Autism MATES | Charitable organisation

Autism MATES

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25.01.2022 So honoured to be short listed as a finalist in the @hesta.super excellence awards! Winners announced 26th.Nov!. . . . .... . . . #empowerment #success #autism #autismawareness #celebrate #autismdad #autismmoms #autismacceptance #autismawareness #autismfamily #autismadvocate #inclusion #mates #autismgrowsup #asdfamilies #justneedamate #together #employ See more

25.01.2022 So very sad. Police confirmed William Wall's body had been found this afternoon following an extensive search and appeal from his father today. RIP William. Sending his family much love and prayers during this unimaginable time.

24.01.2022 A Christmas Wish and Story, said from the heart... It was the night before Christmas and all through the house, Richard is pacing, and adding a little bounce. It’s called stimming and it’s what he does ... To regulate and control his feelings so he doesn’t escalate. It’s all about self-care and it may look odd, But during this strange year, it's been used a lot, It's a tool that's really helped him cope With all the changes and lack of rules. Christmas is Richard’s favourite time of year, He loves the tradition and predictable routine That marks the end of each passing year. He loves to plan our holiday timeline Of putting up the tree, of buying presents to make others happy. The highlight for Rich is organising gifts To put into hampers to share with his friends on Sydney’s streets. He waits all year and counts the days Of when he'll share his special brand of Christmas cheer. He doesn’t judge, his heart is pure But there are days that are challenging, that’s for sure! He loves to be social, to have a chat and share a smile He is generous, he's caring and so much more, Richard is one of our biggest blessings, he teaches us every day, How to be better humans in so many different ways. Let’s turn the tables and learn from him and his peers. Let’s re-write the story and start a new year, With a willingness and determination to embrace neurodiversity. So tonight on this beautiful Christmas eve, We wish you the peace and blessings which this special night brings. Happy Christmas to all from our family to yours!

24.01.2022 Who's joining us? Zoom FRIDAY FRIENDS is on today, and every Friday afternoon at 4.00pm Sydney time: Calling all group members who are on the spectrum, aged 30+, (if you are in your twenties, please feel free to join also, this is just a rough age guide). Friday Friends is an opportunity is for you to connect. Feel free to invite your friends, bring a coffee or a glass of wine and let's end the week with some fun! I will be online to help moderate but it will be for you and a...bout you. Here is the link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us//tZUuc-mrrjosHt1JJl42A5NDrGC64U7tF See more

24.01.2022 Look what arrived today! Thanks Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner from Ausmumpreneur for these awards! Gold for 'Making a Difference' and Bronze for 'Women Will Change the World'. We can all make a difference in at least one person's world, imagine the ripple effect if each and every one of us made it our mission to change the world for just one person!

24.01.2022 How is this even being tolerated? Why punish the child and his sister, why not fix the system? It is every child’s right to an inclusive education. This is wrong on so many levels.

23.01.2022 Sharing.... Love this from Belinda Jane! These tools are essential especially now during these uncertain times!

22.01.2022 Rich loves working at the Avenue Stall at EQ markets! If you are in the area on Wednesdays, swing by and say hi...he might even sell you something! ;)

22.01.2022 Richard had a blast on the weekend, he loves the camera and loves to act! He played the role of a patient in hospital. The film is a training resource for nurses about how to treat autistic patients in hospital. A great initiative to be involved in! . . . .... . #empower #autism #autismacceptance #autismadvocate #employ See more

22.01.2022 It was so great having our Federal MP, The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite visit and having the opportunity to show him the equipment and the set up that was made possible by the Stronger Communities Grant! Simon and Richard enjoyed having a chat with Matt; we are always thrilled with the rock-solid support Matt always gives to Autism MATES!

