Friendship, confidence and pride at the heart of All Stars for Autism’s Telethon Teen Mentoring Program

When Zoe Connell was diagnosed with autism at the age of nine, she yearned to meet and interact with other kids like her.

But to her mother Katie’s surprise she couldn’t find any suitable groups for kids Zoe’s age, until she came across an information stall at Telethon highlighting All Stars for Autism.

The founders of the charity were once just like Katie: mums of autistic kids who struggled to find a welcoming, whole-family social group, which celebrated and encouraged their unique, brilliant children.

So Cara Cunningham and Jo McMillan created such a group themselves and, in the six years since, they have formed a nurturing space where autistic children can learn new skills, form lasting friendships and have fun alongside their peers.

Young teens are also connected with older autistic role models — something often missing during the crucial years of early adolescence — through the Telethon Teen Mentoring Program.

It was through this program that Zoe, now 12, met 16-year-old Issy Cameron last year. Each week, they met at the Joondalup Family Centre alongside other teens and took part in guided sessions such as baking, arts and crafts, and gaming and digital media.

As they spent time together they also learnt about each other’s interests. Zoe loves KPop Demon Hunters and collects Squishmallows — 250 and counting — while Issy does mixed martial arts, is an avid reader and enjoys arts and crafts.

Both Zoe and Issy, who was diagnosed at age eight, had limited opportunities to be around other autistic people before starting at All Stars for Autism.

“I liked being around people who were similar to me,” Issy said of the program, which pays its teen mentors a wage in recognition of their contribution and to further enhance their confidence and sense of pride.

Issy’s mum Tara said the joy and friendship that developed not only benefited the teens, but both families also witnessed a magical ripple effect.

“Issy just came alive; she realised there were other people out there like her, and they’re amazing,” Tara said.

“And she realised she didn’t have to hide, or to feel as though she was different. She’s just got this profound confidence to go out in the community now because she stepped away from the very isolated experience of just being the only one who’s autistic.

“The neurodivergent community should be embraced, it’s a gift.”

While Katie said that Zoe “came out of her shell, she was happier, more confident and she was proud of who she was”.

Zoe is now hoping to become a teen mentor herself when she’s older.

Issy has since moved into another of the charity’s programs, Rising Stars, which continues employment and leadership opportunities for autistic teens after the mentoring program.

At All Stars for Autism, Ms Cunningham said autistic mentors thrived when provided with their first employment and leadership opportunity.

“That’s often something that’s not given to a lot of these kids,” she said.

“And when they see that they’re able to help younger autistic children, it really helps with their confidence and they’re seeing themselves as leaders.

“We really focus on having a proud autistic identity, which is something that’s not deficit focused.

“We speak about it very positively, we want them to be proud of who they are. The flow-on effect is that the kids begin to feel more understood, and they open up and they talk about some of those tricky things that have come up for them.”

Involving parents and siblings is also crucial to the charity’s work, according to Ms Cunningham.

“We focus on the whole family and not just the autistic child... and parents are seeing these real opportunities out there for our kids,” she said.

“And that’s why we’re so thankful to Telethon. It’s our fifth year now and we’ve seen so many kids come through in that time that have gone on to do incredible things, going to university and living full and beautiful lives, and that’s what we want for them.”