What is the program?
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 groups, organisations, and peer leaders to deliver safe and inclusive opportunities for connection in their communities.
The program will include a national Framework, practical tools and resources, the Social Connections website, 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. The program’s leadership team are autistic, and the program is being developed in partnership with Autistic people and communities.
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
- grassroots community groups
- Autistic-led organisations
- organisations interested in delivering peer connection activities
We want the program to reflect people from different communities, backgrounds and life stages.
What we're working on
We’re currently working with Reframing Autism and our Autistic Peer Governance Group to develop the Social Connections Framework. The Framework will help guide safe, inclusive and Autistic-led peer support and social connection across Australia.
Throughout 2027, we’ll build on this work by launching the Social Connections website. The website will include a directory where people can list and discover Autistic peer support groups, as well as practical resources and online learning for peer facilitators and people who want to establish and run groups of their own.
We’ll also provide funding to support the establishment and running of Autistic peer support groups in communities across Australia.
The program will continue to be shaped by Autistic people, families, carers, and peer leaders, so that what we develop reflects the experiences, priorities and needs of the people who will use it.
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:
