You’re Awesome Just as You Are
The Awesome Program supports autistic young people aged 10-15 years to connect with others, explore interests and participate in shared experiences in a strengths-based and neuro-affirming environment.
Delivered during the school term, Awesome provides a structured and supportive environment where participants can develop relationships, build confidence and explore new experiences alongside peers with shared interests.
Awesome is often the first Spectrum Space social program young people attend. The program creates opportunities to build familiarity with social experiences, contribute ideas, develop confidence and participate at a pace that feels comfortable for each individual.
Programs run for 2-hour sessions and are shaped by the interests, ideas and goals of the young people who attend. While participant interests help shape each term, the program maintains a level of structure that supports routine, predictability and a gradual introduction to new experiences.
Spectrum Space delivers non-therapeutic supports designed to complement, rather than replace, clinical and therapeutic services.
Supports are tailored to individual goals, strengths, interests and support needs while creating opportunities to develop and apply skills through shared experiences, social connection and participation in community life.
Participants play an active role in shaping their program experience through their interests, ideas and feedback. This means every program develops differently over time, reflecting the people who attend.
Awesome is often the first Spectrum Space social program participants attend.
The program focuses on creating opportunities for young people to develop relationships, build confidence in social settings and explore interests through activities that are enjoyable, meaningful and guided by participant choice.
Participants are encouraged to contribute ideas, make decisions about activities and explore new experiences at a pace that feels right for them.
No two terms look exactly the same.
Activities are influenced by participant interests and may include:
Participants help shape future activities and projects through regular discussion, feedback and planning.
Through shared activities and community experiences, participants have opportunities to work towards goals relating to:
These opportunities arise naturally through participation and shared experiences rather than formal teaching or therapy.
As participants move into adulthood, many choose to continue their journey through our SIS Program.
SIS provides opportunities for adults to continue building relationships, exploring interests and participating in community experiences through participant-led planning and increased independence.
Participants may also have opportunities to take part in special projects, community initiatives and events delivered through grants, partnerships and community collaborations.
Depending on age and interests, this may include creative projects, music and video production, robotics activities, community events, leadership opportunities and other participant-led initiatives.
As participants grow, some may choose to transition into the YES Program.
While both programs focus on connection, participation and shared interests, YES provides longer sessions and opportunities for increased independence, community participation and participant-led experiences.
