers of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The aim is to provide support, share information and help parents and carers develop networks.
Meets: 1st Monday of the month at 7.30pm
Venue: Bower Cottages, 200 Bower Road, Semaphore Park
Contact: Zoe Sandell on 8242 7010 or zsandell@internode.on.net
Picking Up The Pieces
A support group for children with ASD and families with a child on the spectrum, which aims to provide friendship and guidance.
Meets: Last Friday of every month from 10am - 12pm
Venue: Autism SA Training Room, 262 Marion Road Netley
Bring: A story, object or photo to share
Contact: Louise Potter on 0433 437 688 or E-Mail on: loulou1902@live.com
Coffee and Chat Group
The Coffee and Chat Group is for carers of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The group meets in an informal cafe setting and aims to provide support, share information and help parents and carers develop networks.
Meets: every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month 9.30am - 11.00am
Venue: Cafe Komodo, 118 Prospect Road, Prospect
Contact: Karolina on 0417 851 044 or k_concepts@hotmail.com
Parent and Carer Support Group for Young Adults with Asperger Syndrome
Informal support group for parents of young adults with Asperger syndrome 16 years and over.
Meets: 1st Monday of the month, 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start
Venue: Astor Hotel, Corner Gilles and Pulteney Streets, Adelaide, 5000
Contact: Ron Parker alchemy@picknowl.com.au Home 8248 0188 Mobile 0424 416 932
Fidgits
A western suburbs autism and Asperger's parent/carer support group. Come and meet other parents and carers in a safe and caring environment.
Meets: Fortnightly on a Tuesday 9:30 – 11:00 am
Venue: St. Peters Lutheran Church, corner Railway Terrace & Gedville Road, Taperoo
Cost: Gold coin donation
Phone: Debra Barker 0488 649 847 to book. Free childcare available by prior arrangement.
South Eastern Metro and Adelaide Hills
Hills ASD Parent Support Group
Open to any parents of a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Adelaide Hills region. Sessions currently consist of a range of guest speakers for the first hour and the second hour is for parents to share a coffee and talk with each other and share resources. A program of guest speakers can be obtained by contacting Disability SA on the phone number below.
Meets: 4th Thursday of the month, 9:30am – 11:30am
Venue: Mount Barker Connected Service Centre, 23 Mann Street, Mount Barker (Old Council Building)
Bring: Voluntary small change towards morning tea
Contact: Tegan Foreman (Senior Developmental Programmer-Autism) or Laura Kelly (Disability SA Child and Youth Team) on 7424 7888
Quirky Kids
We provide advocacy, support and resources on Autism Spectrum Disorders to any parent or carer and hope to give siblings a voice within the complexity of their family life. Together we celebrate our Quirky Kids and embrace the unique gifts they bring to all. Run by parents for parents. Mums, dads grandparents and carers are all welcome.
Meets: Last Friday of the month 9.30am - 11.30am
Venue: The Meeting Place, 42 Angus Rd Hawthorn. Facilities include gated playground, toilets, meeting room, kitchen, grass play area and mobile barrista
Bring: A gold coin donation
Contact: Carole Taylor 0439 454 805 cmtaylor33@gmail.com or Lauren Marriott 0401 437 777
Website: www.quirkykidsnetwork.blogspot.com.au/
Southern / Fleurieu / Mallee
Southern Family Connections
An informal support group welcoming parents/carers of children and adults who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Meets: 1st Monday of the month 10.00am - 12 noon.
Venue: Hackham West Community Centre, Corner Majorca Road & Warsaw Crescent, Hackham West
Bring: Please bring a gold coin donation for morning tea
Contact: Mel Mitton 0407 791 875 Email: blueopal@adam.com.au
Take Heart
"Take Time" mornings are for parents and carers of children on the spectrum to come and receive general advice regarding how to assist their child. We aim to have a geust speaker at each session who is a professional and experienced with treating children on the spectrum.
