Raising children is a tough job, all the more so when your child has special needs. Help is available to help you and your child in overcoming these extra challenges.
This page contains links to a number of organisations that offer information or assistance.
If you notice a broken link, please report it to us and we'll either fix or remove it. Similarly if you know of an organisation that should be on this page, let us know about them!
Please note the sites linked to below are not operated by, or affiliated with www.mudpie.com.au. As such we do not have any control over or responsibility for the content on these linked sites.
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Help Raising a Child with Special Needs
Information on support and available services for parents raising children with special needs in Australia.
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Find a Speech Pathologist near you
Speech Pathology Australia is the national peak body for the speech pathology profession in Australia.
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Help your Child Communicate
Hanen provide the important people in a young child's life with the knowledge and training they need to help the child develop the best possible language, social, and literacy skills.
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Free Workshops for Parents of Children with ASD
Early Days is an Australia-wide series of workshops for mums, dads and other family carers of children six or younger who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
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Including Children with Special Needs in Child Care
The aim of the IPSP is to promote and maintain high quality care and inclusion for all children in eligible child care services.
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Support in WA for Autism
A great starting point for families in WA with children with autism.
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Support in QLD for Autism
A great starting point for families in QLD with children with autism.
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Support in SA for Autism
A great starting point for families in SA with children with autism.
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Support in TAS for Autism
A great starting point for families in TAS with children with autism.
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Support in VIC for Autism
A great starting point for families in VIC with children with autism.
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Support in ACT for Autism
A great starting point for families in ACT with children with autism.
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Support in NSW for Autism
A great starting point for families in NSW with children with autism.
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Help for Siblings
A unique national organisation committed to providing support for brothers and sisters of people with special needs.
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Support in NT for Autism
A great starting point for families in NT with children with autism.
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Financial Help
Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment that may be available if you are a parent or carer who provides additional care and attention on a daily basis for a child aged under 16 years with a physical, intellectual or psychiatric disability.
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Support Groups for Families
MyTime groups provide facilitated peer support for mums, dads, grandparents and anyone caring for children with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition. Socialise and share ideas and information with others who understand the rewards and intensity of caring for a child with special needs.
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ASD Playgroups
At a PlayConnect Playgroups, children from birth to six years of age with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ASD like symptoms have the opportunity to play in a secure, supportive environment with their parents, carers and other family members.
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Support for School Aged Children with ASD
The aim of Positive Partnerships is to improve the educational outcomes for school aged children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
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Find an Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy Australia is the national peak professional body.
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Helping Children with Autism Package
The $12,000 in funding under the early intervention component can be used until the child’s seventh birthday to a maximum of $6,000 per financial year.
Up to 35 per cent of a child’s early intervention funding may be used to purchase resources, to a maximum of $2,100 per financial year, or $4,200 in total.
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ASD Information and Support
Autism awarness provides information and advocacy for families of the 1 in 160 individuals is diagnosed with autism.
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Early Intervention ABA Programs for ASD
Little Souls is a not-for-profit organisation offering a full-time early education program based on the principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis for children aged two to six years who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is an inclusive model with typically developing peers in the program.
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Early Intervention Programs for ASD
The AEIOU Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation offering a full-time early education program for children aged two-and-a-half to five years who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
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Aspergers and Austim Therapy and Workshops
Minds and Hearts is a unique clinic specialising in Asperger’s Syndrome and autism. Professor Tony Attwood offers therapy and workshops.
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Clothing for Tactile Sensitivities
Seams Away is an online clothing store for children with sensory and tactile sensitivities. Seams Away carries the Soft label, the first line of clothing designed for children with sensory sensitivity. The clothing is tagless, flat seamed and is made from soft brushed and bio-washed cotton. The collection is made up of affordable basics such as super soft tees and seasonal fashion pieces including 'jeans' that are as good to wear as your favourite trackies. And because feet have feelings too, there are also seamless socks.
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ASD Information and Support
4 ASD Kids is changing the lives of families with children battling with an Autism Spectrum Disorder by assisting them to access the early intervention treatment that is critical to giving these kids the best chance at leading a normal life and reaching their full potential.
