Diagnosis: support groups & services

Parenting a child with a disability can sometimes feel lonely, especially if your child has just been diagnosed, but we can assure you that there are people out there who ‘get it’. Here’s a quick overview of just a few of the groups, gatherings and organisations to help build bonds and support networks for you and your child.

CARERS AUSTRALIA

Carer support programs are available in each state via Carers Australia, please check out the relevant website for your state – their websites can be found here carersaustralia.com.au/about-us/contact

REIMAGINE AUSTRALIA

Formerly known as Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA), Reimagine has been the leading Australian body
for early childhood outcomes for young children with a developmental delay or a disability and their families, since 1986. There’s a super-helpful section for families on their website for information & resources if your child needs to access Early Intervention services. reimagine.org.au

KIIND

Formerly Kalparrin, Kiind provide families in Western Australia with practical assistance, emotional support, connection to other families and help to find the most appropriate services and supports for children. kiind.com.au

SOURCE MAMA

Our very own tribe of mamas on the disability parenting track. We are here to unite, empower, inspire and become the largest pride of lionesses ever to have walked (or often in our case – crawled) across the earth! sourcemama.com.au

SYNDROMES WITHOUT A NAME

If you’re struggling to get a diagnosis for your child, SWAN provides information and support to families caring for a child with an undiagnosed or rare genetic condition. There’s a Facebook group and they also hold awareness/family gatherings, morning tea meet-ups and other social events in Victoria and Queensland.
swanaus.org.au | 0404 280 441

MY TIME

MyTime groups are a place to socialise, to discuss, to get information, and to support and be supported by other carers. Find your local group at mytime.net.au/groups

DOWN SYNDROME AUSTRALIA

All state and territory Down syndrome associations offer support, encouragement, information and resources for family members, carers and friends. downsyndrome.org.au

BENEVOLENT SOCIETY

As well as traditional support programs, the Benevolent Society has an active program of events in NSW, ACT, QLD & SA, including supported playgroups, family fun days, workshops and talks. benevolent.org.au

The Benevolent Society is also a Carer Gateway provider – which is the Australian Government’s national carer hub providing reliable services, supports and advice specifically for carers. carergateway.gov.au

CEREBRAL PALSY ALLIANCE

For more than 75 years, Cerebral Palsy Alliance has been provided essential therapy, services, support, programs, advocacy, equipment and technology for people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities. Take a look at their website to discover the multitude of ways they can support families and their children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. cerebralpalsy.org.au

PLAYGROUP AUSTRALIA – PLAYCONNECT & PLAY TOGETHER
PlayConnect Playgroups are designed for families of children aged 0-6 years who have unique needs associated with having an Autism Spectrum Disorder or autism- like characteristics in communication, behaviour or social skills. playgroupaustralia.org.au/national-programs/play-together

AUTISM AWARENESS AUSTRALIA
Our friends at Autism Awareness Australia ensure autistic individuals, and their families, have access to free, credible, evidence-based information, resources and tools
to empower them to support themselves or their loved ones on the spectrum. They also provide targeted educational programs to families, professionals and the broader community. autismawareness.com.au

SIBLINGS AUSTRALIA

The go to resource for support, resources and advice for siblings of children with a disability. Siblings Australia’s aim is to maximise the wellbeing of siblings & build their capacity to navigate life’s journey. siblingsaustralia.org.au