“Someone to turn to…”

 

Are you a parent or carer seeking support? 
 

Would you like the support of another parent or carer who, like you, has a child with autism?
“Someone to turn to…” matches parents and carers of children with an autism spectrum disorder with volunteer parents and carers who can provide emotional and practical support.  It is an opportunity to share concerns and information.

Support parents and carers are volunteer staff trained by Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect).  Parents and carers are matched with volunteers according to the age and needs of their children with an autism spectrum disorder.
 
Contact is usually by telephone, in the comfort of your own home and at mutually convenient times.
Many families have already received support through the “Someone to turn to…” parent to parent support program. We always welcome new families to join the program. 
 

What parents and carers have said about the program: 
 

It’s so nice to know the problems you’re facing are like others… just through sharing experiences and information….  Only other parents truly understand what it is like to live with autism.
— Helen, mother of 5 year old Kathleen 
 

 
— Kaeko, mother of 3 year old Youmi

It’s very comforting.  Sometimes you need someone to talk to other than your family and friends.
— Vicki, mother of 5 year old Dylan 
 

Would you like to become a volunteer support parent?

Many parents and carers ring Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) seeking emotional and practical support as they struggle to come to terms with, for example, a recent diagnosis of autism or a new or ongoing crisis.

Volunteer parents and carers who have a child with autism and are linked with other parents and carers can make a big difference. Volunteers are trained by and receive ongoing support from Aspect.  Being a volunteer parent or carer does not require a great time commitment, but it does require a willingness to provide empathic understanding.  It provides an opportunity to share experiences and strategies.

Aspect warmly welcomes volunteer parents and carers to join our “Someone to turn to…” program to support other parents and carers. 
 

What volunteers have said about the program:

I offered to become a volunteer to help provide parents with knowledge and experience gained the hard way.
— Geoff, father of 18 year old Alex

I have found my role as a volunteer to be a most rewarding and fulfilling experience, helping others who just need to know someone is listening.
— Laudie, mother of 10 year old Jonathon

“Someone to turn to…” is a great opportunity to give something back, and in the process of giving, gain a lot too.
— Sarah, mother of 8 year old Zoe 
 

How to become involved 
 

If you would like to become a volunteer with “Someone to turn to…”, or you would like to be linked with a volunteer, please call the “Someone to turn to…” Coordinator, Pauline Hunter-Knight, on 02 8977 8335.