Northern Autism Network Inc

We are thrilled to announce the incorporation of Northern Autism Network! For over a decade, we've been a vibrant, peer-led community supporting Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent people across Melbourne’s north. This new chapter as an incorporated organisation marks a deeper commitment to fostering connection, inclusion, and belonging for everyone, grounded in a neurodiversity paradigm and trauma-informed approach.

Stay tuned as we continue to build out our new online home at northernautismnetwork.org.au. We're excited to share more about our ongoing initiatives and future directions soon!

At Northern Autism Network Incorporated, or (NAN Inc), our mission is to champion true inclusion and cultivate an understanding of what that looks, feels, and sounds like for Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent people. We are dedicated to:

• Advancing Health: Providing support to Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent people to reduce the distress, disadvantage, and vulnerability they may experience, particularly when navigating systems that are not neuroinclusive. This includes offering peer support, resources, and advocating for systemic changes that promote well-being.

• Advancing Education: Improving the understanding of neurodiversity and promoting neuroinclusive practices. We do this by educating the wider community, including professionals, employers, and service providers, on how to better support and interact with Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent people. Our focus is on shifting narratives from deficit to difference, highlighting the importance of environmental adaptations over individual modification.

• Promoting Mutual Respect, and Tolerance: We aim to foster mutual respect and tolerance between groups of individuals in Australia, particularly by promoting understanding and reducing conflict related to neurodivergence. This includes actively countering ableism, promoting equality, and promoting inclusion for Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent people to participate in all aspects of life without fear of discrimination. 

• Advancing Social & Public Welfare: Relieving the distress and disadvantage experienced by Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent people and their communities. We foster strong, neuroinclusive environments where individuals can thrive and participate fully. This involves building intentional peer networks, promoting self-advocacy, and advocating for equitable access to opportunities.  

The NAN Inc logo features dragonflies, which have many meanings for us. Their wings are crafted from intersecting infinity symbols, representing neurodiversity and the infinite variations in human minds and neurocognitive functioning. The dragonflies' flight paths form an overlapping triangle, symbolizing NAN Inc's multifaceted approach to creating a more inclusive community. Dragonflies themselves signify self-realisation, growth, and transformation. And importantly, Dragonfly Cafe is the amazing space where we found the strength to continue when we thought we'd lost everything we'd spent more than a decade building. 

The logo design originated from designer Ben Tantau, inspired by a Japanese comic, where a dragonfly denotes moments of understanding and epiphany - reflecting how NAN Inc helps others understand and embrace Autistic identity and balance wellbeing with living authentically in a neurotypical world. 

Our values are deeply rooted in respect, curiosity, openness, understanding, self-acceptance, ongoing learning, connection, advocacy, mutuality, co-design, and collaboration. 

We believe in creating Brave Spaces where everyone can learn and grow without fear of shame, acknowledging and supporting authentic Neurodivergent embodiment and communication. 

For more than 13 years, Northern Autism Network has been at the forefront of grassroots organising, systems advocacy, and peer-driven innovation. We've built relationships, shifted narratives, and championed inclusion, empowering Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent people to lead, grow, and belong.

Here are a few highlights of what we've accomplished:

• Community Leadership & Advocacy: Consistently brought visibility and credibility to the work of our Neurodiverse communities and peer-led models, engaging with senior politicians and collaborating with peak bodies like Carers Victoria, Amaze and the Strengthening Parent Support Program at MCM. 

• Youth Innovation & Digital Inclusion: Co-founded the Youth Gamers program in 2021 with Troy Tzotzis from Tech Together, creating neuroaffirming spaces for Autistic teens to connect and explore identity. This program was recognised by Amaze and has been a model for sustainable, self-determined disability leadership.

• Research & Evaluation: Partnered with Curtin University to evaluate the Youth Gamers Pilot, published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal  ‘That connection with community… it is just a positive thing’: Mentoring autistic adolescents participating in community coding programmes demonstrating how digital platforms foster belonging and self-expression for Autistic young people within peer-led, co-designed spaces.

• Resource Development: Collaborated with Amaze to produce valuable resources, including videos featuring Tech Together and members of our community, on healthy gaming and other topics.

• Community Support: Supported over 1,200 families through our active Facebook community, now transitioned towards sustainable online platforms.