Resources for Families
Below are independent Australian organisations, helplines and resources that families often find useful. We share them as a starting point. They are not part of Hunter Children's Clinics, and this page is general information only — please talk to your GP, paediatrician, or treating clinician about your individual child.
Understanding autism
- Autism Connect — A free national phone and online helpline offering autism information and peer support, delivered by Amaze. 1300 308 699
- Reframing Autism — An Autistic-led charity offering neurodiversity-affirming information and resources for families.
- Positive Partnerships — A government-funded program with free workshops and resources supporting autistic school-aged children, their families and educators.
Understanding ADHD
- ADHD Australia — A national not-for-profit providing information and advocacy for people affected by ADHD.
- AADPA (Australian ADHD Professionals Association) — The body behind Australia's ADHD clinical guidelines, with plain-language factsheets for families.
Child development and general health
- Raising Children Network — Australia's government-funded parenting website, with evidence-based articles on child development from birth to adolescence.
- healthdirect — A free government-funded service with trusted health information and a symptom checker.
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- NOFASD Australia — A national organisation supporting individuals, families and carers affected by Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). 1800 860 613
Funding and navigating the system
- NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) — Information on eligibility, access and disability supports.
- Thriving Kids / Foundational Supports — New national supports for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs, being progressively introduced from October 2026.
- Carer Gateway — A national program of practical and emotional support services for carers. 1800 422 737
- Siblings Australia — Support and resources for brothers and sisters of children with disability or chronic conditions.
- IPTAAS (NSW) — The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme, helping eligible rural and remote families with travel and accommodation costs where treatment is not available locally (distance eligibility rules apply).
Information current as of 16 July 2026 — this section changes with government updates.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
- Awabakal — An Aboriginal community-controlled organisation providing medical, family and community health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and the Hunter.
- Wandiyali — A Newcastle-based Aboriginal organisation providing children's, family and early-intervention services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across the Hunter.
- AH&MRC of NSW — The peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in NSW; use its member finder to locate your nearest Aboriginal Medical Service.
- SNAICC – National Voice for our Children — The national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, with resources supporting wellbeing and connection to culture.
- See also 13YARN in the crisis support section below — a 24/7 line staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters.
Learning and school
- SPELD NSW — Support, assessment information and resources for people with specific learning differences such as dyslexia.
Neurodiversity and affirming perspectives
- Reframing Autism — Autistic-led, neurodiversity-affirming education and community for families.
- Yellow Ladybugs — An organisation supporting autistic girls, women and gender-diverse young people through community and affirming resources.
- I CAN Network — An Autistic-led organisation offering mentoring and group programs that celebrate autistic strengths.
- NeuroWild — An Australian neurodiversity-affirming speech pathologist and illustrator creating plain-language, visual resources that help families and educators understand and support autistic and ADHD children.
For young people and crisis support
- Kids Helpline — Free, confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling for young people aged 5–25. 1800 55 1800
- headspace — National youth mental health support for people aged 12–25.
- Lifeline — 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention. 13 11 14
- 13YARN — A 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters. 13 92 76
In an emergency, or if a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Related reading: our autism assessment, ADHD assessment and care, psychology, and NDIS services pages.
The organisations listed here are independent of Hunter Children's Clinics. We share them as a starting point for families and do not control or endorse their content. This page is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP, paediatrician, or treating clinician. Please talk to us or your GP about your individual child. Last reviewed July 2026.
Content reviewed July 2026
