Building a support network

We all crave social connections and support from others, and this goes for autistic people, too.

A strong support network makes it much easier to maintain good health and wellbeing. Having people who understand, encourage, support, and care about you can encourage personal growth and help you build resilience. 

Autistic people are more likely to experience mental health challenges that can cause them to isolate themselves from other people, including stress, anxiety and depression. However, withdrawing from other people can exacerbate mental ill-health. Reaching out to your support network, especially when you are struggling, helps you to stay connected and get the advice and support you need. It also helps your support network understand you better, making it easier for them to support you in the future. 

Having people in your life that you can open up to is vital for your mental health. Whether you share your achievements or something you’re struggling with, it’s important to communicate frequently and openly with your support network. People won’t be able to support you or give you advice if they’re not aware of what you’re going through. The more you can be open with your support network, and the more they can be open with you, the stronger these relationships become. 

Building your own support network 

A diverse support network helps you see situations from different angles and gain different kinds of advice. Having several 'go-to' people ensures you don't over-rely on any one person, as becoming co-dependent on someone can create unhealthy relationships or even burnout. 

Our support networks normally change as we grow and have new life experiences. Significant life events, such as starting a new job, becoming a parent or experiencing health or relationship problems, might trigger you to want a support network, change your support network, or expand on the one you already have.

Here are some people to consider including in your support network:

Family

Identify family members you have a positive relationship with and are willing to offer their time and advice. This could be your parents, siblings, grandparents or extended family, and it doesn’t just need to involve your biological family, either. Families come in all shapes and sizes; whoever you consider to be family who is also a positive influence on your life is a perfect fit for your support network. 

Friends

Friends can be excellent sources of support, especially those who know you well from shared experiences. Consider friends from school, work, a community group, or online. Try reaching out to friends you haven't previously considered as part of your support network. 

Social media and online communities

There are many online groups and websites that offer support for people from various walks of life and with diverse interests. These could be autism-specific groups or groups dedicated to people with shared interests (e.g., fans of a certain TV series or game). These platforms can provide a sense of community and belonging.

Workmates

Colleagues and managers can offer valuable support for both work-related and personal issues. A good HR manager can also guide you at work and assist with career decisions.

Neighbours

Building connections with neighbours and people in your extended social network can also benefit you. Positive relationships with your neighbours and people in your local community can also improve your living situation and your wellbeing at home.

Local community

Joining clubs, sports teams or supporting local charities is a great way to meet new people and form connections based on shared interests.

Support works both ways; it's essential to help others in your network just as they help you. Keep in touch regularly and show genuine interest in their lives. Investing time and effort into these relationships ensures they remain strong and dependable.  

External support groups

Finding your 'tribe' can be such a validating experience, especially when connecting with others who share a similar background, interests, and experiences to you. Support groups, whether local or online, can give you a sense of belonging and help you feel understood. They can also provide helpful advice or support for certain challenges you may be having. 

The benefits of joining a support group include:

• Opportunities to socialise and engage in leisure activities
• Accessing programs focusing on physical and mental health, employment, finance, and housing
• Gaining advice and resources for personal growth and empowerment
• Pursuing your special interests and forming relationships with people who share those passions

Some groups may be exclusive to people of certain ages, genders or backgrounds (e.g., women only). Other groups might only exist online or provide a mixture of face-to-face and online events, making them accessible to those in remote areas. You might even prefer to start your own group, for example, if you have a niche special interest and are struggling to find an existing support group.  

Autism and disability-specific support groups

Connecting with other autistic individuals who can relate to your experiences can be very empowering. Autism support groups, available online and in larger towns and cities across Australia, support this need.

To locate autism support groups, consider using resources like Autism Connect, the national independent autism information line. This can help you find groups and networks close to you or provide information on online communities. In the meantime, here are some examples of existing groups to get you started:

• Asperger’s Victoria: Facilitator of peer support groups and educational events. It also provides Asperger's information and employment readiness resources.
• Aspie Rebels: A Melbourne-based social club for autistic individuals.
• ‍Autism Community Network: A Sydney-based organisation that organises social groups and information events for autistic people and their families.
• Autistic Women’s Association: This is a very large Facebook-based online support group. It is run by autistic women for autistic women.
• ‍Different Journeys: An autistic-focused, peer-run social platform. Expect events like inspirational talks, sporting, creative and gaming activities, quiz nights and special-interest discussion forums.
• NDIS Grassroots Discussion: This is a Facebook group for people with all sorts of disabilities and their families and carers. It is a place where people ask questions and provide information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
• The A-List Hub: A place where young autistic and neurodivergent people can search for autism-friendly activities and connect with like-minded people with similar interests.‍
• The Autism-Employment Conversation: This is a small Australian Facebook group which aims to improve employment outcomes for people with autism. You can ask questions here and share ideas and experiences.
• ‍The Roundabout Project: An initiative helping connect isolated people with disability in the ACT to other people in the LGBTQIA+ community.‍
• Peer Connect: The Peer Connect website is a resource and listings hub for peer support networks. Peer Connect is for networks supporting people with all disabilities. You can find local peer support networks in your state, read stories about peer connections and find resources to start up a peer support network.‍