Marymead Autism Centre
In August 2016, Autism Asperger ACT (AAACT) merged with Marymead to become the Marymead Autism Centre.
Marymead Autism Centre celebrates diversity, promotes awareness and inclusion, and supports people on the autism spectrum and their families.
Please visit the Marymead Autism Centre website for the latest information.
Our Services
Please note that you or your child do not need to already have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis to access our services, we can help you with the process of getting a diagnosis.
Information and Referrals
Contact us to learn about getting an autism diagnosis, the NDIS and other autism specific information and referrals to services, events and activities in the Canberra area.
NDIS Pre-Planning
The Marymead Autism Centre can provide pre-planning support to assist you prepare and plan for access to the NDIS for ACT residents. We can help with the Access Request form, assist with developing your goals and attend the NDIS planning meeting with you for support.
NDIS Support Coordination
If you already have an NDIS plan and have “Support Coordination” included in the plan, we can help you to understand the plan and implement it by providing autism-specific support coordination services. We are NDIS registered in ACT and NSW for support coordination.
Support for your NDIS Review
If you have an NDIS review coming up we can help you prepare for your review.
Autism Community Awareness and Training
We can deliver general autism awareness training to your organisation and we can also tailor specific training suited to your needs to build your capacity in understanding autism.
Marymead Autism Centre Library
We have an excellent collection of autism-specific materials available for loan to help you increase your understanding of the autism spectrum. We have text books, fiction, children’s literature, board games, DVDs and more available.
Marymead Autism Centre Newsletter
Keep up to date on what is happening in the Marymead Autism Centre such as workshops, support groups, social groups and access days. The newsletter also has information on what’s happening in and around Canberra that might be useful for people on the autism spectrum.
Early Days Workshops
Marymead Autism Centre has registered Early Days facilitators to run Early Days workshops. Early Days workshops are for parents, family and carers of children 6 years and under with an autism diagnosis or currently going through the assessment and diagnosis process.
Support Groups
The Canberra Autism Women’s Group
Facilitated by Jeanette Purkis, the group offers support to women on the autism spectrum and mothers of daughters on the autism spectrum.
ASD Carer Support Groups
Connect with other parents and carers of children and young adults on the autism spectrum. A representative from Marymead Autism Centre and Carers ACT will be in attendance at both groups.
Men's Autism Support Group
This group is for young men, men on the autism spectrum and fathers of children on the autism spectrum. Meet and discuss issues with other men on the autism spectrum while offering each other support. The group is facilitated by a representative from Marymead.
SibworkS - A Siblings Program for Siblings
A six week program for siblings (8 to 13 years) living with a brother or sister on the autism spectrum. Support for siblings helps them feel less isolated and to be more able to manage any challenges they face. They will feel more important in the family and be less likely to develop their own health problems down the track. Support in fact, contributes to siblings being able to gain inspiration, competence and independence leading to improved self esteem. This program is funded for individuals who do NOT have a NDIS package.
Support Group for Grandparents
This support group provides education and support for grandparents of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Support Group for Partners
This support group is for people living with a partner on the autism spectrum.
Social Groups
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game that encourages teamwork, collaboration, problem solving and develops social skills in a fun and engaging way. Teens and young adults on the autism spectrum can come along once a week during school terms.
Cooking Connections @ Kids Pantry
Marymead Autism Centre and Kids Pantry (7 Geils Court, Deakin) have joined to develop a cooking program for young adults (16 years +). The Cooking Connections Program teaches basic cooking skills, kitchen hygiene and meal preparation.
LEGO® Builders Group
The LEGO® Builders Group is for children aged between five and twelve on the autism spectrum and their siblings. Kids can come along and enjoy building something new or from the instructions while developing their problem solving, fine motor and social skills. Parents are invited to participate or to stay and have a cup of tea and a chat to other parents
Access Days
Marymead Autism Centre is grateful for the business in the Canberra community who have embraced inclusive practices and have agreed to hold Access Days. Guests on the autism spectrum, along with their families and friends, can enjoy early entry to activities before they open to the general public. Depending on the activity, some modifications will be made to accommodate people on the autism spectrum. To assist the community in building their capacity to accommodate people on the autism spectrum, the Marymead Autism Centre also provides training to staff on ‘Understanding the Autism Spectrum’.