21.01.2022 No-one in Australia could forget the terrible tragedy when 4 children, (3 siblings and a cousin) were killed when a drunk driver dove into them as they were walking together in a suburban street on their way to buy ice-cream The reaction of the parents, which was one of forgiveness and a deepening of faith, had a profound effect on me and on so many others. They were an example to us all; there was never a question of why me? Why my children, why my family? Too often when we... face life’s challenges, we tend to ask why me? In the early years as the parent of a child with very high needs, at a time when we felt we were constantly fighting the whole world for acceptance, understanding and a right to an education, at a time when we were given a dark prognosis and we lost touch with so many, it was easy to fall into this trap. Over time, however, I began to see my son as one of our biggest blessings. An article written by Anthony Cleary in the Catholic Weekly, reminded me once again, of what a shining example the Sakhr and Abdallah families are. Anthony played a huge role in my son’s experience at school. Although ensconced in the head office environment, his interaction with Richard has left lasting memories, and Richard asks about Anthony regularly and pours over the treasured moments he has captured in a few photographs during their adventure to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day. Read Anthony’s article below for a reminder of how extraordinary Danny, Leila and Bridget (the parents of the children) were and continue to be in the face of unimaginable loss and pain. Thank you, Anthony, for sharing your experience and your insights and reminding us that we are not alone.

20.01.2022 Listen up Melbourne peeps...

19.01.2022 Today at 1.00 pm AEST (Sydney time), our special guest on Zoom is Lorna McInnes. Lorna is an NDIS registered, autistic holistic early intervention and wellbeing therapist with a forte for supporting children and adults through their autism journey. Join us by registering on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us//upwrdO-urj4jG9SZNlCNhz2bkC-u8rp1p

19.01.2022 In Australia today is RUOK’ day. It’s a day that we are encouraged to ask people if they are ok. This is a fabulous initiative which allows people to start what could be an awkward situation. But I wonder how many people actually reply no, I’m not ok. I’m guessing that most people automatically reply with I’m fine. We are not programmed to really share how we feel. All our lives, we have been encouraged to soldier on and to keep our chins up. We keep a brave face for our... families, for our kids and for fear of being considered a failure. It’s time to re-programme this mindset. If you are not ok, you can’t be your best self for your family. If you are not ok, you are not a failure. It may start with a conversation, but it is not just a once a year conversation on RUOK day. Reach out to someone you may think is experiencing some challenges, learn to look past the I’m fine thanks auto-response. Drop-in on a friend, make them a meal, take them out to coffee. I’ll let you in on a secret.. there are those who if they’re not feeling ok, they keep themselves very busy..so busy they don’t have time to think about not feeling ok. So busy that they sort of hide from the world and in turn hide how they are really feeling. How do I know this? I’ve done it myself. Being busy is a tool I often use. We ALL have our days when we are not feeling ok, and you know what, that’s ok. So look out for each other, learn to pick up on your friends’ or family’s clues that all is not well. That one conversation or invitation to meet up could make the world of difference. And don't forget to follow it up. If anyone in my circle, or in the Autism MATES community is not ok, send me a message or let’s have coffee, not just today, but any day. Have a beautiful day everyone. . . . #ruok #ruokday #autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismfamily #autismmum

18.01.2022 HOW DARE YOU Annastacia Palaszczuk for diluting the bullying experience of so many children who are forever traumatised by the experience! I normally just roll my eyes when politicians overstep the mark and grandstand. But today I am angry, no I’m FURIOUS with Qld Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. She closed the Queensland borders because she wants to keep her people safe. Ok, she’s not the only one doing so, but she has gone too far now. Her double standards of letting elite se...ctors of the community in and keeping ordinary people out are beyond upsetting. Footballers and their administrators can come and go, as can Hollywood stars or those who sneak in aboard their glamorous yachts; while denying a pregnant mother of twins access to a nearby hospital and forcing her to travel to Sydney, resulting in the death of one of her twins. She also denied entry to 4 children under 13 to say goodbye to their dying father, only just relenting and granting permission on the condition that they hotel quarantine for 2 weeks at their own expense. A young Canberra woman was denied entry to say goodbye to her dying father. After huge public backlash, she let the woman in AFTER he died, and only let the grieving woman in to see his body, but not to attend the funeral or to comfort her 11-year-old sister. When the Prime Minister personally intervened and implored her to show compassion what was Annastacia’s response? She said she "will not be bullied or intimidated by the prime minister. HOW DARE SHE PULL THE BULLYING CARD! HOW DARE SHE DILUTE THE REAL TRAUMA OF THOSE WHO ARE GENUINELY BULLIED! HOW DARE SHE USE BORDER WARS AS A WEAPON FOR HER OWN POLITICAL AGENDA? I am so angry, not just at her heartless and politically motivated actions, but for diluting the experience of our children who are forever traumatised by real bullying. Annastacia, it is you who is the bully.

