I CAN ONLINE
We offer Autistic-led online group mentoring programs for 7 – 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. NOW OPEN: Our January 2025 program & Cycle 1. See more details below:
Please see our KEY DETAILS PDF and Terms and Conditions at the bottom of this page. Alternatively you can email us at: online@icannetwork.com.au
*All I CAN Mentors and staff have completed our child protection training and hold current WORKING WITH CHILD CHECKS OR BLUE CARDS. To read more about our specific groups and what we offer, click on the WHAT WE OFFER 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: 7-13 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.
Girls & Gender Diverse: 8-22 years old
Join our NEW vibrant group created for girls and gender-diverse young people to come together, support one another, and celebrate positive identity. Led by experienced mentors, our community provides a safe and inclusive space in which mentees foster social connections whilst exploring topics relevant to building up positive identity, belonging and confidence. Groups are formed based on age and stage.
Please see our KEY DETAILS pdf. for more information or email us at: online@icannetwork.com.au
All I CAN Mentors and staff have completed our child protection training and hold current Working With Children Checks.
2025 HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
What & When: I CAN Online x 5 sessions (70 min each) January 13-17
Afternoon Sessions: 5:00pm – 6:10pm (7-13 yrs)
Transition to High School, Dogs, The Emotion Navigators, Server Play: Introduction to Minecraft *No Prior Knowledge only, YouTubers and Content Creators, Dragons
Evening Sessions: 6:30pm – 7:40pm (8-22 yrs)
Transition to High School, Dogs, The Emotion Navigators, Heartstopper, YouTubers and Content Creators, Music/TV/Streaming The Stream Team
GROUP DESCRIPTIONS
*Click on the heading to apply.
Music/TV/Streaming The Stream Team: Your go-to gang for all things streaming – discussing favourite shows, binge-worthy series, and must-see movies across platforms.
The Emotion Navigators
Building practical tools to support your young person to develop their emotional regulation and awareness. Give them the skills to navigate emotions, build inner strength, and tackle life’s adventures with confidence and calm.
Transition to High School
Starting high school in 2025? Our I CAN Online mentors know first hand what it is like; the first day, navigating schedules, homework. Join them and other people just like you to get prepared. *This group fills quickly! – Apply Now
YouTubers and Content Creators
A group where your young person can meet to discuss their favourite YouTubers and online content creators, including diving into the latest vlogs and tutorials.
Introduction to Minecraft *No prior knowledge needed
A welcoming space for newcomers to explore the enchanting world of Minecraft! This group is designed for those with no prior knowledge, offering a friendly environment to learn the basics of gameplay, building, and crafting. Join us for hands-on sessions where we’ll cover everything from navigating the interface to embarking on your first adventures. Whether you want to create stunning structures, collaborate on projects, this is the perfect place to start your Minecraft journey with fellow beginners! We will be using a mixture of Zoom and server learning (Bedrock / Creative mode) to get you confident in interacting with the exciting world of Minecraft!
The Stream Team
Your go-to gang for all things streaming—discussing favorite shows,
binge-worthy series, and must-see movies across platforms.
Heartstopper
A cozy community for teens who love Heartstopper! Join us to dive into the heartwarming stories of Charlie and Nick, discussing the themes of friendship and LGBTQ+ representation. Whether you’re a fan of the graphic novels, the Netflix series, or both, this group is a safe space to share your thoughts, favorite moments, and fan theories.
Who: 8 – 9 “mentees/participants” join two of our I CAN mentors. All of our groups are offered on a mixed gender basis. We group participants as close to their age bracket as possible. *Claim on NDIS. *Note: All I CAN Staff are trained and hold current ‘Working with Children Checks’.
NOTE: Age groups are advertised broadly, we group participants as close to their age bracket as possible. As a guide : 8- 13 years, 13-17 years & 17-22 years – this may vary in special interest groups.
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.
SCHEDULE – CYCLE 1
February 10 – March 28, 2025
MONDAY
5pm – 6pm (7-13 years) (AEDT)
Drawing & Art Junior
Pokemon
Warrior Cats
6:30pm-7:30pm (8-22 years) (AEDT)
Gaming
The Emotion Navigators
Dogs
Pokemon
Star Wars
TUESDAY
5pm – 6pm (7-13 years) (AEDT)
I CAN Imagination Club® Primary School
Dogs
Roblox
6:30pm-7:30pm (8-22 years) (AEDT)
Harry Potter
Anime
Dungeons & Dragons
Minecraft
Executive Functioning (13-22)
WEDNESDAY
5pm – 6pm (7-13 years) (AEDT)
Minecraft
Roblox
The Emotion Navigators
6:30pm-7:30pm (8-22 years) (AEDT)
Drawing & Art
Roblox
I CAN Year 7
Embracing Autism (13-22)
Young Adults (17-22)
THURSDAY
5pm – 6pm (7-13 years) (AEDT)
Gaming
Cats
The Thinking Explorers
6:30pm-7:30pm (8-22 years) (AEDT)
Minecraft
Wings of Fire
LGBTIQA+ (13-22)
AFL
Five Nights at Freddy’s
FRIDAY
5pm – 6pm (7-13 years) (AEDT)
Drawing & Art Junior
YouTube & Content Creators
Lego
6:30pm-7:30pm (8-22 years) (AEDT)
YouTube & Content Creators
Roblox
Cosplay (13-22)
Executive Functioning Skills (13-22)
Gaming
HOW TO APPLY
NEW ENQUIRIES
Applications are open all year round. However, spaces are limited and whilst we may not be able to offer every applicant a place in the current intake, you will be placed on the waitlist and contacted as soon as a spot becomes available. Click here to apply.
ALREADY AN I CAN MENTEE?
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. Click here to apply.
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 online@icannetwork.com.au
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
To participate you/ your young person need to:
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.
Be 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.
