Teens Work Know-How Program
Our program runs on the financial year, in which case, we are now taking Expressions for round 1 (2026)
Timetables Below!

Register here: 

https://aspergersvic.org.au/event-6210684/Registration

Join Our Teens Work Know-How Program: Your Opportunity to Shine

Are you or someone you know a student, and ready to be supported in taking the next step towards transitioning from School into the Workforce? We’re thrilled to invite you to express your early interest in our Teens Work Know-How Program, running in 2026. This will allow us to showcase community need.

This early application will help us in proactively managing our program to ensure its the best it can be for all, and in our grant applications and advocacy work. Your early efforts are supporting us to keep this program funded, and our community supported. 

Please see below possible dates for the 2026 program!

Why This Program Matters

Our Teens Work Know-How Program is more than just a series of workshops—it’s a community-driven initiative designed to empower neurodiverse teens with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workplace. Here’s why this program is crucial:

• Empowering Futures: We provide the tools and support to help neurodiverse teens navigate the professional world with confidence. This program is tailored to highlight and harness their unique strengths. 
  
  
• Building Stronger Communities: By focusing on individual abilities and fostering an inclusive environment, we are building a community where everyone can contribute and succeed.  Jacob, our Program Manager, knows firsthand, "a lot of learning for our cohort is helping them cut through the jargon, explaining the first principles, the Why behind the actions taken, and being able to understand and mentor their curiosity".
  
  
• Advocating for Change: Your involvement helps us collect valuable data that showcases the impact and ROI of neurodiverse talent, how educators and employers can best support, harness and train your talents, and helping all parties understand how the spectrum may speak in a place of work. 
  
  This evidence is critical for securing future funding and expanding our reach and services to community, and more importantly, employers are businesses, this helps us showcase with tangible data, supported by our industry stakeholders, the long-term results of employing our community. The earlier our cohort understand themselves, their place on the spectrum, only then can they support, or be supported
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the Teens Work Know-How Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Must be within the legal working age of 15- 18 by the time the program round starts.
• School Enrollment: Must be enrolled in secondary school or through the Home Schooling Network (HEN).
• Commitment: Must be able to meet the scheduled requirements of the program.
• School Support: Must have the school’s knowledge and signature for work experience placement to be included as part of the participant's school VET (Vocational Education and Training) learning.

How Your Participation Makes a Difference

1. Early Access: By expressing your interest now, you’ll be prioritized for onboarding in our final round of the current grant extension in 2025.
2. Future Notifications: You’ll be among the first to hear about additional funding and new programs from 2025-2026 if we receive further funding.
3. Program Development: Your early application helps us understand community needs and develop diverse program options, including school curriculum integration, holiday programs, and/ or online courses.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Our program isn’t just about skills; it’s about changing lives. Here is a story from our Team that highlight the social value of our work:

• Community Voices: One of our participants, "Emma", shared how the program helped her build confidence in a way that traditional approaches in school didn’t. She learned to speak to her unique strengths to feel more confident in job interviews and the transition process, understanding that what made her a leader in her basket ball team, and her love for sport, is why she is fit for the role; not because of her Resume. This participant then went off to work in a sports store at DFO.
  
  Another student, "Samantha" also suffered from stress related/undiagnosed tics, something that Jacob, due to his Tourette Syndrome understood the self consciousness of. Both of them, not being around many other "Tickers" connected, this report, this shared understanding, allowed for Sam to take of the mask, to transition from the timid shy girl who came in, feeling like her ticks would make her unable to achieve her goals, to one of the stand out students in our cohort. This preconceived mindset was brought to a halt; when she saw someone, doing exactly what she felted would never be possible. That reprograming of her believes, through seeing it with their own eyes, and being understood, was shared to be more impactful then any information, and a deeply impactful moment for both, and our program so far.  
  

Our ILC Commitment

Since 2019, supported by an ILC grant, we’ve faced challenges but remain dedicated to our mission; to deliver the Teens Work Know-How Program.

Despite the hurdles, including those from COVID-19, we’ve persevered, and pivoted through these challenges with the support of our community and stakeholders.
We continued to focus on leading by example, employing more lived experience team members, and exceeding past outcomes. 

Your participation is key to our success. It allows us to:

• Showcase Unique Talents: Highlight the skills and abilities of neurodiverse teens.
• Secure Essential Funding: Use collected data to advocate for extended or new grants.
• Expand Our Offerings: Create more programs tailored to various needs and preferences.

Register here: 

https://aspergersvic.org.au/event-6210684/Registration

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AV - Empowering and connecting Neurodiverse Individuals for 33 Year!

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Partners Group: December

- In Person Meeting

About our Partners Group

Join our Partners Peer Support Group to meet other adults who are or who have been in a relationship with someone who has Aspergers, is autistic, or has a similar neurodivergent profile. Sharing experiences within the safe environment of our peer support meetings can be a lifeline, and sharing with people who have similar lived experience is validating and often educational. Your partner may be self-diagnosed or have a formal diagnosis, and you may share a household or live separately. We are an inclusive group and welcome partners of all genders and relationship types.

This session is facilitated by our Partners Group Leaders. All AV volunteer group leaders are peers of their group participants and welcome new attendees.

Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members, FREE for +Groups membership holders and first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.

Venue Information 

Mount Street Neighbourhood House - 6 Mount Street, Glen Waverley VIC 

Mount Street Neighbourhood House website

Mount Street Neighbourhood House on googl maps

Public transport: Glen Waverley Station (600m). 734, 736, 742, 623, 850, 855, 902, 967, 737 & 754 bus (600m). On-street parking.

