MyTime

One of my strongest recommendations. MyTime offers facilitated peer-support groups for parents and carers of children with disability, developmental delay or other additional needs. Groups meet in person and online, and some sessions accommodate preschool-aged children.

Best for: Parents who want regular, relaxed conversations with others in similar situations.

Carer Gateway

Offers facilitated local peer groups and a moderated online community where carers can share experiences, ask questions and connect with others. Not limited to parents of neurodivergent children.

Best for: Parents looking for connection alongside practical carer support.

Yellow Ladybugs

Provides connection and community opportunities, particularly for families of autistic girls and gender-diverse young people. Includes parent communities and state-based networks.

Best for: Families navigating masking, friendships, school and identity.

Peer Connect

Free Directory

A searchable directory of disability peer networks across Australia, including online groups, carer communities and disability-specific networks.

Best for: Families who aren’t sure what groups exist in their area.

Amaze

Provides information about autism support groups and connections to local communities. Useful for finding people with similar experiences and identifying nearby organisations.

Best for: Families looking for autism-specific connections and support pathways.

Different Journey’s

Offers community events, peer-support dinners, social activities and opportunities for autistic people and their families to connect. Also provides one-to-one peer support for carers.

Best for: Families wanting in-person connection and social opportunities where neurodivergence is understood.

Autism Valued

Runs a monthly online Parents & Carers Group facilitated by people with lived experience. Welcomes families at different stages of the diagnostic journey, including those without a formal diagnosis.

Best for: Parents who want a regular, informal space to share experiences and ask questions.

ACD- Advocating for Children with Disabilities

Helps families find disability support groups, peer communities and local parent networks. Its Strengthening Parent Support Coordinators program is especially useful for finding connections close to home.

Best for: Families who want to find a local group but don’t know where to begin.

Carers Victoria

Maintains information about carer support groups throughout Victoria, including groups focused on autism and neurodivergence.

Best for: Parents wanting local connections, regular meetups and carer-focused support.