Living on the Spectrum launched new name. Kids on the Spectrum officially launched their new name in spectacular style last Tuesday night. Kids on the Spectrum is now called Living on the Spectrum. The new name reflects the increased adult and carer supports now available on the free website.
Living on the Spectrum launched new name.
According to the recent Senate inquiry report on Autism, Autistic people have a life expectancy 20–36 years shorter than the general population, with over two times the mortality rate.
This information was not a surprise to Anita Aherne. In 2015/16, Anita was battling to save her suicidal son’s life. An all too familiar situation for families with autistic and neurodivergent children and individuals. She realised the difficulty in locating supports quickly and in one location. Parents like her were wasting time searching for help. She decided to change this. She launched Australia’s first national autism directory and neurodiversity hub.
Living on the Spectrum was first launched in Nov 2019, initially called, Kids on the Spectrum. It was a directory of organisations, products, and events that could assist her family. Anita fully funded the website herself.
Today, Anita is proud to announce that she has just launched a new website and has changed the website’s name to, Living on the Spectrum. The demand was no surprise; thousands flocked to the website desperately for help.
Why this is a vital resource.
As her children grew into adults, it was again clear that there was a lack of information available for neurodivergent adults. Autistic and neurodivergent kids don’t stop needing assistance when they turn 18. Their needs can grow, especially around employment and independent living.
Neurodivergent individuals are often forced to “Fit in” or mask their autism. It can take its toll on mental health. It can then snowball and lead to unemployment, social isolation, and even homelessness, among the few negative repercussions of not finding like-minded people who understand an individual’s needs. Autism and neurodiversity can be a positive thing if supported and accepted.
Since launching Living on the Spectrum, Anita has received her diagnosis. She lived for almost 50 years with what she thought was an acquired brain injury. Anita can now appreciate that a connected community that can access information promptly can significantly impact life outcomes. Making a change is vital; lives depend on it.
Anita and her team hosted a launch at the Melbourne Zoo to celebrate the new website and name. The event was attended by carers, parents, and industry experts, all coming together to make a change.
As part of the event Mrs Aherne hosted a live panel discussion on the topic of;
What impact can we make NOW to improve the average lifespan of neurodivergent individuals?
Panel guests were Mel Spencer from Different journeys, Daryl Giles from Speaking Insights and Annelil Desille from Own Your Mental.
You can watch the panel discussion below.
For more information on Living on the Spectrum and to access Living on the spectrum head to www.livingonthespectrum.com