When you are busy caring for others, you may put your own needs last. Connect with our community of carers and peer support team to talk through your own situation and the types of support available to you and the person in your care.
Finding people who understand your experiences isn't always easy. We know that autism is different for everyone and being Autistic can come with co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety and intellectual disability. At our inclusive events you can be yourself, connect with like-minded people, ask questions and get support.
It takes a village to raise and support a family. Our neuroaffirming events create safe, judgement-free spaces where families can connect, celebrate strengths, access support and gain guidance to navigate everyday challenges.
Different Journeys began with a simple but powerful idea: to create the kind of space Merrin Ayton and Mel Spencer OAM wished existed for their own children.
As the organisation grew, so did their understanding of the broader challenges families were facing, particularly unpaid carers navigating complex systems with limited support. This led to the creation of Different Journeys’ carer peer support program, helping carers build confidence, access services, and advocate for themselves and their families.
What began as one community-led idea has grown into a vibrant, supportive organisation shaped by lived experience, connection and care.
Watch Mel and Merrin’s story of lived experience, connection and care.
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care and support to family members or friends who have:
– a disabilty
– mental illness
– chronic condition
– terminal illness
– an alcohol or other drug issue
– who are frail aged.
You don’t have to call yourself a carer. However, if you provide unpaid care or support to another person, you may be eligible for supports and services to make everyday life a little easier.
Peer support is when people with shared experiences come together to support, understand and learn from each other. At Different Journeys, 100% of our staff have first hand experience of autism or caregiving, allowing us to truly understand the challenges you might be experiencing and offer trusted advice. Because we use many of the same supports and services ourselves, we can offer unique insights and valuable tips that can only come from firsthand experience. That’s the Different Journeys difference!
When you email, call or submit a form to Different Journeys, your enquiry is handled by one of our trained staff. We will respond within 48 hours with guidance and trusted information.
Yes, absolutely! We meet you where you’re at. Some people come to Different Journeys events for support and some people come to connect with others. Whatever your reason, you’ll be welcomed to a safe, neuroaffirming space where you can be yourself.
No, Different Journeys does not offer crisis support.
If you require urgent help, contact:
Police, fire, ambulance: 000
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Suicide Line: 1300 651 251
If you require help, but it’s not urgent, contact:
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Beyond Blue: 1800 224 636
The Suicide Response Project (SRP) was created by researchers, academics, and psychologists together with autistic and LGBTIQA+ people who have lived through suicidal thoughts, their families, and those who have supported or lost someone to suicide. The SRP is here to guide you, and through its 8 Step Response, you’ll find clear, research-based information and simple, practical tips you can follow step by step.
Got a question or need help? Get in touch to find out more about our events.
