Dear Friends, 

The I CAN team and I have the immense privilege of supporting thousands of Autistic young people through our strengths-based group mentoring programs in primary schools, high schools and online.

It's great to see so many young people ‘out and proud’ about their Autistic identity  - and to see the ripple effect their openness has on others.

Today is a day to celebrate each person in our network and where they are in their journey toward self-acceptance and pride. We also appreciate the key role mentors and other adults of influence - such as parents/carers, extended family, teachers and healthcare providers -  can play in nurturing that positive sense of self. 
Below are some valuable resources from within our team:

I CAN AUTISTIC-CRAFTED TIP SHEETS

1) Tips for Nurturing Self-Esteem & Pride in Autistic Young People, aimed at parents, teachers & other adults who care about Autistic youth.
 

2)  Always Remember: Important Reminders & Resources For Our Younger Autistic Peers is a tip sheet which Autistic young adults in our team developed for their younger Autistic peers.

3)  Tips & Resources for Autistic LGBTIQA+ Youth, includes tip sheets for young people, the adults who support them, as well as service providers.
 

I CAN ONLINE GROUP MENTORING

We are especially proud of our Autistic-led online group mentoring program, which has participants ages 8-22 from every state and territory in Australia (and a few from abroad as well!) Our mentors create a safe, fun and engaging environment where participants feel comfortable to be themselves.

In addition to our classic I CAN groups, we offer special interest groups (e.g. Minecraft, Anime, Star Wars, LEGO & more), I CAN Imagination Club® (non Autism-specific)  as well as groups for Autistic LGBTIQA+ teens and young adults.
 

The full details about our July online holiday program (July 4-8) and our next 6 week cycle (Cycle 3 - July 11 - August 18) can be found on our website.
 

A huge thank you to the many Autistic adults - including my 74 Autistic colleagues at I CAN who work everyday to create a world which is more inclusive and respectful of Autistic people. Autistic Pride Day is a chance for us to celebrate our work and the exciting events which lie ahead. 

Thank you for your support, 

Chris, on behalf of the I CAN Team

P.S: Here are also some books you can explore:

Just Right for You (children’s book - 2021) by Melanie Heyworth & illustrated by Celeste Jospehine Art

The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook for Autistic Teens & Tweens (2020) by Yenn Purkis & Tanya Masterman

The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide (2020) by 19-year-old Autistic advocate Siena Castellon

Shake It Up! How To Be Young, Autistic, And Make An Impact (coming soon - 2022 release) by young Autistic blogger Quincy Hansen. One of our wonderful mentors, Madi Kenna, is profiled.

Many more titles can be found here.