Why
Many Autistic young people find the transition from school to adulthood difficult due to limited access to information that meets their needs and a lack of coordinated support. This can leave young people and their families feeling unprepared and unsure of where to find practical, accessible guidance. Side by Side addresses these challenges by providing structured, accessible support to help Autistic young people explore their goals, build confidence and take their next steps toward adulthood. Whether that means pursuing further education, employment, independent living, community participation, self-advocacy or developing a stronger understanding of themselves, the Side by Side hub offers practical, evidence-informed guidance tailored to diverse transition pathways.
Co-designed with an advisory team of Autistic young people, parents and researchers, Side by Side is grounded in both lived experience and contemporary evidence.
The program combines:
- a virtual information hub with post-school pathway information and self-guided learning modules (including Easy Read versions)
- one-on-one online mentoring with Autistic Peer Navigators
- tailored group sessions and webinars for young people and their parents or carers.
Side by Side will be evaluated to assess the effectiveness, relevance and impact of the program.
How well does the Side by Side program meet the needs of Autistic young people and their families, and what impact does it have?
The research
The evaluation will gather feedback from key stakeholders – including Autistic young people, parents/carers, Peer Navigators and facilitators – through surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups. It will explore participant satisfaction, perceived outcomes, accessibility and areas for improvement.
Interested in Side by Side? Join the mailing list
Side by Side is launching in September 2026. We're now looking for the first young people who might benefit from the program.
You are invited to join our Side by Side mailing list if you are:
- an Autistic young person aged 16–25 or
- a parent or carer supporting a young person as they explore life after school.
We'll send you information when Side by Side becomes available. You'll only receive information about Side by Side – we won't send unwanted emails.
Register your interest by completing the form below and decide later if Side by Side is right for you – there's no obligation to take part.
Making a difference
The findings will inform future program development and scaling, ensuring the voices of Autistic individuals and families are central to the program’s ongoing refinement.
Research team
- Dr Abigail Love: ARCAP
- Dr Louise White: Independent Autistic Researcher
Started
2026
Ends
2028
Funding
Side by Side is supported by funding from the Australian Government through the Reform of the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Program, Individual and Family Capacity Building 2025–26 grant opportunity, administered by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.