Creating understanding, opportunities and supporting individuals with Autism

March 31, 2025
On the 2nd of April, we come together to celebrate World Autism Understanding Day. As many people in our community with Autism, it is important to understand how you can support someone to make them feel comfortable. World Autism Understanding Day is not only about understanding Autism but also taking actions to be a supportive person to those around you. 

What is Autism? 
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment, according to Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). People who have Autism may have different preferences regarding social interactions, a heightened sensory awareness, have different communication preferences compared to neurotypical people, have many strengths, and are honest, loyal, and kind people. This year's World Autism Understanding Day is delivered in partnership with communities to create a supportive and more inclusive society so people with Autism can feel more comfortable navigating the world. By creating more understanding about Autism, we can challenge myths and misconceptions regarding Autism to create meaningful changes so Autistic people can have the same opportunities and support as everyone else.  

Common Myths and Misconceptions 
Autism only affects males - Autism can affect any gender. Whilst males are most commonly diagnosed, females are often diagnosed at a later point in life. 

People with Autism lack empathyAutistic people do experience all emotions including empathy; however, they may show and regulate empathy differently compared to neurotypical people. 

Autistic people are anti-socialJust like everyone, Autistic people still desire social connections and want to create meaningful relationships. Whilst sometimes social interactions and situations can be challenging for Autistic people, this does not mean they do not want to socialise and create connections. 

Ways to support people with Autism 

It is important to understand that people with Autism may experience the world differently compared to neurotypical people. By showing you care for and are willing to support Autistic people, you can help them to feel more comfortable within society and themselves. 

Encourage inclusivity in group settings – Make sure to make invites to group activities clear to Autistic people. Take some time to explain to them what is going to happen to make sure they feel comfortable. Do not force any social interactions but instead help them feel at ease within any group setting. 

Keep things clear and simple – Sometimes people on the Autism spectrum take things to heart or have difficulty picking up on social cues. Keep your communication clear and your language direct, and do not be disheartened if they are repeating things you have said to them, they are just trying to make sure that they understood what you said correctly.  

Respect personal space – Individuals on the autism spectrum may have different preferences regarding personal space and touch. It is important to communicate and ask people with Autism their preferences and always ask for consent before initiating any physical contact. Make sure to be mindful of any physical boundaries and do not be disheartened if they say no, they’ll appreciate you asking and listening to what their preferences are. 

Watch out for overwhelming situations – People on the Autism spectrum can get overwhelmed by sights, sounds, and smells, especially within a busy or large place due to their heightened sensory awareness. Be sure to look out for this, and if this happens try to move them to somewhere less overwhelming so they can have some time to process their surroundings. Create a safe space for them where they feel comfortable talking about their desires and needs, so they can be their authentic selves. Adjustments can include dimming lights and reducing background noise, which can help people with Autism to feel safe and secure again. 

With a better understanding of what Autism is and how to support within your community, you can help to make them feel more comfortable and have the same opportunities as neurotypical people. Importantly, while we continue to celebrate World Autism Understanding Day, make sure to continue to understand and support individuals with autism every day of the year to make a more inclusive and comfortable world. 