Meets: Last Friday of the month 10 - 11am
Venue: Impact Church, 104 Pimpala Rd, Morphett Vale
Crèche: Yes - gold coin donation (must call to register by Wednesday prior to to the session)
My Time
My Time gives parents and carers the chance to socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and challenges of the caring role. Meet others to have fun, share resources, enjoy time for yourself; good food, activities and meet/make new friends
Meets: Mondays 9:30am – 11:30am for 8 weeks during school terms
Venue: 51a Galloway Road, O’sullivans Beach SA 5166
Contact: Sue O’brien on 0458146334 or 83822850
Crèche: Available via bookings on 83822850
Email: Suzanne.obrien@sa.gov.au
Victor Harbor Tulips
Tulips began as a group of mums chatting in the school car park. Each knew the value of supporting, sharing and networking with other families. Meetings began as informal get-togethers, and soon evolved into sharing or disseminating information. Gradually the idea of a group formed, a name was chosen and a loose structure planned. “Tulips” was chosen from the article about Holland, which likens raising a child with a disability as having arrived unexpectedly in Holland when a trip to Italy was planned. This was the article shared at our first formal meeting and is on our website. Although Tulips began at Encounter Lutheran School, and is supported by the school, it is not exclusive in any way. It is not limited to ASD families although the majority have this diagnosis.
Meets: 3 times a term. One coffee session, one information session with a speaker and one social gathering. Day and time changes to meet needs of the group. Usually Thursday afternoons 1.00pm or 1.30pm
Venue: Various. Coffee and chat is usually at McCracken Country Club and information sessions are at the school library.
Contact: Trish Walker 8552 8880, 0419 861 196
Sue Zitterbart 0409 523 392
Website: www.tulipssa.com (emails to Trish and Sue can be sent via the website by clicking on 'contact us' on the top right hand corner and clicking on the link of either Trish or Sue to bring up the email form).
Far South Carer Support Group
Meets: The second Saturday of every month from 10:00am until 12:00noon.
Venue: McLaren Vale Club, 177 Main Rd McLaren Vale
Contact: For further information please call Meridith McLeod on 8379 5777.
For further information on groups run by Carers Support and Research Centre Inc. please click here.
Parents Supporting Parents
For parents and carers of children aged 0-6 diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or who believe that their child may have an Autism Spectrum Disorder living in the Murray Mallee Region. We hope that this will provide an opportunity to discuss the joys and challenges of raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Snacks will be provided.
Meets: please phone to confirm day and time
Venue: Ngargi Wal, 25 Joyce St, Murray Bridge, 5253 (behind the hospital)
Contact: Maggie Georgiou or Mandy Mabarrack on 8532 4503
Creche: Is available but please phone to advise
Parent Support Group for Parents of School-Aged Children
For parents and carers of school-aged children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder living in the Murray Mallee Region.
Meets: 6:30pm last Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, December
Venue: Disability SA, 6 Verdun Road, Murray Bridge
Contact: Maggie Georgiou on 8532 4503 or Kelly Scache on 8569 2114
Riverland ASD Parent Group
An ASD parent group held once a month that provides information sessions on topics related to ASD and disability. The information sessions are presented by the Senior Developmental Programmer or guest speakers. Topics presented are based on feedback provided by families. Parents and Families are able to network over lunch. Lunch is at cost to the family. Free tea/coffee is available.
The group sessions alternate between daytime and evening sessions to accommodate working families.
The ASD Parent Group is open to all families of children with ASD or similar difficulties. Fliers are distributed through local childcare centres, preschools and schools each month.
Meets: Daytime sessions are held on Thursdays 11am – 1:30pm, Evening sessions are held Tuesdays 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Venue: Vine Community Church, 1 Jellet Road Berri SA 5343
Contact: Narelle Sarakinis on 8582 2400 or narelle.sarakinis@dfc.sa.au
Creche: Yes – Free of charge
Bring: Pen, paper, money for lunch if desired.
Yorke
A Team - Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group
A group for parents, carers and grandparents offering support, information who link together and have some fun!
Meets: Once a month on a Thursday at 12:00noon
Venue: At various locations on the central Yorke Peninsula
Contact: For further information, please phone Joyce Adolph at Carers Link on 8821 2444.