17.01.2022 We had a fabulous Zoom session today with Lorna McInnes of Inspire Early Intervention! Lorna takes a holistic approach with her clients on the autism spectrum. And what a bonus....she is on the spectrum herself, so she totally understands many of the challenges that an autism diagnosis presents! Here's the video recording of this session, and also here are Lorna's details if you would like to get in touch with her directly: Lorna McInnes... Naturopath - Holistic early childhood intervention therapist & educator - Autism & anxiety life coach. Inspire early intervention Holistic early intervention & wellbeing clinic 60 Moore Rd. Kewarra Beach 4879. Queensland mobile: 0457248889 email: [email protected] http://www.inspire-earlyintervention.com ABN 63 704 604 058 NDIS Registered Provider 4-4331-873 of Early childhood + Therapeutic supports + Innovative community participation ..................................

17.01.2022 Today Richard was thrilled to be back in front of children, introducing them to his puppets Tommy the Turtle and Danny the Duck, and sharing his story to inspire a generation of kids to be inclusive; because in his words, "it doesn't matter if we are different, we can still be friends!" Thank you Jo O'Brien and Platinum Pre-School Randwick, for welcoming us, we love your work! Oh.....and heads up....this is the story that Richard wants to animate so that he can reach schools all over the country (and the world)!!!

16.01.2022 Who wants to join us in the inaugural Autism MATES Run-Raiser? Details are in the post below, you can make a difference, walk or run, it's up to you, get your sneakers on and get moving... Link to register https://autism-mates-runraiser.raisely.com/ or scan the QR code in the pic below! . .... . . . . #autism #autismawareness #celebrate #autismacceptance #autismawareness #autismfamily #autismadvocate #inclusion #mates #justneedamate #together

16.01.2022 Thank you @ausmumpreneur for this award and for helping to shine the light on what Autism MATES does for our young people on the spectrum. We flip the charity mindset to one of strength and empowerment. Thank you Annette Densham for your nomination and for your support. And most importantly go Richard Habelrih you are my compass and my teacher!

16.01.2022 The proposed independent assessments for the NDIS are a concern. There are so many things that can go wrong with this. Independent assessments are the biggest change to the NDIS since the scheme started in 2013. This is happening without proper consultation with people with disability and their families. Time for the Minister to hear from you - Every Australian Counts has created a form that will send an email directly to Minister Roberts, asking six questions, but you can also add your own. For more information and to access the form so you can have your questions heard, go to https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/questions-for-minist/

16.01.2022 We made it into Queensland before the borders were closed again to Sydney-siders! I can't imagine what we would have said to Richard if we could not go for our annual trip to the Gold Coast! That's the thing that so many are not fully realising, this disruption in routine for those on the spectrum, is extremely difficult to adjust to and challenging to comprehend. In the words of Richard "I wish Covid would just finish so we can do what we do!" It's been a strange year, but we are happy to at least be together and celebrating with our precious little Luca! He is loving the water, and we are loving watching him experience so many firsts. I will post a Christmas message but in the leadup to Christmas, wishing you all every happiness, and don't get caught up in the madness, take time out to breathe!

15.01.2022 Rich was an invited guest at a breakfast hosted by The Hon Dr Marjorie O'Neill for the finalists of the Westfield Local Hero Awards. The big Picture aim for Autism MATES is to empower our participants, to focus on and develop their strengths and their passions, and then put them out there in the big wide world, not just in sheltered 'special' settings. Our live events have been cancelled and like everyone else, we have had to learn to pivot. If Richard wins this award and rec...eives a grant, he will put the funds towards animating his Best MATES Puppet Show so we can reach schools all over, especially those in regional areas. All the voiceovers will be made by others on the spectrum, and we plan for them to collaborate to make a sequel. Voting for the awards closes tomorrow on Monday, so if you haven't voted, here's the link https://bit.ly/3gqBZ0c See more

14.01.2022 If you are looking to combine your passion for inclusion with your career, consider applying....this is a fabulous organisation which does so much to promote inclusion for our community!

