About Active Autism
Active Autism is a group program for children with autism to experience the joy and benefits of physical activity. It is where they can run, play and enjoy sport in a safe and supportive space that is designed for them.
Each Active Autism session includes a mini obstacle course (soft play, balance beams, small climbs etc), space to run, and a weekly sport/game such as softball, mini basketball, cricket etc. We have a beautiful big room to operate in so there is lots of space, and we also have access to a range of purpose built breakout areas.
Active Autism sessions are 45 minutes long and we run 3 sessions per day on multiple days of the week, in 8-week blocks during school term times. Our intent is to operate 3 days per week in Term 3 2025, most likely Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays but that is not confirmed yet. We would like to introduce school holiday programs in the future.
We currently cater for ages 2-7.
Parent participation is essential.
The key is, we provide opportunities for our children to participate in being active, but nobody is pressured to join in with anything. This is critical. We do this in a strengths-based environment in which we celebrate the gifts, strengths, and achievements of our incredible little sports!
What we provide
Designed space and activities – an environment that is intentional but flexible with no pressure to conform
Encouragement – our facilitators are there to inspire, reassure, and reinforce with the care and attention our children deserve, but we will never force interaction if autonomy is what’s needed
Consistency – slight changes in the course layout and focus sport each week, but the overall setup and session flow remains the same
Opportunity – above all else, the chance for our children with autism to take part in activities that other children can, with no judgement and no expectation
What we don’t provide
Childminding – this is a parent (or other carer) participation program
Therapy – whilst we are fortunate enough to benefit from a multitude of therapy-related experience within our team, we are a community activity program, not a therapy provider
Tailored advice – we will absolutely support the children to grow within our group environment, but providing one-on-one programs or advice to parents is not within our scope of practice
The Role
We are building a pool of facilitators to operate the program and are currently recruiting for multiple people. Each session has a lead facilitator and at least one support facilitator to work alongside parents in maximising the opportunity for our children.
Active Autism facilitators must have a passion for working with children and have a naturally engaging, friendly and warm presence, with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to supporting the autism community.
In order to give the best service and experience to our families – who are at the centre of everything we do, we require our facilitators to be dependable, flexible, collaborative, respectful, honest, and positive.
– National Police Clearance
– Working with Children’s Check
– Current First Aid Certificate (lead facilitator)
Primary responsibilities of the Support Facilitator position are:
- Help set up the session, ensuring everything is ready and safe for the children
- Take the lead on parent interaction during the session, helping to ensure that parents are fully engaged in their children’s activity – there will be time and space to hang out and chat afterwards!
- Support the Lead Facilitator in delivering the session, including helping the children to participate alongside parents
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with families
- Support the lead facilitator with participant administration, if required
- Help pack up the session, ensuring the venue is left as we found it
- Take responsibility for ensuring own knowledge of processes and requirements, liaising with the lead facilitator as the primary point of contact for information
Work experience in an early education and/or autism setting is desirable but definitely not essential – your heart for our children is the most important thing.
The role is offered on a flexible basis as part of a pool of people. You can nominate yourself for single or multiple regular shifts, and/or be available to fill in on an ad hoc basis. We will likely require facilitation for 9-10 hours with the children per week, with the potential to support other tasks involved in running the program too if you have the skills and desire to help behind the scenes. You will need to have an ABN (casual employment may be considered in exceptional circumstances). Please click below to apply for the role.
If you require an alternative means of applying, please contact us at info@activeautism.org
In addition, we also welcome volunteers who would like to support this initiative and be part of growing the Active Autism community. Please contact us at info@activeautism.org if you have any questions or would like to express your interest in volunteering with the program.
Active Autism 