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered. First-time attendee tickets must be requested at least 24 hours before the meeting.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity, view registration details, or cancel a registration 

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.
  

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions

Young Adults Group: December

- In-Person Meeting (Pancake Parlour)

About the Young Adults Group

Our Young Adults Group is a great place for Aspergers, autistic and other similar neurodivergent profile adults aged 18 years - 35 years (approx.) to meet, chat, and play games with no social pressure. As this is a parent/carer-free zone, we invite any parents or carers to attend our separate Parents & Carers group.

This activity is likely to be fully booked with a waiting list. We're very much looking forward to seeing everyone, however if something comes up and you can no longer attend, please make sure you cancel your registration so someone else can attend.

Important Information

All attendees will be required to pay for their own food online via the QR codes at the table. 

About our Group Leaders

The session is facilitated by the Young Adults Group team:

• Matthew - YA Group Leader
• Cal, Brooklyn, Tim, Todd, Corey - YA Mentors

All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, FREE for +Groups membership holders and first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community. If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team or fill out our Hardship Fund application form. 

Venue Information 

Pancake Parlour Malvern East - 682 Warrigal Road, Malvern East, 3145

Pancake Parlour menu online

Pancake Parlour - Malvern East in Google Maps

Transport: Buses 623, 624, 767 903 stops approx. 250m. On-site undercover parking.

Accessibility: accessible parking, ramp access, accessible toilet.

You will be able to order from the full menu (including savoury, sweet and vegan options) and pay individually at the bar as you order or via QR codes at the table. There is no minimum spend requirement. 

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity

• How to make a payment for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to view your registration details or cancel a registration

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity. 

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Rainbow Spectrum Group: December - In-Person End of Year Picnic

About the Rainbow Spectrum Group

Our Rainbow Spectrum Group is a great place to connect with other autistic adults who are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community to chat about your experiences, share ideas, exchange advice, and support each other. You are also welcome to attend our Adults Group, our Women & Non-Binary Folk Group, our Young Adults Group, or all three!

As a celebration of the end of the year and all the achievements we have made this year, we are holding an end of year picnic. So, dust off your picnic blanket, fill your baskets with your favourite snacks and gather your friends or come along ready to make them. 

About our Group Leaders

This session is facilitated by Mark, our Rainbow Spectrum Group Leader and supported by Brooklyn, Micheala and Amelia.

All AV volunteer group leaders are peers of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV volunteers have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: This event is free to register for everyone, as a special thank you to the AV Community. Attendees must still register ahead of time. 

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for groups and events, members-only programs, and to support the work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

Venue information

• Smith Reserve Park (Next to Fitzroy Swimming Pool)
• Smith Reserve Website
• Smith Reserve on Google Maps
• Public Transport: Tram 11, Stop 18 Alexandra Parade/Brunswick St - 300m, Tram 86, Stop 21 Alexandra Parade/Smith St - 350m
• Accessibility: Smith Reserve is wheelchair accessible. 

Anyone wanting to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10. Please note that first-time attendee tickets must be requested before the meeting and are not available at the door.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• Community Guide: How to register for an AV activity, view details of an existing registration, or cancel a registration
  

• Community Guide: How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)
  

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.
  

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

If you have further questions about the event, about AV, or need assistance with registering, please contact our AV admin team.

• Call 0480 385 710 or email us.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday.

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Adults Group: December

- Online Meeting (Social Night)

About the Adults Group

Our Adults Group is for older members of the Aspergers autistic community and those with other similar neurodivergent profiles. It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults are welcome to join in. (Young adults may prefer to attend our Young Adults group meetings as well as or instead of this group.) 

The Adults Group is a parent/carer free zone - parents / carers of attendees are invited to join our separate Parents & Carers Group instead. (Autistic adults who are also parents or carers are most welcome.)

This meeting will be online via Zoom. We have included more information about Zoom and how to access the meeting below.

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for a volunteer Group Assistant to support our Group Leader and help to run the group. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

About our Group Leaders

All AV volunteer group leaders are peers of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members. FREE for holders of a +Groups Membership and first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For online events, you need to register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity, view registration details, or cancel a registration

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to access an AV Zoom Activity (includes tips on Zoom etiquette)

• AV Zoom Guide(includes details of in-Zoom features)

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity.

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Adults Group: December

- In-Person Social Night (Picnic)

About the Adults Group

Our Adults Group is for older members of the Aspergers autistic community and those with other similar neurodivergent profiles. It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults are welcome to join in. (Young adults may prefer to attend our Young Adults group meetings as well as or instead of this group.)

The Adults Group is a parent/carer free zone - parents/carers of attendees are invited to join our separate Parents & Carers Group instead.

(Autistic adults who are also parents or carers are most welcome.)

This month, we are going to the Central Park. We will be meeting towards the NE (North East) corner of the park near the corner of Burke Rd and Wattletree Rd.

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for a volunteer Group Assistant to support our Group Leader and help to run the group. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

About our Group Leaders

All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members, FREE for holders of a +Groups Membership and for first-time attendees

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for groups and events, members-only programs, and to support the work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact Jack.

Venue information

Central Park - 148 Burke Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145

Central Park web page

Central Park on Google maps 

Public transport: Gardiner station 1.4km, bus 624 130m, 5 tram stop Burke Rd/Wattletree Rd (stops right outside), no parking information.

Accessibility: no information available.

Anyone wanting to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10. Please note that first-time attendee tickets must be requested before the meeting and are not available at the door.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• Community Guide: How to register for an AV activity, view details of an existing registration, or cancel a registration
  

• Community Guide: How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs