Autism Launchpad Takes Off

   

Hooray! There’s a brand new Australian website for teenagers and young adults on the spectrum and their families.

Launchpad is chock full of information and advice about the transition from school into adult life: study, social life, working life, health, social media, self-advocacy and then what to do if you’re ever on the wrong side of the law.

This website is the brainchild of Vicki Gibbs, a psychologist who leads the Diagnostic Assessment Team at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect.) Vicki’s son Harry is now 19 years old and in his first year out of school.

Vicki asked me to help her find and put together all the resources and information young people and their families need at this crucial time.

Big thanks to the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care for funding the website.

       

Researching and writing this site has been very similar to writing a book. It has as much information and has taken as much work.

But the great thing is, a website can be easily updated as things change, and new information can be added all the time. Plus we have used heaps on cool photos and really useful videos.

There are heaps of personal stories on the site, and we’re hoping that more will be sent in.

On a personal note, I have learned everything I need to know over the next few years as my own son transitions from school.

Plus, and it’s a big plus, I love working on really worthwhile projects.

It’s felt very much like writing the first Australian Autism Handbook – a privilege and a pleasure to spread necessary information and to feel useful to other families.

Now then, does anyone know a heavy metal band looking for a drummer?