Our goal is to help you live well, stay connected and maintain independence in the place you feel most comfortable: home.
Inclusive Social Groups Where Everyone Belongs
CONNECT is a social program designed to help people of all ages and neurotypes build friendships, explore interests, and feel part of a community — without pressure, judgement, or expectations to be anyone but yourself.
We celebrate diverse ways of communicating, thinking and experiencing the world. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, enjoy shared activities, or simply spend time in a space where you feel safe and understood, CONNECT gives you that opportunity.
Here, connection means being accepted exactly as you are.
Social Groups Designed for Comfort, Safety and Genuine Connection
CONNECT groups are calm, inclusive spaces where you can interact at your own pace. Every group is supported by trained facilitators who ensure everyone feels welcomed and respected.
In each CONNECT group, you can expect:
There is no pressure to talk, perform, or participate in any particular way. You choose how you want to be involved.
Participation Is Always Your Choice
CONNECT is built around comfort and autonomy — you decide what feels right. Our facilitators support you whether you’re ready to participate or prefer to watch and ease in gradually.
Express Yourself Your Way
CONNECT supports people to strengthen communication in ways that feel natural and authentic, not forced or scripted.
We focus on:
Every activity is designed to promote self-expression, comfort and belonging.
Respectful, Neurodiversity-Affirming and Person-Led CONNECT groups are built on four core principles:
We see autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent identities as natural human variation — not something to be changed.
You know yourself best. We co-design plans, goals and activities with you.
We prioritise autonomy, sensory safety, choice and clear communication.
All neurotypes, communication styles, cultural backgrounds, genders and support needs are welcome.
Current and upcoming locations
CONNECT programs run in purpose-designed spaces that feel safe, welcoming and sensory-friendly.
Hornsby, NSW — The Connect Lounge Ascot, QLD — The Connect Lounge Deception Bay, QLD — The Connect Lounge
Coffs Harbour, NSW — Purpose-built CONNECT hub Wauchope, NSW — Purpose-built CONNECT hub
More locations are planned as our community grows.
A Social Space Designed Around You
CONNECT is an inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming program offering safe social spaces for people of all ages and neurotypes to connect, build friendships and express themselves comfortably.
No. CONNECT is open to everyone. Many participants are autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent, but anyone who values inclusive, supportive spaces is welcome.
Yes! We will speak with you about your needs and help match you with the right CONNECT group.
Groups are relaxed and flexible. You can talk, play games, join activities or simply sit quietly. Participation is always optional — you choose what feels comfortable.
No. Anyone can join CONNECT.
If you do have a plan, we can help you understand how CONNECT fits within social and community participation funding.
All ages. We run programs for school-age children, teenagers and adults, with activities tailored to each group.
Currently in Hornsby (NSW) and Ascot & Deception Bay (QLD), with Coffs Harbour and Wauchope coming soon.
We use a neurodiversity-affirming approach that celebrates differences rather than trying to change them. Communication is flexible, participation is chosen, and authenticity is encouraged.
“Neurodivergent” describes people whose brains work differently from what society considers typical — including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and more. These differences are natural and valid.
Asperger’s is now part of the broader autism spectrum. How you identify is up to you — we respect your choice.
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication — tools like sign language, communication boards, apps or speech-generating devices. CONNECT welcomes all forms of communication.