For high school students and teenagers

Resources for Autistic teens and young adults, their families and caregivers and the professionals working with them.

Resources produced by OTARC researchers

SLEEP AND YOUNG AUTISTIC ADULTS

SLEEP AND YOUNG AUTISTIC ADULTS

This pamphlet offers some simple things young Autistic adults can do to get better sleep.

Sleep pamphlet

SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH: WHAT YOUNG AUTISTIC ADULTS TELL US

SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH: WHAT YOUNG AUTISTIC ADULTS TELL US

This brochure is for health professionals who work with Autistic teens and adults.

Supporting mental health [PDF 943KB]

SASLA FINAL REPORT

SASLA FINAL REPORT

The Longitudinal Study of Australian School Leavers with Autism (SASLA) profiled Autistic young people (aged 15-25 years) over 2-years. Read the final report on the Autism CRC website.

Autism CRC website

ACCESS TO TAFE

ACCESS TO TAFE

OTARC's submission to the Inquiry into the access to TAFE for learners with disability in Victoria.

Download submission [1.17MB]

NEURODIVERSITY HUB - HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

NEURODIVERSITY HUB - HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

This site presents information from the Supporting transition to and participation in tertiary education for Autistic students study undertaken by OTARC and funded by the Department of Human Services, Victoria.

Neurodiversity Hub website

NEURODIVERSITY HUB - PARENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

NEURODIVERSITY HUB - PARENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

This site presents information from the Supporting transition to and participation in tertiary education for Autistic students study undertaken by OTARC and funded by the Department of Human Services, Victoria.

Neurodiversity Hub website

The demand for and adequacy of Commonwealth, state and local government transition to study services

The demand for and adequacy of Commonwealth, state and local government transition to study services

A plain language online presentation about OTARC's response to the Senate Select Committee on Autism.

View online presentation

NEURODIVERSITY AND NEUROODIVERGENCE: A GUIDE FOR FAMILIES

NEURODIVERSITY AND NEUROODIVERGENCE: A GUIDE FOR FAMILIES

This RCN guide to neurodiversity and neurodivergence was developed in collaboration with Yael Clark, Beth Radulski, and Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro.

RCN website

Self-Advocacy@Work

Helping Autistic people navigate the world of employment, understand workplace rights and develop self-advocacy skills.

Self-Advocacy@Work website


Building connectedness and wellbeing for young adolescents on the Autism spectrum

A broad collection of resources for adolescents, parents/caregivers, teachers and support staff and school communities to support wellbeing. Co-developed by the Autism CRC, Positive Partnerships and Queensland University of Technology.

Program website


Autism Disclosure -  A guide for Autistic people

This guide provides an understanding of Autism disclosure and offers tips when considering disclosure. Developed by Autism Spectrum Australia.

Autism Disclosure guide


What is Autism?

A free online course for people who interact or engage with Autistic people and communities.

Access the course


Introduction to Neurodiversity

This website, aimed at young Autistic people, provides an understanding of neurodiversity, the natural differences in types of brains, and how they work.

Autism Understood website


Peer Mentoring and School Support

I Can Network is an Autistic-led organisation for 8 to 22-year-olds that offers peer mentoring, a schools program, and an annual expo.


Different Journeys - Victoria

Different Journeys is an Autistic peer support group that supports celebration, provides connection and creates communities. They run events in Melbourne's outer east on a regular basis including social, family swim, parent information nights and many more.

Different Journeys website


'Triple-A'  training: supporting Autistic and neurodivergent children and young people in schools

Developed by a team of academics and practitioners from the Centre for Neurodiversity and Development at Durham University, UK. This free online training focuses on the three key issues of attention, sensory arousal and anxiety to change understanding and support in school and residential settings.

Access the training


The Lab

A network of technology clubs for children and young people who identify as being on the Autism spectrum and who enjoy working with computers.

The Lab website


Schools, therapy and job-seeking services - Aspect (NSW)

Aspect's adolescent services, whether they be school-based, community-based, or in the home, all work together to assist each young person to develop their own identity and be strong independent thinkers and contributors in adulthood.

Autism Spectrum Australia website


Adolescent Goal Setting Tool -  Autism Queensland

The Adolescent/Adult Goal Setting Tool (AAGST) has been designed to enable neurodivergent people (including those on the Autism spectrum) to actively engage in person-centred planning processes. This is useful for:

  • NDIS Planning
  • Schools facilitating post-school transition planning for students
  • Employment Agencies
  • Disability Service Providers
  • Therapists supporting adolescents and adults on the Autism spectrum with goal planning
  • Individuals and their families.

Goal setting tool website


The Middle Years - Autism Tasmania

An overview of challenges and changes during early adolescence, with information about how these effect family members.

Autism Tasmania website


MyWay Employability

Based on six years of research, myWAY Employability is a smart web platform that helps Autistic young people to take control of their future. Developed by the Autism CRC.

MyWay Employability website


Social Groups - Autism NT

Members-only groups, focused on particular activities.

Autism NT website


Marymead Autism Centre - ACT

Groups based around particular activities, as well as general support groups.

Marymead website


Autistic Self-Advocacy Network - USA

Comprehensive list with a focus on resources for young adulthood.

ASAN resource library

Aspergers Victoria

Volunteer-run, offering peer support groups, employment coaching and training

Aspergers Victoria website


Healthy Mothers Healthy Families (HMHF)

A program to help mothers find balance in their physical and mental wellbeing.

Access the online workshop

Explore resources for other ages