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Enabling Autistic Students Online

Friday, June 4th, 2021

Supporting Young People with Autism

As Victoria endures another lockdown period, the I CAN Network appreciates that the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 continues to impact many people in their network, especially young people with autism.

With that in mind, I CAN would like to share some insights and Autistic-led resources to support people in their network – not just in times of lockdown, but for overall well being, including:

Managing Overwhelm

It can be helpful for young people with Autism to hear from Autistic voices of all ages to reassure them that they aren’t the only one feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

This tip sheet attached on Managing Overwhelm was created by Autistic young adult members of the I CAN team. It offers tips to younger peers, as well as advice aimed at adults (parents/carers/teaching staff) who support Autistic young people.

The Joy of Autistic Passions

Autistic passions can provide great comfort, particularly amid very uncertain times.

They can also be a source of immense joy and connection, including when the people around us show an interest in the things we love.

For any of our young people or adults who are feeling on edge right now, we encourage you to embrace the things that fuel your passion.

Again, Autistic young adults from our team offer some tips  to help their younger peers and the adults who support them. This tip sheet on Staying Connected With Passions & People might also come in handy for the upcoming school holidays.

I CAN Online Interest Groups

I CAN’s Autistic-led online group mentoring program continues to offer a steady, safe, fun space where Autistic young people can connect each week with peers and mentors.

For so many of mentees, that regular weekly spot provides an anchor of security.

I CAN are especially excited to be expanding the number and range of interest-based groups we offer, as well as expanding their ages served to include 9-22 year olds.

Their next cycle, which begins the week of 26th July, includes interest based groups for:

  • AFL (new)
  • Anime
  • Dinosaurs (new)
  • Drawing & Art (new)
  • Dungeons & Dragons (new)
  • Marvel (new)
  • Minecraft
  • Pokemon (new)
  • Screens, Tunes & Characters (expanded to accommodate up to age 22)

These will be offered along with I CAN’s standing groups for age-based cohorts (9-13 and 13-15) and their groups for, Autistic/LGBTIQA+ teens.

I CAN also offer our I CAN Imagination Club® for 9-12 year olds, which is a non Autism-specific group.

To learn more and/or to submit an Expression of Interest, please click here or on the button below: https://icannetwork.online/online/

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