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ADULT YEARS

Services in Victoria for adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are diverse. They include Day Programs, Residential Services, Advocacy Services, Employment Services and Recreation options. Unfortunately there are many gaps in the service system.

The Service System

Services can be:

  • government funded (no charge)
  • community based (a small fee may be payable)
  • private (the consumer covers the cost)

They can also be general services or autism specific services. The following list of services is meant as a guide only. If you are having difficulty finding services to meet your needs, contact the Autism Victoria office and we may be able to help.

State Government funded services include

Federal Government funded services include

Autism Specific Services

The following funded service providers specialise in programs for adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder


Autism Plus

Mission Statement:  A Plus will provide supports to people with a disability that will maximise the individual's opportunities to participate, enjoy and learn in their community. Aims:

  • Focus on people as individuals
  • Focus on life style choices
  • Focus on flexible and tailored supports
  • Facilitate personal control
  • Facilitate active partnerships within all sectors of your community and your service provision

Initially the service will support people residing in the South Eastern Metropolitan Region of Meloburne.  If you would like to find out more about Autism Plus go to their web site www.autismplus.com.au or you can contact either Maureen or Sandra on enquiries@autismplus.com.au or 0404 458 830  or   0404 458 831. 

 

Disability Services

The Department of Human Services Disability Services Division funds and provides a range of programs suitable for adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who also have an intellectual disability (that is, an IQ score less than 70). Programs are provided by funded community organizations (service providers) or directly by regional staff of the Department of Human Services.

A useful source of information about disability services in Victoria is the Disability Online website.

Health Services

Autism Spectrum Disorder is not regarded as a health condition and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder will generally access mainstream health services. The Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria can provide consultation support to health professionals treating a person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Victorian Dual Disability Service may be able to provide assistance to adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who also have a mental health condition such as anxiety disorder or depression.

There are a small number of psychiatrists and psychologists with Autism Spectrum Disorder expertise in private practice in Victoria. Contact the Autism Victoria office for details of these clinicians.

Community Services

Because of rigid eligibility criteria, most adults with Asperger Syndrome and PDD-NOS are not eligible for Department of Human Services funded Disability Services. There are many types of community services available from local agencies that may be able to assist you. Start by looking in your local municipality guide or contacting your local community resource centre for guidance about health services, recreation and activity centres, employment services and housing and tenancy services.

Advocacy Services

Individual advocacy support for adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can be formal or informal. Formal advocacy is provided by the Office of the Public Advocate. They have programs such as the Independent Third Person (which will assist if you have to be interviewed by the police), Guardianship and Administration and the Community Guardian Program.

At a more informal level, the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability or VALID and the Disability Employment Action Centre or DEAC can help individuals and parents or carers. Both agencies also offer self-advocacy training programs.

Autism Victoria is unable to provide individual advocacy support. Our advocacy work is at the systemic level, trying to change legislation and regulations to better meet the needs of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This Australian Government agency provides a range of pension benefits and payments. Most Centrelink offices have a Disability Support Officer who understands the needs of people with a disability and can help you understand Centrelink services and how to apply for them. Centrelink has a national toll free contact phone number for people with a disability - 13 27 17. Their website is at www.centrelink.gov.au or you can go directly from here to the part of their website that helps people with a disability

Employment Services

There are a number of employment services that can help people with a disability prepare for employment, find employment or provide support within the employment setting. Details can be found in your local community services directory. Alpha Employment is part of Alpha Autism and their staff may be able to assist you with employment issues.