Workshops & Webinars for Families
About Our Workshops & Webinars
Our workshops and webinars provide Autism-specific education for parents and caregivers across a range of topics and age groups.
Led by our highly skilled team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and educators, sessions support parents and carers to build on their knowledge of Autism and learn tools and strategies to support their children with greater insight and confidence.
Topics Covered
Families are meaningfully engaged in all aspects of their child’s therapy program. We acknowledge families as lifelong educators, and provide support and guidance to families to be their child’s advocate and leader. We do this by providing multiple opportunities across the year for families to engage with learning and peer support.
Topics include:
- Is it Autism? – The Early Signs for Families
- Explaining Autism to your Child
- Connecting with Community Supports
- Supporting Positive Behaviour Change
- Starting School
- Supporting Social Skills and Friendships
- Transition to High School
- Life After High School
- Autism and Puberty
- Supporting Alternative and Augmentative Communication
- Autism and Anxiety
View upcoming topics in our calendar of events
The Hanen Program® for Parents and Carers
Our specialist The Hanen Program® certified speech pathologists deliver family-focused programs More Than Words® and TalkAbility™.
These programs are designed for parents and carers of Autistic children who may benefit from social communication support.
The Hanen Program® uses a combination of group training sessions and individual consultations with each child and their family. This provides a comprehensive and personalised learning experience for each family participating in the program.
Face-to-face training sessions in small groups are available, together with the online telepractice option.
- 5 group online parent training sessions (3 hours each)
- 2 hours in person direct coaching including your child with the speech pathologist
- 2 hours planning
- Parent guidebook included
Up to 2 participants per family may attend. (participants must have a significant, ongoing role in caring for the child with Autism).
There is also the option to participate in these sessions online however sessions are not recorded due to privacy, so attendance at all workshops is important.
This program is designed specifically for parents of children aged 6 and under on the Autism spectrum.
More than Words® promotes communication skills for speaking and non-speaking children. It will provide you with practical tools and strategies to help your child build their communication and social skills during everyday routines and play.
This program is designed for parents of children with Autism aged 4-7 years who speak in sentences and have conversations.
Talkabilityâ„¢ is designed to support social communication including understanding perspective, having longer conversations, and expanding social skills and friendships.
Events & Training
Upcoming Workshops and Webinars
Express your interest
The next program will commence in July during Term 3, 2025.
To express your interest in The Hanen Program®, please email firststepstraining@autism.org.au with your name, phone number, child’s name and child’s age. Our team will then contact you to provide details on the next program and discuss your availability to find the best day and time for the sessions.
Knowledge Hub
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Explore our range of resources in our Knowledge Hub