Navigating your own pathway

Having meaningful and supportive opportunities to participate in the community is vital for the health, wellbeing, and confidence of autistic people and their loved ones. 

When people of all abilities and backgrounds can participate, it encourages our communities and broader society to celebrate diversity and to be more inclusive.

Participating in the community involves engaging in activities that connect you with your community, allowing you to build relationships, learn new skills, and contribute to society. Being an active community member allows us to grow and find a sense of purpose and belonging, which is essential for people of all abilities. 

Community participation can take many forms. Whether it’s a structured program attended once a week or more informal outings and everyday activities in the community, it’s about finding something fulfilling for you or an autistic person you know. 

Knowing how to begin participating in the community can be overwhelming. A helpful first step is to consider your interests and whether you can participate in community activities or informal outings that reflect these passions. For example, if you are interested in Dungeons and Dragons, you could join a campaign in your local area. If you love history, you could organise a visit to a museum with an exhibit that interests you, perhaps with a support worker.

Planning your pathway

Planning how you or your young person will participate in the community takes time, so it’s best to start sooner rather than later. Here are some points to consider:

Place

You or your loved one can visit many places outside the home, such as a centre or location that runs programs specifically for people with disabilities or spaces accessible to the public. Sometimes, day programs may organise trips where you visit public places as a group, including:

• Parks and green spaces
• Beaches, rivers, and waterways
• Shopping centres
• Sports and recreation centres
• Cinemas, museums, and galleries

Time

Consider how often you or your loved one would like to attend a program or activity. Some people enjoy attending the same programs or centres multiple days a week as they find it easier to form relationships and enjoy a consistent routine. Others prefer to visit different places and spaces throughout the week, either alone, with family or friends, or alongside a support worker.

Many public locations have occasional quiet hours, relaxed sessions, or similar initiatives to make them more accessible for autistic people. These are usually available online.

People

Attending a day program multiple days a week means you or an autistic person you know will often interact with the same people. You may prefer this, or you or your loved one might prefer to attend different programs and activities to meet other people.

Alternatively, you might like to explore places on your own as an autistic adult or with a family member, friend, or support worker. A bit of trial and error is usually required to see what combination of places, spaces, and people works best, and this may change over time as a person's needs and interests evolve.

Community participation and the NDIS

Many autistic people use funding from their NDIS plan to attend community programs and activities under the following categories:

Group and centre-based activities

These small group activities are often run at a provider’s centre and can include outings and activities within the local and broader community, such as grocery shopping. Some people attend these programs five days a week, while others may attend less often and spend their remaining days doing other activities of interest, completing further education, or working. 

Community-based activities

Participants enjoy activities of their choosing in their local community with the help and support from a service provider. Examples include joining a social group or attending a camp.

Self-managed model

Individuals employ their own carers who assist them in enjoying recreational, educational, and sporting activities in their own time and space. Examples of activities a self-managed NDIS participant might enjoy include:

• Volunteering at an animal shelter
• Delivering newspapers or leaflets
• Spending time with a musician in a studio creating music
• Taking part in exercise classes
• Attending a gym
• Volunteering for local charities
• Visiting places of interest

Understanding how funding and the NDIS can support autistic adults can help you make the most of the options available. If you or your loved one has recently received an autism diagnosis, you can visit 'Autism: What Next?'

The importance of advocacy

Advocating for yourself or an autistic person who may require assistance with advocacy is vital when building a safe, supportive, and fulfilling pathway. You might be able to advocate for yourself as an autistic person, or you may be an advocate for an autistic person with complex needs. Whatever your situation, having strong advocacy skills helps you or an autistic person you know be meaningfully included and receive the support you need.

Support for families and carers

Families and carers can play a key role in supporting autistic adults to access the community. Sometimes, these people can forget to prioritise their wellbeing, putting them at risk of mental ill-health and burnout. Here are some support strategies for families and carers of autistic people:

Practice self-care

Ensure you are taking time for yourself and your wellbeing. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing.

Stay informed

Keep updated with the latest information and resources available for supporting autistic individuals to help you make informed decisions about care and support. 

Join support groups

Connecting with other families and carers can provide invaluable community support. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly beneficial.

Seek support

Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professional services. There are resources tailored to carers that you can access in person or online.