I CAN ONLINE
We offer Autistic-led online group mentoring programs for 8 – 22-year-old Autistic people. Our program builds confidence and social connection in a safe, positive environment. Autistic young people are able to be themselves, share their interests and common experiences with peers and benefit from I CAN Mentors as role models. With over 350 participants each cycle we are proving our program is effective. *All I CAN Mentors and staff have completed our child protection training and hold current Working With Children Checks or Blue Cards. To read more about our specific groups and what we offer, click on the button below.
WHAT WE OFFER
I CAN Groups- 8-22 years old
I CAN Groups are designed for Autistic children, teens & young adults and cover numerous topics including but not limited to: self esteem, change, transitions, Autistic identity, self-care, relaxation, stress, strengths and many more topics that change on a rotating basis. These groups offer a safe space for participants to connect with peers who they can relate to due to shared experiences.
I CAN IMAGINATION CLUB-8-13 years old
I CAN Imagination Club® offers a safe, engaging environment where Mentees are encouraged to recognise and celebrate their own strengths. Participants do not need a diagnosis of any sort in order to join and benefit from the I CAN Imagination Club®. They are invited to take part because of their ‘big imaginations’ and we do not explicitly discuss Autism. All topics will be covered in an age-appropriate way and may include but are not limited to: belonging, self-esteem, self-care, social groups, interests, sensory needs, change and transitions. This is most suited to those in their primary school years.
I CAN Special Interest Groups (Topics Vary)- 8-22 years old
I CAN Special Interest Groups are designed for Autistic children, teens & young adults to connect to peers and mentors with the same special interest and share these passions and shared experiences with others in a safe and fun environment. The content will be based on the special interest chosen and the content changes on a rotating basis to cater for ongoing participation across the year.
I CAN LGBTIQA+ 13-22 years old
I CAN LGBTIQA+ is designed for Autistic teens and young adults who identify as LGBTIQA+ (including those who are questioning). This group offers a safe space for participants to connect with peers and mentors who can relate and explore topics including, but not limited to: Autistic & Queer identity, pronouns, Queer culture, belonging, gender, sexuality, social connections, self-care, emotion regulation and sensory needs.
Please see our KEY DETAILS pdf. for more information or email us at: [email protected]
All I CAN Mentors and staff have completed our child protection training and hold current Working With Children Checks or Blue Cards.
NOW OPEN – Express your interest
Cycle 4: 5th September – 17th October – CLICK HERE
“The impact I CAN mentoring has had on my child’s mental health has been overwhelming. She’s coping better in school, talking more with family, and has enthusiasm for things again. It has definitely helped her out of a dark period and I am so, so grateful.” – Parent of an Online Mentee
Please see our KEY DETAILS pdf. for more information or email us at: [email protected]
when
6 x 1 hour sessions
The cycles dates for 2022:
Cycle 4: 5th September – 17th October 2022: Now Open Express Your Interest.
Cycle 5: 7th November – 5th December 2022
HOW
Participants join a live video conference via ‘Zoom’. You will gain instant access to the video conference by clicking on each Zoom session link we provide you after you have completed the registration process.
PRICE
$285 AUD for 6 x sessions
*NDIS Self-Managed or Plan Managed participants can be accepted. I CAN Network Ltd is not an NDIS registered provider although NDIA Managed participants are welcome to pay for the program privately.
NDIS Reports
Cost $165 excl. GST
Invoiced week 5-6 of the online cycle
NDIS report is written upon payment and sent to the participant within one month from the final session of the online cycle.
The report will cover the progress made over the six week period which is based on observation through that time frame. We comment on communication, social engagement, behaviour, participation and areas for improvement and recommendations.
The report is used by families if they are funded by NDIS as each family is required to submit reports to assist secure future funding in their planning review meeting.
Who
8 – 9 “mentees” join two I CAN mentors. Each team includes one Autistic mentor and in most instances, both are Autistic. All of our groups are offered on a mixed gender basis.
NOTE: Age groups are advertised broadly, we will group participants as close to their age bracket as possible. As a guide we generally group within the following: 8- 13 years, 13-17 years & 17-22 years – this may vary in special interest groups.
ONLINE SCHEDULE – cycle 4
MONDAY
AFTERNOON
4:30-5:30PM (AEST)
I CAN Imagination Club® – *Non Autism Specific. *Ages 8-13 GROUP
Star Wars
harry potter
6:40-7:40PM (AEST)
HARRY POTTER
AGES 13-22 GROUP
STAR WARS
AGES 13-22 GROUP
MARVEL
AGES 13-22 GROUP
gaming
Jurassic Park
TUESDAY
AFTERNOON
4:30-5:30PM (AEST)
DINOSAURS
AGES 8-13 GROUP
ROBLOX
AGES 8-13 GROUP
——————–
EVENING
6:40-7:40PM (AEST)
I CAN GROUP
AGES 8-17 GROUP
GAMING
Ages 8-22 GROUP
POKEMON
Ages 8-17 GROUP
ANIME
WEDNESDAY
AFTERNOON
4:30-5:30PM (AEST)
MINECRAFT
AGES 8-13 GROUP
——————-
EVENING
6:40-7:40PM (AEST)
DRAWING & ART
AGES 8-17 GROUP
LEGO
AGES 8-17 GROUP
fashion Design
AGES 8-17 GROUP
I CAN GROUP
AGES 17-22 GROUP
ROBLOX
AGES 8-22 GROUP
THURSDAY
AFTERNOON
4:30-5:30PM (AEST)
GAMING
AGES 8-13 GROUP
POKEMON
AGES 8-13 GROUP
——————-
EVENING
6:40-7:40PM (AEST)
lgbtiqa+
AGES 13-22 GROUP
HEARTSTOPPER
AGES 13-22 GROUP
minecraft
Ages 8-22 GROUP
afl
AGES 8-17 GROUP
dungeons & dragons
AGES 13-22 GROUP
ANIMALS & THE NATURAL WORLD
AGES 8-22 GROUP
ROBLOX
AGES 8-22 GROUP
how to apply
To express interest for yourself or your young person, click on the “Expression of Interest” button to fill out our application form, including if you are an existing I CAN mentee and would like to re-enrol. If you would like to participate in more than one group at a time, please fill the form out for each group.
For more information please see our KEY DETAILS pdf at the bottom of our Terms and Conditions. If you have any further questions, please write to us at [email protected]
Terms and conditions
To participate you/ your young person need to be:
- Currently in one of the age groups specified and located in Australia.
- Aware that they are Autistic, unless participating in the I CAN Imagination Club® group.
- Comfortable engaging via online and understanding that this may provide some sensory challenges for individuals who are sound sensitive as the online environment may prove to be noisy in some sessions.
- Willing to take part in a group activity in the afternoon or evening (this can be difficult for some individuals who need significant “down time” in the evening, so please consider preferences and needs)
- Can attend the allocated day and time.
- Are aware that an Expression of Interest form has been submitted and is willing to participate.
- Understand that a cancellation policy is in place and is willing to accept its terms upon acceptance of a spot.
- Will need to be able to abide by our ICT terms and conditions which ensure online safety and positive cyber participation.
