Peer & Social Networks

Autism Tasmania is pleased to support our Autistic community connect. Our peer and social program aims to provide opportunities for like minded people to come together in a supportive and inclusive way.

Peer Networks

Autism Tasmania understands that every person has their own unique needs and interests and we are working to expand the range of Peer Groups available Statewide for members of the Autism community.

We are also offering support for autistic individuals and community members who would like to become facilitators of a peer network.

Are you interested in joining, coordinating or facilitating a peer group?

Express your interest in Peer Networks here

Without the support of extraordinary community leaders, Autism Tasmania would not be able to make a difference to the Autistic Community. Autism Tasmania acknowledges with deep appreciation the significant contribution of the many individuals who volunteer their time and resources to coordinate peer group meetings.

Questions? – Get in touch via peersocial@autismtas.org.au for further information.

Download Peer Network Flyer HERE

Current Peer Network and Event options include:

Our peer groups are either:

Open – anyone can attend / new members welcome
Closed – the group is at capacity and you are welcome to register for the groups waitlist for when a vacancy becomes available

Our facilitators advise if the groups are open or closed. This is to ensure we do not overload our members or facilitators and maintain a safe and supportive culture. It also helps us make sure the groups are sustainable long term.

Our registered members are the first to know of vacancies or new peer groups and opportunities. You can register your interest here: Express your interest in Peer Networks here and we will reach out when we have something suitable for you.

Peer Support The Autistic Way

What is Peer Support the Autistic Way?

“Peer Support the Autistic Way” is our peer program that aims to provide meaningful ways for autistic adults to connect with each other. The program is co-designed by autistic adults.

The peer groups are informal, non-therapeutic groups for autistic adults to meet regularly in a space where they can be themselves, have fun, support each other, share interests, and skills and information whilst embracing autistic culture. The groups are facilitated by autistic adults who are passionate about the benefits of peer support and building community.

This project is funded by Autism Tasmania and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), but you do not need to be a NDIS participant to be involved.

If you would like to be kept informed about the progress of Peer Support the Autistic Way, please contact peersocial@autismtas.org.au.

If you would like to express an interest in joining or facilitating a PSAW peer group please submit this form:

Please complete this online form

If you would like to create a peer network and you are not autistic, please contact us at peersocial@autismtas.org.au so we can discuss your needs.

Community Led Groups

What are Community Led Groups?

Community Led Groups are led by community members and supported by Autism
Tasmania. A Community Led Group is a peer space that is a cohort of parents, carers,
loved ones, family members or community members.

The groups can be conducted anywhere that works best for the group and are
designed to be safe spaces where the autism and autistic community can come
together to connect, socialise, support each other and share information.

If you would like to express an interest in joining or facilitating a Community Led
peer group please submit this online form.

Autism Tasmania Members Facebook Group

This group aims to help support our members by being a safe space to ask questions, give information, offer support and build community

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/892209651193100/

Regional Autistic Engagement Network – Open to New Members

This group has been started as a way to connect autistic adults 18+ based on the North West Coast of Tasmania with one another. The group is now expanding to co-host events in other parts of the state and has moderated online spaces for autistic adults.

When: Fortnightly – 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month
From: 10am – 12pm
Where: 9 King Street Burnie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/564921111688077/
Contact: peersocial@autismtas.org.au
or raentasmania@gmail.com

Northern Adult Group Over 30 – Closed Group

Peer support group for autistic adults aged over 30 years. Currently the group is closed to new members unless pre-approved by the facilitators.

When: Monthly – 2nd Saturday of each month
From: 1pm – 3pm
Where: 39 Tamar Street Launceston
Contact: peersocial@autismtas.org.au

Hobart Young Adult Group Under 35 – Closed Group

Peer support group for autistic adults aged 18 to 35 years. Currently the group is closed to new members unless pre-approved by the facilitators.

When: Monthly – 1st Saturday of each month
From: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: Level 2, 168 Collins Street Hobart
Contact: peersocial@autismtas.org.au

Hobart Late Diagnosed Group Over 30 – Open to New Members

Peer support group for autistic adults aged 30+ years of age who have been diagnosed or self-identified as autistic as an adult.

When: Monthly – 1st Saturday of each month
From: 10:00am – 11:30am
Where: Level 2, 168 Collins Street Hobart
Contact: peersocial@autismtas.org.au

RAEN Parent Peer Group (North West) – Closed Group

This group is for autistic parents and parents of autistic children of all ages. This group is currently closed to new members unless pre approved by facilitators.

When: Monthly – 3rd Saturday of each month
From: 12:15 – 2:15pm
Where: 9 King Street Burnie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/564921111688077/
Contact: peersocial@autismtas.org.au
or raentasmania@gmail.com

NaturenAuts (Hobart) – Closed Group

This group is for nature loving autistic adults who meet for mindful walks to discuss and observe the surroundings and the plant and animal inhabitants. This group is currently closed to new members unless pre approved by facilitators.

When: Monthly – 3rd Saturday of each month
From: 10:30am – 12pm
Where: Hobart region – various nature locations
Contact: peersocial@autismtas.org.au

Kingsborough Parents Group – Closed Group

Peer support group for parents, carers and family members of autistic children. This group is currently closed to new members unless pre approved by facilitators.

When: Monthly – 1st Thursday of each month
From: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where: Kingston Neighbourhood House – 24 Hawthorn Drive
Contact: peersocial@autismtas.org.au

Hobart Airport Tours

Hobart Airport Tasmania, Virgin Australia, Swissport and Autism Tasmania have collaborated to offer a quarterly program of airport familiarisation tours.

Each session has capacity for 3 children under the age of 16 to visit Hobart Airport with a parent or carer to participate in a a tour including: check in, security screening, boarding and disembarking an aircraft.

To find out further information or register your interest please email peersocial@autismtas.org.au.

Autism Warriors

Facebook peer support group for parents of autistic children based in Tasmania.
Occasional in-person activities in Hobart.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/266816143524051/

Autism Tasmania & The A List Collaboration

Autism Tasmania logo, plus sign, The A List logo

Autism Tasmania is teaming up with The A List to build an online directory of social activities and service providers for autistic teens and young adults.

If you have a program or service offering social connections to young autistic people, adding your business to this directory will help get your business exposure whilst building a service that expands the social opportunities available for young autistic Tasmanians.

Begin exploring social activities near you and search the A List directory here.

What is The A List?

The A List is a national online platform funded and supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services; the A List is for young autistic people and their families to find “autism-friendly” social options around Australia.

Developed with young autistic people, for young autistic people, The A List is not just a service directory for autism-specific social opportunities but also mainstream activities that are inclusive of the neurodiverse population. The A List puts the voice of autism at the centre of their work.

Interested in finding out more about ways to promote your social activities? Tell us about the great things your service has to offer, and we’ll connect you to The A-list team.

Tell us about your social activity here.

Community Resource Library (Burnie Trial)

Autism Tasmania is launching a trial Community Resource Library in our Burnie Office – collaborating with local organisation Spectrum Friends.

Thanks to the generosity of Spectrum Friends the resources in this Library are free for community use. The Library will operate on an honesty system. Borrow items and return them next visit! Items will be sanitised between borrowers. Library items have been confirmed as neurodiversity affirming by staff and include books, fidgets, regulation tools and toys for all ages. If the monthly drop in session doesn’t suit your schedule, appointment times are available on request Tuesday & Thursday 10:00am – 2:00pm.

When: Monthly – 3rd Thursday of every month (start: 18 April 2024) OR By Appointment
From: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Where: Burnie Office, 9 King Street, 7320
Contact: peersocial@autismtas.org.au

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