Other Support Groups

ASSN is now maintaining a list of non-ASSN Support Groups for Asperger Syndrome operating across Victoria.  If you run such a group, and would like to have it listed here, please email our Website Co-ordinator with your details.

If you are interested in attending a meeting or event, PLEASE make contact with that group to ensure their details are still current.  Groups come and go as demand requires, and it can be difficult for our ASSN volunteers to ensure all information is up to date.  If you do contact a group and find it is no longer running, please let us know so we can update this page.  Thank you.

 

Interchange Siblings Social Support Group

  • For Primary school children who have a brother or sister with a disability, or chronic condition.
  • SSS is a group for kids who have a brother or sister with a disability. It is a place where they can get together and have fun with other siblings who really understand what it’s like.  
  • Who can participate? Primary school age children who have a brother or sister with a disability or chronic condition. Participants are ineligible to participate if they have a disability (we can make referrals to other suitable programs).
  • Cost is $30 per semester (1/2 year) to assist with the cost of food and materials.
  • Contact Interchange Southern by phone 8552 2222, Email  coordinator- bocallaghan@moira.org.au or write to Sibling Support Program Interchange Southern, 928 Nepean Hwy, Hampton East 3188 

 

 

SEA Group 

  • The South Eastern Aspergers Parent/Carers Support Group is for parents and carers with children and teens who have high functioning Aspergers Syndrome and PDD-NOS [Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified] and are aged 12 -25 years. We meet to share experiences in order to support and help each other. Speakers in the field will address members on a regular basis. 
  • The SEA Group is run by headspace Southern Melbourne in conjunction with Registered Parent Volunteers connected with children and teens, who have Aspergers Syndrome and PDD-NOS. 
  • Meetings are held in the Bayside area of South Eastern Melbourne at the Peterson Youth Centre, Highett Road, Highett, VIC 3190 (Corner Peterson St, entry from the oval side) on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.00 - 8.30 pm. There's no need to RSVP, just come along and join in.
  • The dates for 2012 are: 21st Feb, 20th March, 17th April, 15th May, 19th June, 17th July, 21st Aug, 18th Sept, 16th Oct, 20th Nov, 18th Dec. 
  • Cost?  A small fee of $5.00 per attendance per family is asked to cover supper and activity/speakers throughout the year. There is no current membership fee. 
  • Contact and Queries: Kirsten Cleland at headspace Southern Melbourne - Balaclava and Highett. Tel:9526 1600 headspace.org.au
  • SEA Group Volunteer Contact: ChristineLJohns@gmail.com

 

East Gippsland Autism and Aspergers Support Group

  • a forum for parents or carers of people with Autism to socialise, support each other and share information.
  • meets Wednesdays bi-monthly 7.00 - 9.00 pm
  • Contact Miranda 03 5152 5970 or Rose 03 5157 6218

 

Autism Gippsland has a new website listing all their information and offerings, including support groups for parents and carers, adults and professionals working within the ASD field. Click here to go to their full Support Groups Listing page.

 

Mental Health Carer Services for Eastern Region Melbourne - this is a service and support guide for carers of people with a mental illness.  While Asperger Sydnrome is not a mental illness, individuals may at times have problems with anxiety and depression.  Some of these groups might be of  help.  Click here to download the PDF guide.

 

Asperger West Support Group 

  • For parents and carers of children with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism
  • 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month - (excluding School and Public Holidays)
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
  • Heathdale Community Centre - Corner of Kookaburra Avenue & Nightingale Drive - Werribee
  • Please contact: Heathdale Community Centre - Phone 8742 3975 or healthdalecc@wyndham.vic.gov.au 

 

Melton Autism & Asperger Syndrome Support Group

  • A monthly information and social evenings for parents and carers 
  • Venue: Melton Network Meeting Room, Victoria Uni, Melton
  • Drive into Victoria Uni carpark via Entry 3, off Wilson Road. Enter Building One then follow the signs to the right. 
  • Facilitated by Penny Sharard, Autism Coach in Melton School Network, Positive Partnerships Facilitator
  • Contact Penny: 0402 493 520 or Sharard.penelope.p@edumail.vic.gov,au

 

Southern Autism Spectrum Family Support Group

  • This group holds day and evening meetings for parents & carers and teens at Langwarrin, Patterson Lakes and Endeavour Hills.  
  • They also run regular seminars and information nights with guest speakers.  
  • Click here to go to their website for up to date details. 

 

Cardinia Autism Spectrum Family Support Group

  • This group meets at a restaurant for lunch once per month.
  • Suitable for parents/carers of school aged children.
  • For more information contact  Nicole: 5941 5858

 

Casey Asperger Syndrome Support (CASS)

  • Run by parents of people with Asperger Syndrome, CASS holds regular support group meetings and social activities for children with Asperger Syndrome.
  • Based in Doveton, they operate for families living in the City of Casey
  • Click here to visit their website 

 

Peninsula Autism Spectrum Support Group

  • Meet the last Thursday of each month @ Cerberus Cottage HMAS Cerebus.
  • Contact Michelle 0416007631 or  Email: mclohesy@smartchat.net.au

 

Moira - Southern Metro Region

  • Moira is an incorporated association providing support services for people with disabilities and youth in crisis throughout the Southern Metropolitan region of Melbourne, and throughout Victoria.  
  • They provide a monthly newsletter
  • Click here to go to their website

 

Parents with Special Needs Support Group - Brunswick

  • For parents with children on the autism spectrum
  • Meetings are every second Thursday of the month (during school terms)
  • At Sydney Community School, 350 Sydney Road Brunswick
  • Time: 10.00am.
  • contact Susanna Augustine Ph: 94021171 Email: augustinesusanna14@gmail.com.

 

Support Group for TEENS - Ashwood

 

The Hills Autism and Special Needs Support Group - Dandenong Hills 

  • Facilitator Mrs. Barb Brown
  • Group meets on Fridays 
  • For more details contact Barb - phone 0400 596 961 

 

Hampton East Primary School Autism Spectrum Support Group 

  • Meets first Thursday of the month (except during school holidays) 
  • MOIRA 920 Nepean Highway, Hampton East 
  • Contact Kerri Rolfe (MOIRA - Disability and Youth Services) krolfe@moira.org.au or 8552 2222

 

Gateways Support Services - South Western Region

  • This is a large, Government approved provider of autism related services, operating in the Geelong, Barwon, South Western Region.
  • They facilitate a number of parent to parent support groups, playgroups, and partner support groups.
  • Full details can be found at www.gateways.com.au 

 

 Ballarat Autism Network

  • The network provides support to families and carers by providing them with the opportunity to network together, share information and provide mutual support
  • They provide parent support groups, social group activities and parent to parent links
  • Full details can be found at www.ballaratautism.com

 

Autism Angels

  • facilitator Despina runs an Autism/Asperger support group
  • Phone number  0404 522 226 or 03 9362 1000  
  • email: autism_angels@yahoo.com 

 

Mums Connect

  • For Mums of kids with ASDs to talk about our kids and other stuff. To share ideas, knowledge and experiences, have fun and provide emotional and practical support to parents of kids with ASDs.
  • They provide a blogspot http://mumsconnect.blogspot.com/, a bimonthly newsletter, email contact, a monthly morning tea and other events.
  • meet on the fourth Saturday morning of the month excepting school holidays between 9.30 and 11.30.
  • Power Neighbourhood House, 54 Power Ave. Ashwood (off Warrigal Rd between High St  & Batesford Rds). Melways map 60 H12
  • email MumsConnect.Ashwood@gmail.com or contact Margaret on 0407 307 265

 

Riding the Waves

  • a monthly forum for parents of gifted and highly able children, providing an opportunity for parents to meet, discuss shared experiences, and to focus on specific topics related to giftedness such as heightened intensity, perfectionism, under-achievement, and social and emotional issues.

  • contact Alison Brown, Psychologist Kids in Kooyong
  • Level 1, 479 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong, 3144
  • Phone: (03) 9822 0010 or Mob: 0408 177982
  • www.psychologyandchildren.com.au