What is the program?
Improving Social Connections is a national program designed to help Autistic people build and maintain meaningful social connections.
Connection and belonging are important for wellbeing, yet many Autistic people continue to experience social isolation and barriers to participating in community life.
The program will support safe, inclusive and peer-led opportunities for Autistic people, families and carers to connect with others, share experiences, learn from each other and build supportive relationships.
The program aims to:
- reduce social isolation
- strengthen connection and belonging
- support peer-led communities and networks
- create safe and inclusive opportunities for participation
- build practical knowledge, confidence and skills
- support Autistic people, families and carers to connect with others who share similar experiences
The program will support organisations, peer leaders and Community Partners to deliver safe and inclusive opportunities for connection in their communities.
The program will include a national Framework, practical tools and resources, an online Information Hub, a National Peer Governance Group and a network of Community Partners that will deliver peer connection opportunities in communities across Australia.
By working together with Autistic people, families, carers, community organisations and partners across Australia, the program aims to create stronger and more connected communities where Autistic people can participate, contribute and thrive.
Autistic leadership and co-design
Autistic leadership and lived experience will be at the heart of the program.
Autistic people, families, carers, peer leaders and communities will help shape the Framework, Information Hub, resources, Community Partner approach and future activities.
We will work alongside the people and communities the program is designed to support and ensuring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives are represented throughout the program.
Who is the program for?
The program is for:
- Autistic people
- families and carers
- peer leaders
- community organisations
- Autistic-led organisations
- organisations interested in delivering peer connection activities
We want the program to reflect people from different communities, backgrounds and life stages.
Program rollout
The program will be delivered in stages between 2026 and 2029. The timeline below provides an overview of the key phases of work.
Stage 1: Establish and listen
June 2026
- Establish the program and governance arrangements.
- Launch opportunities for people and organisations to register their interest and get involved.
Stage 2: Co-design and develop
July – December 2026
- Establish the National Autistic Peer Governance Group.
- Begin consultation and engagement with Autistic people, families, carers and communities to co-design the program.
- Develop the Improving Social Connections Framework.
- Design the Information Hub.
- Begin developing resources, tools and training materials.
Stage 3: Build and test
Late 2026
- Build and test the Information Hub.
- Develop resources, tools and training materials.
- Test draft resources and tools with communities and stakeholders.
- Gather feedback and refine elements.
Stage 4: Prepare for national rollout
January – March 2027
- Finalise Framework, resources and Information Hub.
- Start engagement with Community Partner.
- Develop training and support for Community Partners and peer facilitators.
Stage 5: Grow and partner
March 2027 – June 2029
- Provide funding to Community Partners.
- Support Community Partners to deliver peer connection activities.
- Share resources, tools and learning across the network.
- Continue consultation and engagement activities.
Stage 6: Evaluate and Strengthen
2027 – 2029
- Monitor program outcomes and impact.
- Gather feedback from participants, Community Partners and stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for improvement.
- Strengthen and add new resources, supports and approaches based on evidence and lived experience.
- Share learnings across the sector.
Register your interest
What happens next?
After you submit the form:
- we will keep your details on our program contact list
- we will send updates about the program
- we may contact you about opportunities that match your interests
- you can choose not to receive updates at any time
Delivered in partnership:
