The Autistic Identity and Connection program is for autistic adults who would like to learn more about what it means to be autistic and develop connections with the autistic community. This Program helps participants to:
- explore autism and autistic identity
- develop skills in wellbeing and self-advocacy from an autistic perspective, and
- connect with other autistic people and community.
Participants in the Autistic Identity and Connection Program develop their skills through a series of Program activities including:
- completing online modules on topics including identity, wellbeing and self-advocacy
- attending online sessions with other people in the Program
- attending a 3.5-day/3-night residential workshop (face-to-face Program only)
- attending online masterclasses with other people in the Program (online Program only).
View plain language summary Download applicant information pack
Applications opening soon
Applications open on 23 September 2024. Join the Sylvia Rodger Academy mailing list to be the first to know about applications opening and other important updates.
Q&A webinar
We will be hosting a Q&A webinar on Monday 9 September at 1pm (AEST) where you can come and ask questions or learn more about the program.
Who can apply?
To apply for the Autistic Identity and Connection Program, you need to:
- identify as autistic
- be aged 18 or older on 23 September 2024
- live in select areas of Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia or the Northern Territory *
- be willing and available to participate in all Program activities, and
- have an interest in
- exploring autism and autistic identity
- developing skills in wellbeing and self-advocacy from an autistic perspective
- connecting with other autistic people and community.
* Please note that not all areas of Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia or the Northern Territory are eligible. Please enter the postcode of where you live below to check if you are eligible.
This Program is funded by the Department of Social Services to be delivered to autistic adults in select areas of Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory. We hope to be able to provide the Autistic Identity and Connection Program to other states and regions in the future.
To be kept informed of future programs, and other programs offered by the Sylvia Rodger Academy, join our mailing list.
What does the Program involve?
You can choose to apply for the online version, or face-to-face version, of the Program.
In the online version of the Program, you will:
- attend an online introductory session with other Program participants (20 or 22 November 2024*)
- complete 4 modules on topics including autism, identity, wellbeing, and self-advocacy online or by mail (20 November 2024 to 7 February 2025*)
- attend 4 daytime or nighttime sessions with other people in the Program, online or by phone (25 November 2024 to 7 February 2025*)
- attend 5 masterclasses with other people in the Program, online or by phone (19 February to 17 April 2025*)
- be part of a community of autistic peers who learn from, encourage and support each other
- provide feedback on the Program.
In the face-to-face version of the Program, you will:
- attend an online introductory session with other Program participants (18 November 2024*)
- complete 4 modules on topics including identity, wellbeing, and self-advocacy online or by mail (18 November 2024 to 7 February 2025*)
- attend 4 daytime sessions with other people in the Program, online or by phone (25 November 2024 to 7 February 2025 *)
- attend a 3.5-day/3-night workshop in an Australian capital city (28 February – 3 March 2025*)
- be part of a community of autistic peers who learn from, encourage and support each other
- provide feedback on the Program.
* Please refer to the Applicant Information Pack for specific dates and times.
There is no cost to participate in the Autistic Identity and Connection Program. Travel, meals and accommodation costs for the workshop will be paid for by the Sylvia Rodger Academy.
Response from graduates
It has changed my life... I no longer question my diagnosis. I am more aware of myself and my needs. I have learnt many accommodations I can make in my life to make things easier on myself. Mostly, I learnt it's OK to be autistic and I am moving into a space where I want to be autistic and proud and educate others on autism.
– 2023 Program graduate
Meeting and getting to speak to people who share so many similar experiences to me was validating and illuminating. It really helped me move from a space of "imposter syndrome" and "internalised ableism" to a somewhere more self-accepting and pragmatic. I have already made big changes in my day-to-day life to honour unique autistic needs which I may never have done without this workshop.
– 2023 Program graduate
Further reading
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.