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Social Programs

Connection Through Shared Interests

Our social programs provide individualised supports that create opportunities for autistic young people and adults to connect, participate and build relationships through shared interests, activities and experiences.

Programs are delivered across multiple locations throughout Western Australia, with our primary hub based in Fremantle and additional programs operating from community venues.

Youth and teen programs are delivered during the school term, while our adult programs run year-round. Supports are tailored to individual goals, strengths, interests and support needs while creating opportunities for connection, skill development, community participation and increased independence through shared experiences.

Our Programs

Awesome Program (10-15 years)

The Awesome Program provides opportunities for young people to connect with others, explore interests and participate in shared experiences in a supportive and neuro-affirming environment.

Participants help shape the direction of the program through their interests, ideas and goals, creating opportunities to build relationships, develop confidence, strengthen communication skills and participate more independently in community settings.

Through a combination of centre-based activities, community experiences, skill-building opportunities and special-interest projects, participants are encouraged to explore new interests while building on existing strengths.

YES Program (13-18 years)

The YES Program supports teenagers to connect with peers, explore interests and participate in experiences that reflect their goals, aspirations and stage of life.

Activities are influenced by participant interests and provide opportunities to build relationships, strengthen social communication, develop independence and engage with the broader community.

The program encourages participants to contribute ideas, make choices and actively shape their experiences while exploring opportunities that support participation in education, volunteering, employment and community life.

SIS (18+ years) & Over 30s

SIS and our Over 30s programs provide year-round opportunities for autistic adults to connect through shared interests, community experiences and participant-led activities.

Participants play an active role in planning activities, outings and experiences, helping shape the direction of their group based on shared interests and goals.

Through regular community participation and social connection, participants have opportunities to build meaningful relationships, increase confidence, strengthen self-advocacy skills and engage more independently in their local communities.

More Than a Social Group

Our programs provide individualised supports within a social and community-based environment.

Participants attend Spectrum Space to connect with others, explore interests, develop practical skills and work towards goals relating to social participation, relationships, independence and community involvement.

Every participant brings their own strengths, interests, goals and aspirations. Supports are tailored to the individual while recognising the value that can come from learning, participating and building connections alongside others with shared interests and experiences.

Rather than following a fixed program structure, participants actively contribute to shaping their program experience. Activities, excursions, projects and experiences are influenced by participant ideas, feedback and goals, creating genuine opportunities for choice, decision-making and self-determination.

As interests evolve, programs evolve too. This means every group develops its own identity, interests and community over time.

What Does a Typical Program Look Like?

No two terms look exactly the same.

Each term is shaped by participant interests, goals and feedback, alongside opportunities to try new experiences and develop new skills.

Programs may include:

  • Community outings and excursions
  • Movies, gaming and special interest activities
  • Creative arts and collaborative projects
  • Sports and recreation activities
  • Shopping and community access experiences
  • Public transport and travel training
  • Special guest workshops and incursions
  • Food preparation and cooking activities
  • Community events and local experiences

Participants are encouraged to contribute ideas and help shape future activities, projects and experiences throughout the term.

Building Skills Through Everyday Experiences

Our programs create opportunities for participants to develop and apply skills in real-world settings.

Depending on individual goals and interests, participants may work towards outcomes relating to:

  • Social communication and relationship development
  • Community participation and inclusion
  • Self-advocacy and self-determination
  • Decision-making and problem solving
  • Confidence in unfamiliar situations
  • Independent living skills
  • Travel training and community navigation
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Exploring strengths and interests

These opportunities arise naturally through participation in activities, community experiences and shared interests, supporting skill development in ways that are meaningful and relevant to everyday life

Our Approach

Spectrum Space delivers non-therapeutic supports designed to complement, rather than replace, clinical and therapeutic services.

We focus on creating opportunities for participants to build relationships, explore interests, develop skills and engage with their communities in ways that align with their goals, strengths and aspirations.

Through participant-led planning, shared experiences and individualised supports, we create environments where people can learn, contribute, make choices and participate in ways that are meaningful to them.

Funding and Access

Many of our programs can be accessed using NDIS funding for participants who are self-managed or plan-managed. Programs are also available through private payment, with some initiatives funded through grants and community partnerships.

If you’re unsure which programs may be right for you, or how funding may apply, our team is happy to help.

Button: Learn About NDIS Funding

Ready to Get Started?

Finding the right program is an important part of the enrolment journey, and we’re here to support you through the process.

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest

Complete our Expression of Interest (EOI) Form with some basic information, including participant details, contact information and the program you are interested in joining.

Step 2: Initial Contact and Program Availability

Once we receive an EOI, a member of our team will make contact to discuss current program availability. We’ll let you know whether there is space available in the preferred program and location, or discuss alternative program options, locations or waitlist opportunities that may be suitable.

Step 3: Complete the Registration and “About Me” Form

If there is a suitable program available, we’ll provide a Registration Form and About Me Form to begin the enrolment process.

The Registration Form helps us gather important information about the participant, including contact details, support requirements, communication preferences and other information that may assist us in supporting participation in the program.

The About Me Form provides an opportunity to tell us more about the participant’s interests, strengths, goals, preferences and support needs. This information helps our team get to know the participant and supports us to create a positive and welcoming experience from the outset.

Step 4: Meet and Greet

After reviewing the completed forms, we will arrange a short meet and greet, typically around 15 minutes. Meet and greets are usually held online but can also take place in person at our Fremantle office. For participants under 10 years of age, a face-to-face meeting is required.

This conversation gives us an opportunity to learn more about the participant’s interests, preferences, support needs and any strategies that may assist with a positive program experience. We’ll also discuss how we can work together to support participation and clarify any information provided during the enrolment process.

Step 5: Finding the Right Fit

Our team will work with the participant, family or support network to identify the most suitable program option based on interests, goals, support needs and availability.

As a non-therapeutic provider, we want to ensure participants can be appropriately supported within our programs. While we support a wide range of people, there may be occasions where Spectrum Space is not the most suitable option for an individual’s support requirements.

We recognise that finding the right program can take time. Where possible, we will recommend the program we believe best matches the participant’s interests, goals and support needs, while remaining open to exploring alternative options if required.

Step 6: Service Agreement and Getting Started

Before attending a program, all enrolment documentation and the Service Agreement must be completed and signed.

Once enrolled, participants can begin attending their chosen program.

We recognise that every person experience new environments differently and that it can take time to determine whether a program feels comfortable and aligned with their interests, goals and support needs. If a different program may be a better fit, we’ll work with participants and families to explore other available options where possible.

Attendance fees apply from the first session attended. Until enrolment is finalised, a place in the program cannot be guaranteed.

Need More Information?

Whether the enquiry comes from a participant, parent, family member, supporter or professional, our team is available to answer questions and help guide the enrolment process.

 

  • Awesome Program: 10-15 years

    Awesome Program includes a variety of social and special interest programs for 10-15 year olds

    Read more

  • YES Program: 13-18 years

    Revolving around the interests of the individual, YES Program is where you can come and have fun, develop new friendships, and learn new skills

    Read more

  • Joondalup Social Hub: 12-17 years

    The Joondalup Social Hub, is a strengths‑based, neuro‑affirming program designed for autistic teens aged 12–17.

    Read more

  • Step Into Social: 18+ years

    Step Into Social provides a space to hang out, have fun, and meet people with similar interests

    Read more

  • Telethon Holiday Makers Program: 5-18 years

    THMP offers a range of activities based on the special interests our participants have identified, creating a natural social environment

    Read more

  • Timetable & Locations

    Where and when are social programs run?

    Read more

  • FAQs

    Frequently asked questions

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