WHAT IS I CAN NETWORK: INSIGHTS FROM AN I CAN MENTOR
My Discovery
The year was 2014. I was 25 years old, freshly graduated from university and feeling lost as an autistic adult. A challenging time with no real sense of direction and no strong community to lean on. As an autistic adult, I felt lost and alone.
I started attending a support group for young autistic adults, where I met a guy named Chris who was autistic like me. Chris told me he wanted to start his own organisation, the I CAN Network, run by autistics for autistics. It would focus on what autistic people CAN do, on our strengths and talents, on building networks around us that help us to say “I CAN do this”.
Right away, I knew I needed to be a part of this. Not only was this exactly what I’d been looking for, but it was also exactly what I needed when I was a freshly diagnosed teenager; a place where I was no longer the odd one out, where I could really feel like I belonged.
Over the next twelve years, the I CAN Network evolved into a thriving, autistic-led community. To me, “I CAN” isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s a daily reminder that our abilities and passions are worth celebrating. The I CAN Network isn’t just my workplace, but my tribe; a community where I can truly be myself.
What Is I CAN Network?
So, if you’re searching for an autistic group to join, you’ve found a great one! But what exactly is the I CAN Network? In short, the I CAN Network is an autistic-led group mentoring program that reaches and supports thousands of neurodivergent young people. We currently have mentoring programs in 163 Victorian government schools (and counting), offering:
- Mentoring Programs: Conducted by autistic/neurodivergent staff who truly understand the challenges and joys of being different in a mainstream environment.
- Online Mentoring: For young people aged 7-22, where we help boost confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging.
- Workshops & Talks: Professional development sessions for schools, workplaces, and the broader community, sharing insights on neurodiversity and inclusion.
- Resources: Practical materials and strategies to empower autistic teens, parents, and educators.
How I CAN Network Is Different
What sets us apart is our autistic-led approach. The majority of our team are autistic or otherwise neurodivergent, which means we genuinely “get it.” We remember being that child who felt out of place at school, and we use our lived experiences to support and empower the next generation.
At I CAN Network, we measure our success by tracking the impact on our mentees. We see:
- Improved Confidence: Young people learn to embrace their strengths.
- Better Communication Skills: Through group interactions and peer bonding.
- A Growing Sense of Belonging: Perhaps the most crucial outcome – KNOWING YOU’RE NOT ALONE!
Ready to Say “I CAN”?
As an autistic adult myself, I know how important it is to be accepted, and to have a network around you that believes in you. That’s what I found with I CAN Network, and that’s what we endeavour to provide for others.
If you’re looking for an autistic group or a supportive community that understands, I invite you to explore everything we offer at I CAN Network. Because together, we can break barriers whilst growing to our full potential.
