Forum for autism carers

By Casey Neill
KNOX families and carers of autistic children and young people can share their experiences and concerns and learn more about local services at a forum to be held in May.
The joint Knox Council and Uniting Care Community Options networking forum will feature roundtable discussions and interactive theatre performances.
Knox mayor Jim Penna said autism was a condition that affected many people.
“Families are affected very differently but they find help from each other very beneficial,” he said.
“The aim of the forum is to get families and carers with children with ASD together so they can network and share the experiences, challenges and joys in raising their children.”
Cr Penna said it was also an important opportunity to find out more about local care providers.
“If you’re caring for a child with autism this is an event definitely worth attending. If nothing else, it will show you that you’re certainly not alone,” he said.
Key note speaker at the forum will be author, artist, singer/songwriter, screenwriter and autism sufferer Donna Williams.
Ms Williams is the author of international best seller Nobody Nowhere: The Extraordinary Autobiography of an Autistic Girl.
“Donna Williams is an inspiration and an example of what a person with autism can achieve,” Cr Penna said.
The Networking Autism forum will be held on Saturday 24 May from 11am to 3.30pm in Meeting Rooms 3 and 4 at the Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Highway Wantirna South.
For more information or to RSVP people can contact Penelope Kircher at Knox Council on 9298 8000.
Carers can contact the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre by Monday 19 May on 1800 059 059 for respite care on the day.