13.01.2022 When you’re taking a late afternoon walk on the beach and you’re stopped by a young lady who says I know you, I’ve watched your cooking videos and even made some! I was quietly happy for Rich, but he felt like a superstar! Thanks Eliza for making Richard’s day!

13.01.2022 Wishing all of our amazing families every peace and blessing which the Christmas season brings. May you enjoy every precious moment with your beautiful families and remarkable children (I prefer to use the term remarkable over 'special'). The challenges of 2020 have a silver lining, they've allowed us to spend more time with the people we care most about and enabled us to truly prioritise. Have a wonderful day, and Merry Christmas!

13.01.2022 The adventures in Mudgee begin with @stellar.experiences It’s so quiet at home without @richard.habelrih #Autism... #nolimits #autismawareness #autismeducation #autismmom #autistic #inclusion #empowerment #mates #dealingwithautism #justneedamate #success #motivation #autismadvocacy #perspective #family #changetheworld #hero #bethechange #travel @ Mudgee, New South Wales See more

12.01.2022 This is your opportunity to have your experiences taken into account for future service provision and planning. ASPECT is conducting a survey aimed at parent/carers who have had their child diagnosed with autism in the past 2 years or those currently seeking an autism assessment. They also want to hear from adults recently diagnosed or currently seeking an assessment and have reached out to our members and invited them to participate.

12.01.2022 This will be one webinar to tune in to!

11.01.2022 Our autism dads and grandads are our unsung heroes and deserve more than just one day to cheer them on. Share with us something about your dad or grandad. Tell us - What you did with your dad this Sunday? What your child did for Father’s Day that was just too cute? What hilarious thing has your dad done or said?... Why is your dad or husband a hero? Let’s celebrate them! . . . . . . . . #fathersday #autism #autismawareness #celebrate #hero #autismdad #autismmom #autismmum See more

11.01.2022 Shop with purpose and make Christmas extra special this year! Check out our bangles with beautiful messages for someone very special. 1. Choose your message: She believed she could so she did... Be the Change # JustNeedaMATE 2. Choose your colour; silver or rose gold. 3. Choose your style, round or with a clasp 4. Choose your size: 64mm or 68mm All bangles are presented in a gift box and make a very special gift. Send a DM or head to the website https://www.autismmates.org.au//inspirational-bangle-with/ $35 (includes postage in Australia) Any questions feel free to email [email protected] or send a DM. *All proceeds go towards further developing the Best MATES animation and sequel! *HAND MODEL CREDITS: 1. The hairy hand model is Richard! 2. And no they are not my nails, they belong to a lovely young lady xxx

11.01.2022 When you least expect it, amazing things happen. On Saturday, Richard had a friend over for a BBQ, for most people, this is not a big deal. For us it was a huge deal. This is something Richard has craved for years, all through school and post school. He met his friend Shane at his first social outing with Stellar Experiences when they went away to Jervis Bay. I previously wrote about this because I was so thrilled when upon his return from this trip he told me I made a best... friend. Those words back then moved me to tears, and still do. Last week, after a brief conversation with Shane’s mum, we realised they were both going on the same Stellar outing on Sunday so we organised for Shane and his family to come over to our house for a BBQ on Saturday and Rich would go home with them and sleep over so the young men could go to their Stellar outing together. HUGE on so many levels: 1. A friend coming over for a BBQ 2. Richard going for a sleepover (he was beyond excited, it’s never happened before outside of family circles) 3. Getting to know Shane and his beautiful family 4. Seeing Rich looking forward to something most young people take for granted 5. The look on Richard’s face as we waved them off with Shane driving and Rich in the front seat! I tried to phone Rich on Sunday morning to say hi, but he had no time for me. He just said, mum, I’m fine, you are wasting my phone battery, goodbye. There was no anxiety and he did not have time to speak with me, how wonderful! Was I worried, nobecause I know that Shane’s family understand Richard. I felt a deep sense of happiness. We all crave social connections, we all crave friendship. This is something that our kids struggle with so much and too often they are socially isolated with the exception of their family. I hope that his friendship with Shane continues, he is a lovely young man, so full of energy, so accomplished, with a great sense of humour. As a fabulous bonus, Shane’s mum and I hit it off immediately, I feel like I’ve known her forever. Enjoy your day Richard and Shane, have fun on your Stellar outing! As Richard would say when he’s happy my heart is singing. (posted with permission)