Bounce Back
A support group for mothers with children that have special needs, ran by Gateway Care. Gateway care facilitates an environment where mothers can meet other like-minded mothers, have coffee and chat, share information and resources, enjoy informal learning and guest speakers, discuss the joys and challenges of raising a child that has special needs and be supported and cared for in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
Meets: First Tuesday of every month, 9:30am – 11:00am
Venue: Gateway Life Centre, 657-658 Adelaide Road, Kadina
Contact: Andrea Snodgrass on 0428211130 or 88213086
Creche: Available on request, please advise if needed.
South East
South East Support Group
This support group is for families in the South East of South Australia, particularly the Meningie area down through Mount Gambier.
Contact: Colleen Moore, Regional Coordinator of South East Carers on 8724 7188.
ASD Limestone Coast
CARER SUPPORT GROUP: Support groups for adults who have family members or is Guardian of a person with ASD (including carers with ASD themselves).
To allow participants to benefit from networking and sharing with other carers, children are not to attend the support groups. We will assist families to access care for children while they attend if this is a problem.
FAMILY SOCIAL EVENTS: Includes days at the park, coffee mornings and other events for all family members to attend and enjoy.
RESOURCE LIBRARY: A collection of ASD related books and dvds available for short term loan. These can be accessed during support meetings.
FACEBOOK GROUP “ASD LIMESTONE COAST”
Online Support Group for Families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Limestone Coast of South Australia.
Website: http://directions.org.au/Pages/ASDLimestone.aspx
Facebook page: ASD Limestone Coast
Contact Details are as follows:
Communications: Belle Baker Belle.Baker@bigpond.com 0429 130 673
Meetings: Aimee Hutchesson ahutchesson80@hotmail.com 0417 060 146
Upper South East Parent Support Group
Support Group for parents/carers of children 0-18years with additionsl needs.
Meet: 1st Tuesday of each month
Venue: Settlers Cafe, Gordon Street, Naracoorte
Contact: For more information contact Lisa Searcy Ph. 0438 545 235 Email: lisamsearcy@yahoo.com.au
Mid-North and Eyre :
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is a support group run by parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder which provides support and understanding to parents and extended family members and carers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Meet: 1st Thursday of the month at 12.30pm
Venue: Hotel Boston, 19-21 King Street, Port Lincoln
Contact: For more information contact Melissa Poole 8682 6449, Marianne Stockham 8685 6152 or Lisa Henderson 8682 2689 or send an email to smjkpo4@bigpond.net.au
ASPAUT Group: Aspergers / Autism Support Group
Links parents and carers of children and young people with ASD with other parents and the community to increase knowledge and understanding.
Meets: 2nd Thursday of the month, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Venue: Saddleworth Early Learning Centre, 7 Saddle Road, Saddleworth, unless otherwise advised. Although Saddleworth ELC is our home base we have the group in different venues across the Lower North Region responding to the needs of the group.
Bring: Lunch to share
Contact: Kate Jenkins, Yorke and Lower North Health 8842 6500 or jenkins.kate@saugov.sa.gov.au
Creche: as needed
Port Pirie Autism Support Group
The Autism Support Group is for parents and carers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The group aims to provide information, advocacy, training, and support for paretns and carers and strives to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the community.
Meets: 6 weekly on a Thursday 5.00pm - 6.30pm Contact Port Pirie Regional Health Service on 8638 4693 for meeting dates
Venue: Mid North Education Centre, David Street, Port Pirie
Contact: Early Intervention Coordinaotr, Port Pirie Regional Health Service on 8638 4693
Creche: Yes ring 8638 4693 to book
Autism/Special Needs Support Group
The Autism Support Group was established in December 2006. The group is an avenue to resource support and information. The group includes all families with children with special needs.
Meets: Quarterly 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bring: Savoury or meal to share
Venue: Early Years Parenting Centre, 1 Stirling Road, Port Augusta
Contact: Sharon Allport on 8648 5800
Creche: Yes
Peterborough Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group
For parents and carers of children on the Autism Spectrum and other interested people. Group members advocate for issues affecting their children and raise the profile of parents and children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to the broader community.
Meets: Meets bi-monthly for formal meetings and alternate months for networking meetings. Tea and coffee provided.
