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SWAN groups will not be running in Term 3, 2023. If you would like to participate, please fill out the registration form and email it to info@swanautism.org.au

AutStars is a fortnightly social group program for autistic children (and related developmental disabilities) in Yr 1-7. There are currently two groups providing a fantastic opportunity for autistic kids to relax, learn, and build friendships with like-minded peers in a safe and supported environment. All groups are facilitated by either a psychologist, provisional psychologist or an occupational therapist with the assistance of volunteer mentors. The program is structured around the interests and needs of group members, with an emphasis on fun, friendship building and social interaction. Each AutStars group is held from 9.30am to 11.30am every second Saturday (during school terms) at The People Place.

Please note that from July 2021 fees are $90.00 per 2 hour session.  There are approximately 19 sessions per year, an annual cost of $1710.00.  NDIS Progress Reports will incur an additional $110.00 fee, and are supplied on request (please give a minimum 2 weeks prior notice).  AutStars can be claimed from NDIS funding if you are Plan Managed or Self Managed.

AutStars participants learn about:

  • friendship skills
  • self esteem and confidence
  • initiating and maintaining conversations
  • maintaining personal space
  • social problem solving
  • reducing anxiety and calming strategies
  • coping with frustration and anger
  • dealing with bullying
  • interaction

If you would like to register to participate in AutStars, please download and complete the registration form below, and email to info@swanautism.org.au. Participants will be added to groups as soon as a position is available. In consultation with the facilitating psychologist we work to place participants in a group of peers with similar interests, abilities and support needs (prioritised higher than age grouping) – our aim is to make AutStars a successful and inclusive experience for all participants. In some circumstances, new applications will be placed on a waitlist. Please note that we can only add someone to the waitlist when we have received a completed registration form for that person. If you are awaiting the approval of funding to participate in AutStars, please submit your registration form urgently, including a note that you are awaiting funding approval. SWAN expand group programs based on the demand shown by our waitlist, and availability of facilitators, volunteer mentors and venues.

IMPORTANT: There are immune-compromised people participating in SWAN groups. Please ensure that your child’s immunisations are up-to-date. Please contact the SWAN office if you have any queries.

Please complete a registration form (download below) to apply for your child to participate in the AutStars Program. For further details please contact 0499 819 038 or email info@swanautism.org.au.

Participants will be placed in groups that best meet their interests, needs and age. This may mean a group for kids in Grade 1-3 and a group for kids in grade 4-7, or groupings that best suit each participant.

AutStars Group 1 is a social and friendship group program for kids with autism spectrum conditions in Yr 1 to Yr 7. Sessions are held every second Saturday during school term, 9.30am to 11.30am at The People Place. This group is facilitated by Occupational Therapist Callum Johnson.

AutStars Group 2

AutStars Group 2 is a social and friendship group program for kids with autism spectrum conditions in Yr 1 to Yr 7. Sessions are held every second Saturday during school term, 9.30am to 11.30am at The People Place. This group is facilitated by Provisional Psychologist Jake Singleton.