By Holly Johns 
July 23, 2025
As the back-to-school season begins across Australia, many families are preparing for a fresh start, new classrooms, teachers, and friendships. This time can bring a mix of emotions: excitement, curiosity, and sometimes, uncertainty. It’s completely natural for both children and parents to feel this way. With a little planning and mindful support, we can help create a smoother, more positive transition into the school year for everyone involved. Starting a new school year is a big change. For some children, it may bring butterflies in the stomach, while for others, it may take a little longer to adjust. These feelings are valid and part of growing up. It’s also important to recognise that for families from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds, school transitions may come with extra layers such as navigating different expectations, adjusting to routines, or working through communication barriers. Creating understanding at home and at school can help children feel more secure and confident. Signs to Gently Notice: Children may express emotional discomfort in different ways, and sometimes, these signs are easy to overlook. You know your child best—trust your instincts and look for subtle changes, such as: Mood shifts or seeming quieter than usual Difficulty expressing what they’re feeling Withdrawing from favourite activities or friendships Changes in sleep, appetite, or daily habits Hesitation or worry about going to school These signals can be considered as an opportunity to connect with your child and offer extra support. Gentle conversations and open listening can make a big difference. And if you ever feel unsure, speaking with a school counsellor or mental health professional can help you feel more confident in supporting your child. Why Early Support Matters? Studies show that emotional wellbeing during childhood can have a lasting impact into later life. That’s why being proactive by offering reassurance, guidance, and safe spaces to talk can be incredibly powerful. There’s no need to wait until things feel overwhelming. Even small steps, taken early, can help children build resilience and feel more secure as they navigate life’s changes. Practical and Positive Ways to Support Your Child Here are some gentle strategies to support your child’s emotional wellbeing as the school year begins: Notice and acknowledge small changes. They may be telling you something important. Create space for open conversations. Ask how they’re feeling about school and let them know it’s okay to talk about worries even little ones. Work with the school team. Teachers, school staff, and counsellors can be valuable partners in your child’s wellbeing. Model calm and care. Creating a home environment that feels safe, inclusive, and encouraging helps children feel more grounded and supported. Dear Parents, You Matter Too. Transitions can be just as emotional for parents and caregivers. You are doing your best and that’s enough. Whether you’re navigating your own workload, changes at home, or the emotions that come with parenting, your feelings are valid too. Taking time to care for yourself is important. Whether it's talking to a friend, taking a quiet moment for yourself, or reaching out to a support service, looking after your own wellbeing helps the whole family thrive. We’re Here to Walk Alongside You At the MHFA Wellness Hub, we offer caring and professional counselling services for children and families navigating change. Our provisional clinicians work gently and respectfully with each family’s unique needs offering guidance, listening ears, and practical, evidence-informed strategies to help build emotional wellbeing. We believe every child deserves to feel heard, and every parent deserves to feel supported. Learn more about Wellness Hub: https://wellnesshub.mhfa.org.au/ Visit our website to explore free resources, and try the Supportive Mind App , designed to help children and parents manage everyday stress and emotional ups and downs in simple, compassionate ways. Let’s Begin This School Year with Confidence and Care Every school year brings new beginnings and with the right support, those beginnings can feel full of hope. Your child’s wellbeing matters. And so does yours. Written by Simranpreet Gill and Anne Bui
July 10, 2025
The nature of friendship There is no specific way to define what a ‘friendship’ is. Sometimes it’s a connection with the person you grew up with, or a group that shares your interests. But friendship also starts with a casual chat at work, a neighbour waving hello, or a familiar face you meet every day on the way home. That’s the beauty of it — there are no boundaries or limits to how friendships are formed. Navigating life changes is hard — but you don’t have to do it alone We’ve all gone through big life changes like moving somewhere new, starting over, or facing tough events. In fact, getting through those times on our own isn’t easy. Entering a new stage can ignite the feelings of loneliness and anxiety. That’s where good friends come in: they can be a real mental buffer against our negative emotions. Friendships offer emotional support by helping you feel truly seen and connected. They create a sense of belonging and strengthen your emotional resilience. Still, maintaining a friendship that stands the test of time and distance isn’t always easy. Communication with friends often gets disrupted as we move through unexpected changes. Sometimes, just one honest and open conversation is all it takes to rebuild the bridge — to remind each other that we’re still here, still listening. A good friend can validate your feelings, empower and inspire you to take steps. Friendships: the first relationship that shapes the rest Friendships are one of the first relationships we get to choose for ourselves. Spending time with people who are good for our developmental health is matter, as they play a huge role in shaping how we connect with others. Through friendship, we learn how to trust, how to support, and how to be present — lessons that carry into every other relationship we build. On this International Friendship Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the power of friendship in supporting mental well-being and emotion, especially during life’s most challenging moments. Whether it’s a message, a call, or a quiet thank-you, let your friends and the person you care know how much they’ve mattered on your journey. Written by Anne Bui and Kylie Nguyen
April 23, 2025
On this year's World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day, we explore the importance of early intervention and seeking the right support for the youngest people in our society.