Venue: UCWPP building, Main Street, Peterborough
Contact: Jenny Perrott 8651 2666 or 8651 0400 / jenny.perrott@ucwpp.org.au or jenny.perrott@health.sa.gov.au
Creche: Yes
Young Children with ASD - Port Lincoln
Support group for parents, grandparents and carers of young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Meets: varies – generally on a Monday at 10:00 am, every 4 – 6 weeks
Venue: Child Youth and Women’s Health, Civic Centre, Port Lincoln, 5606
Contact: Marni Enright at Disability SA (75 Liverpool St, Port Lincoln) 8683 0499
Creche: Is available but please phone to advise
Eastern Eyre Support Group
For families, friends and carers of a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other disability. Marnie Enright from Disabilty SA will facilitate the discussions.
Meets: Day and time to be arranged - starting 2 Feb 2010
Venue: Arno Bay Hotel Motel, Tel El Kebir Terrace, Arno Bay
Contact: Jen Grenfell 0427 380 004
Creche: Is available but please phone to confirm
Community Based Groups
ASPISA (Asperger Syndrome - Partner Information and Support Adelaide)
This group provides an opportunity for partners of people with Asperger syndrome to share their experiences. The aim of the group is to offer support and information sharing.
Meets: First Monday of the month 7:00pm-9:00pm
Venue: Eastwood Community Centre, 95 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood (walk through the gate on the right hand side of the building and enter via the door at the back)
Cost: Gold coin donation
Contact: Heike Haffer on 0431 039 136 or heikehaffer@hotmail.com
Grandparents Group
The aim of this group is to offer support to grandparents who have a grandchild with a disability.
Meets: Once a month on the 1st Wednesday of the month
Contact: John and Denise Langton on 8261 4979
Adelaide_Autism - South Australian parents on-line support group
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/adelaide_autism
This is an on-line forum for South Australian parents with children having an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Parents are encouraged to share information on topics such as research, early interventions, biomedical, education, dietary needs, occupational, speech and behavioural therapies as well as their experiences. The overall theme is to promote better services and outcomes for all SA families. This group bridges two very interesting (general & biomed) parent support groups in Adelaide.
Kidz Konnection
Group for boys with Asperger syndrome aged 6 – 12 years. There are semi-structured activities for the children. Children must be accompanied by their parent or carer. Parents/carers are given the opportunity to network and provide support to each other. Siblings are not to attend (babies are ok).
Meets: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month during school terms, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Venue: Jubilee Way Community Centre, 1 Jubilee Way, Wynn Vale
Bring: $2, hat, drink and snack
Contact: Jodie 0417 561 073
Youth Konnection
A social group for boys between 12 – 16 years with Asperger syndrome.
Meets: Alternate Wednesdays during school terms (beginning 27 July 2011), 7:00pm - 8:30 pm
Venue: TWELVE25 Youth Enterprise Centre, 17-19 Wiltshire Street, Salisbury
Bring: $5 per session
Contact: Paul 8200 2511
Email: youthkonnection@hotmail.com
Girls Konnection
Commencing 13 Feb 2012
A group for girls with Asperger syndrome aged 6 – 12 years. Semi-structured activities. Girls must be accompanied by their parent or carer. Parents/carers are given the opportunity to network and provide support to each other. Siblings are not to attend (babies are ok).
Meets: 2nd and 4th Monday of the month during school terms, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Venue: Jubilee Way Community Centre, 1 Jubilee Way, Wynn Vale
Bring: $5
Contact: Leanne Ph 0439451645 or Cheryl Ph 82809421
Under Construction
“Building Fun and Building Friendships”
A social group for boys with Asperger’s Syndrome aged 6 -12 years.
Regular activities include: Lego table, construction/making activities, board games, and access to outdoor playground and sports equipment. Parents/carers have the opportunity to chat over coffee – a great opportunity to share ideas and support each other.
Children must be accompanied and supervised by their parent or carer for the entire session. Siblings are not to attend with the exception of babies.
Spaces are limited so booking is essential.
Venue: Mitchell Park Neighbourhood Centre,
Bring: $2, sun hat, and water bottle.
Meets: Fridays, 4:00pm to 5:30pm (school term only)
Contact: To register contact Lisa on 8277 8435 or underconstruction@hotmail.com.au