11.01.2022 I'll be speaking at this summit. Autism Explained Summit 2020 is a 5-day free online conference that will feature more than 25 amazing speakers and Autism activists from all around the world. 75% Actually Autistic Speakers. Starting from Sep 21-25 Become a part of this free online mega-event by clicking this link : https://bit.ly/3hkn6x8

10.01.2022 Introducing The Run-Raiser For Autism! Hey Everyone it's Richard & Randa here from Autism MATES! We have a very exciting project that we are launching and we need YOUR help!... Autism MATES was created out of a need for a society to stand together and behind those who are affected by autism. This is explained succinctly in our Acronym: Mates Assisting To Engage Socially. We would like to create awareness and a safe community for people like Richard and so many others who not only face the daily challenges of living with autism, but also the stigma associated with it and the bullying/teasing that follows. We need your help and the help of the community So we are launching our Run-Raiser 2.0! It's simple: 1. Sign up to participate at https://autism-mates-runraiser.raisely.com 2. Choose the distance you are going to aim for and 3. Find sponsors to donate to the cause! (The link to register and to donate is also in the comments) Let's raise money for this important cause together! Share the message, get involved and participate as this is more important now more than ever.

10.01.2022 This Tuesday’s Autism MATES Parents and Carer’s Zoom session was with Liz Smalley and it was a great session! Liz is a psychologist, a researcher and the mother of an adult child on the autism spectrum. She is also the author of the book When Autism is Tearing You Apart. Liz says it as it is. It’s refreshing to speak with someone who speaks up for the challenges that mothers in particular face. Often this is a taboo subject. Tune in to this recording and feel free to ask Li...z questions in the comments below. She has also offered to come back on at a later date for a Q & A. Here’s the link to Liz’s book https://www.amazon.com.au/When-Autism-Tearing-//B08FC87KKJ and also you can contact her via her website and Facebook page, here are the links: https://www.feelhappynow.com.au/autism https://www.facebook.com/Sunshine-Psychology-Perth-101101578102699 See more

08.01.2022 This story is not unique, in fact, it is far too common. Reach out to a family, invite them over, or drop by and wish them a Merry Christmas. Show them that they are not alone this Christmas, you never know what impact your care will have. Let's all do our bit to share the true spirit of Christmas.

08.01.2022 So proud of Richard! Please take a minute to vote for him, it would mean the world to him! If he wins he wants to animate his puppet show. If ever there was a hero, it's Rich, he inspires me every day to be a better person! The link to vote is in the bio, or click here https://bit.ly/3gqBZ0c (liking this post is not a vote, you have to click on the link and follow the prompts!) Thanks so much!!! How great would it be if we empowered someone on the spectrum to be the voice of... his peers and win the local hero award? #Autism #localhero #autismawareness #inclusion #empowerment #Westfield #WestfieldEastgardens

08.01.2022 Privileged to be a part of the Autism Summit Speaker lineup. Don't miss out on the fabulous interviews, insights and discussions! LOG-IN TO WATCH FOR FREE: https://bit.ly/2ZWCMR8 (Sessions are available free and on demand all day) Haven't got a ticket yet? Register FREE here: https://bit.ly/2ZWlpQk

07.01.2022 And they’re off to Mudgee with @stellar.experiences for 4 days away for some fun in the country... going horse riding, wine tasting and relaxation!Enjoy!

06.01.2022 If you fit the bill, this is one of the most amazing organisations that I know! Joining Stellar Experiences has been life-changing for Richard, if you want to work for an organisation that literally changes people's lives, look into this ASAP!

