Resources for Families
This page contains a list of helpful website links and resources for families which includes information about disabilities, development, support groups and mental health.
The information in these links is a guide only and should not replace the advice from a professional therapist. If you have any concerns after reading any information in the links on this website, you should always seek advice from a professional therapist. Remember, it is okay to seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns aren’t being validated or acknowledged.
Disabilities
Development
Support Groups
Kid’s Mental Health
Disabilities
Development
Support Groups
Kid’s Mental Health
Disabilities
Reframing Autism is an Autistic led charity which is reframing the perspectives of Autism. They have a variety of resources on their website to support Autistic kids, adults and their families. They also have resources for teachers and professionals who are working with Autistic individuals.
Yellow Ladybugs is an Autistic led non government organisation who is leading the way for Autistic girls and women through advocacy and education. They also have a wide range of resources to help families to support Yellow Ladybug.
Raising Children – School Aged Behaviour – ADHD
Raising Children is Australia’s most comprehensive website for parents and includes a wide range of topics relating to parenting from pregnancy all the way through to teens and grownups.
Down Syndrome Australia is the peak body for people with Down Syndrome. Their mission is to influence for social and policy change within the community and advocate for those living with Down Syndrome.
The Brain Foundation Australia is a nationally registered charity committed to funding world-class research Australia-wide into neurological disorders, brain disease and brain injuries.
Aussie Deaf Kids is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), which aims to empower parents who are raising a child with hearing loss through online support, information and advocacy. They have a lot of useful information on a range of issues relating to hearing loss.
Childhood Development
SPD Australia is an organisation who is committed advocating for those with Sensory Processing Disorder. Their mission is to raise awareness and understanding for those with Sensory Processing Disorder.
KidSense is a Occupational Therapy Clinic operating in South Australia. This article has some great information on how to tell if your child is having difficulty with their social skills and also includes ideas for activities and games to help you help your child improve their social skills.
Speech Pathology Australia is the peak body representing the speech pathology profession in Australia. They have lots of useful resources for parents, health professionals and educators.
Support Groups
Support groups provide a safe space for you to share information about your situation and your feelings. They can also help you to feel less alone, allow you to share and receive advice and also learn from others.
Some provide support for specific disabilities while others provide support for multiple disabilities. Click on the different items below to expand the table to find out more.
Locations: NSW, QLD, WA, ACT, VIC
NSW – Autism Community
NTH QLD – Parent Connect
QLD – Autism QLD
TAS – Autism Tasmania
VIC – Amaze Support
WA – Autism.org
For families of children with Dyslexia
Location: NSW, QLD, TAS, WA, SA, VIC
Dyslexia Victoria Support is a free resource supports evidence based education for dyslexia. They are operate primarily as a Facebook group which is run by a team of volunteer parents.
Locations: NSW, QLD, WA and VIC
Locations: VIC, NSW, QLD, NT and Tasmania
Kindred is a community network of families who are raising children with developmental delays, disabilities or medical needs.
They run a range of different programs and events for parents and carers no matter where they are on their journey.
To learn more about upcoming support groups and events, head to the events page on their website.
For: Siblings of kids with disabilities.
Locations: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth – check Workshops & Events calendar for details
Shoalhaven
Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia (TSAA) is the only organisation which supports people with Tourette Syndrome and other chronic tic disorders across Australia. As a charity organisation, they run support groups and camps for people with Tourette Syndrome. They also have lots of resources for families and educators. For information about their support groups, you need to contact them directly with your location details and they can help you find the closest support group to you.
This support group is run by Reframing Disability and is for parents and carers of children with complex medical needs, chronic health conditions, who may attend hospital frequently. Groups run monthly online. To find out when the next group is running, visit the Events section of their website.
Kid's Mental Health
Recognising the signs of mental health issues in children can be difficult, particularly in young children. They are still learning about their emotions and can sometimes struggle to cope with their ‘bigger’ feelings. They usually don’t ‘talk about it’, they usually show it with behaviours.
This article from Kids Helpline talks about how to recognise the signs of mental health issues in children, when to seek advice, and how you can support your child’s mental health at home.
You can also visit the directory to find a Child Counsellor or Psychologist.
Below is a list of online counselling services and other useful links to resources for families which can help you and your child recognise the signs of anxiety and stress and also learn strategies to manage it.
Online and telephone counselling services
BRAVE
The BRAVE Program is a free online program for children and teenagers who are experiencing Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobia and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. The program, which usually runs for 10 weeks, uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help kids understand and learn strategies to help them manage their anxiety and stress. Top up sessions are available if a refresher is needed and parents can also access the program if they wish.
For more information about the program: The Brave Program
Headspace
Website: www.headspace.org.au
Headspace has two services:
National Telehealth Service provides access to 12-25 year olds in regional and rural areas with the help of highly qualified psychiatrists via video conferencing.
Eheadspace is an online and telephone support service providing services to remote and rural areas, but also for those who feel more comfortable accessing services online.
Kids Help Line
Website: www.kidshelpline.com.au
Kids Helpline is a 24 hour free and confidential telephone and online counselling services.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Parent Line
Parent Line is a free telephone counselling, information and referral service for parents. There are different services in each state:
NSW – 1300 1300 52 www.parentline.org.au
QLD/NT – 1300 30 1300 www.parentline.com.au
VIC – 13 22 89
ACT – 02 6287 3833
TAS – 1300 364 100
WA – 1800 654 432
Other useful links
Beyond Blue – Healthy Families
Beyond Blue Families has great information on how to support families and their children aged from 1-5, 6-12, and 13 and older. They also include information for parents, including new dads.
Headspace centres are a one-stop-shop for young people struggling with mental health. Each centre is different and offers unique services depending on the needs of their local community. Their initiative ‘Headspace Schools’ provides youth-oriented mental health education tools and access to mental health care professionals to primary and secondary schools.
ReachOut is an online youth mental health service. They have tips and tools to help guide you even if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. They also provide services to parents, carers and schools.