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Autism Connect is a national autism helpline that provides Australians access to free, independent and expert information about autism.
The national launch of Autism Connect was celebrated in an online event, hosted by autistic author and presenter Clem Bastow.
Autism lived-experience consultant William Ward-Boas spoke to Clem about why the service is so important for autistic people in Australia, “As an autistic person, I wish this service was around when I was younger. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start when you are trying to find information about autism. I think it’s great that Amaze has consulted with autistic people to develop this service and made sure that it is a service that is not only staffed by, but provides the support autistic people need.”
Hon Anne Ruston, Minister for Families and Social Services provided a video message to the guests to launch the event, “With the range of information available to us these days, the value of having a trusted source of expert advice is absolutely essential…It’s an Australian-first to provide free and confidential support on a national scale.”
Autism Connect advisors offer expert advice in many areas, including assessment and diagnosis support, school and education, the NDIS and referrals to services and peer support connections.
They can be contacted by phone, email or an online webchat service directly from the Amaze website.
Amaze has also launched Autism Connect: Search, an extension of this helpline service. This is an online resource hub that is available for those who want to search about autism information themselves. This one-stop-shop of information includes a range of topics related to autism, disability, therapeutic supports and much more. Users will be able to find fact sheets, tools and a local directory of services available closest to them.
Autism Connect is committed to making information and support accessible and inclusive for everyone. The service can be accessed using the Translating and Interpreting Service allowing callers to speak to an Autism Connect advisor in over 160 languages. Autism Connect also provides printed information resources in other languages.
You can call the Autism Connect national helpline on 1300 308 699, email at [email protected] or webchat our advisors anywhere on the website. Visit Autism Connect for more information.
Autism Connect: Search can be accessed here.