05.01.2022 I’m excited to announce Mia J Kacen as our special guest on Tuesday 18th August at 1.00 pm AEST (Sydney time) for our parent/carer Zoom session! I can't wait to have a chat with Mia about how exercise improves mood, behaviour, happiness, cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength, balance and endurance. Mia is passionate about international public health, professional development and Exercise physiology advocacy, she specialises in paediatrics and women's health. Mia is an ...entrepreneur, Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Accredited Exercise Scientist with a Master in International Public Health from Sydney University and a Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science from the University of New South Wales. When Mia is not working she is sharing quality time with her three girls. Join Mia and I this Tuesday, register via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us//upwrdO-urj4jG9SZNlCNhz2bkC-u8rp1p #Autism #Health #Exercise #Stayfit #Coordination

05.01.2022 Calling on kids aged between 6-9 years old. Timmy the Turtle needs your help in a focus group discussion on Zoom tomorrow, Tuesday 22 Dec at 3.00 AEDT (Sydney time). Each attendee will receive a gift card. Please email Peta Khan, our producer for the Best MATES animation if you are interested. Her email is [email protected]

04.01.2022 If you think the work we do at Autism MATES is important, then we need your help! Get involved in a practical way via our Run-Raiser if: You want the Model MATES events and the Autism MATES Speaker’s Conferences to continue and spread to capital cities across the country (we were booked to have the speaker's event in NSW Parliament House this year!) You think it’s important for our autistic community to advocate for themselves using their own voices... You think that the Best MATES puppet show should be animated, employing autistic school leavers and providing them with a possible employment pathway You think that we should continue our support and advocacy work You feel that our message of inclusion and empowerment resonates with you All you have to do is spread the word about our Run-Raiser. * Share it with your child’s school and create a Covid-safe school event * Get a team together, have some fun and run as a group * Ask your employer to support the run-raiser by donating to the cause or getting a corporate team together * Share the event on your social media pages * Walk or run yourself and help us raise funds Autism MATES is a small organisation with no paid staff. All our funds go into creating and staging our events. Covid has meant that all our live events and fundraisers have been put on hold, this Run-Raiser is about ensuring that we can keep going next year when we can once again rock those stages and give our community the positive limelight it deserves! So who’s in??? Register for the Run-Raiser here https://autism-mates-runraiser.raisely.com/ (link in bio) . . . . #autism #autismawareness #celebrate #hero #autismdad #autismmoms #autismsupermoms #autismacceptance #autismawareness #autismfamily #autismadvocate #inclusion #mates #autismgrowsup #asdfamilies #justneedamate #together

03.01.2022 My amazing friend Annette Densham nominated me for the Ausmumpreneur awards. She wrote this post in the closed Autism MATES group and I have copied it here, I'd love your support in voting in the People's Choice Awards. Yesterday I had my interview in the judges choice category and I'm a finalist! Here's what Annette posted in the group: "Randa is an incredible human who does so much for so many. This year, I nominated her for an Ausmumpreneur Award in the category Women Chan...ging the World. ... and she made the finals. A huge congrats to her. The work Autism Mates does is life-changing. As the mum of a young fellow with autism, I saw my son blossom after speaking at an Autism and Me Conference. I would love if you could show your support for Randa by voting for her in People's Choice under NSW, Making A Difference Community. Please share with your networks. It takes less than one minute to vote and it can make a huge difference to Autism Mates. Here's the link to vote, scroll down to the NSW section and look for the Making a Difference, Community category. https://ausmumpreneur.com/peoples-choice-voting/

03.01.2022 Rich wanted some early Christmas cheer, he asked to put the tree up early.... and why not, we could all use some extra Christmas cheer this year. There was a bit of a hurdle but nothing that a quick trip to @kmartaus couldn’t fix!! #autism #christmas #stimming... #stim See more

02.01.2022 Casting call...

02.01.2022 Huge news! We just signed the contract to animate Richard's Best MATES Puppet Show! Thanks to our sponsors who made this possible... CCI Platinum Pre-School Randwick... Sydney Water Sisters of Charity Westfield Eastgardens Run-Raiser Participants This animation will aim to educate young children about inclusion and acceptance of difference...and...employ autistic school leavers for the voice-overs (at actor award rates). Thank you to Maitree House, the production studio that is helping us bring the characters to life so we can have a national and global reach. Thanks also for believing in us and also for your pro-bono component!

01.01.2022 Warning....long post! Last month we had our NDIS review meeting for our 4th plan. It took me over a week to recover....Continue reading