Find autism support workers near you
We know how hard it can be to attend social events and make new friends when you’re autistic. That's where a support worker can come in handy.
Our caring support workers can help you navigate public transport, accompany you to the movies, teach you how to prep meals, and everything in between.
Find an autism support worker for you or a loved one today.
Why choose Like Family?
Focus on social care
We focus on activities that can help anyone build social skills and participate in the community, like cooking, exercise, and arts & craft. View our support services.
Group activity options
Our 1:2 and 1:3 bookings are a great way to make friends and attend social events with the help of an autism support worker. Plus, you’ll save funding when you share support!
Simple, affordable support
Our 1:1 hourly rates are 11% below the NDIS price limit. There's no hidden fees and you don't need to negotiate pricing with your Carers. View our pricing.
Carers you can trust and rely on
We call our autism support workers “Social Carers” because of our focus on social support. They undergo a comprehensive vetting process, including an online values test, 2+ reference checks, and all appropriate industry checks (like an NDIS Worker Check).
We only approve applicants we'd want looking after our own families.
Hear Denise's story
Denise is the mother of Like Family Members Andre & Lawrence. She tells us what it's like raising autistic children, how she found Social Carer Philip through Like Family, and how he's helped Andre and Lawrence improve their independence and social skills.
Annette
All the Social Carers we have engaged with over several years have been absolutely fabulous and have been an enormous help for our daughter
Frequently asked questions
Where is Like Family located?
We're based in Sydney, though we provide autism support across many parts of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Can I use my NDIS funding with Like Family?
We've been a proud NDIS registered provider since 2016. You can use your NDIS funding to pay for bookings, or you can pay privately.
What type of activities can Like Family help with?
Our autism support workers can help you with a range of non-medical activities to build your independence, participate in the community and have fun. These include help with household tasks, meal preparation, arts & craft, transportation, and a buddy for social events. Whether you need a hand with the groceries or a hiking buddy, Like Family is here to help!
I have a child with autism. Can I join Like Family on their behalf?
Of course! Sign up as a Member here, then select "Friends & family".
What should I look for in an autism support worker?
With Like Family, you have complete choice and control over which support workers you work with. We'd recommend looking for people who are empathetic, reliable, have similar interests, and have experience working with autistic people. Read our guide to what to look for in an autism support worker.
I'd like to join Like Family. How can I get started?
Fantastic! First, you'll need to sign up as a Member here. Once you've created an account, post an Activity (job ad) describing what type of support you're looking for, when you need support, and how often. Social Carers will then apply to your Activity. You can also search for Social Carers in your local area and contact those who you think would be a good fit!
What is an autism Support Worker?
An autism support worker helps autistic people of all ages to enhance their independence, improve their quality of life, and participate more fully in their communities.
The support provided by a Like Family autism support worker is tailored to your specific needs and goals. They can help with:
- Assistance with daily living skills: Support workers can help with personal care tasks such as meal preparation, light household chores, budgeting, and other essential life skills.
- Social participation and community engagement: An autism support worker facilitates social interaction and community inclusion. This might involve accompanying individuals to social events, helping them to navigate public transport, or supporting them in pursuing hobbies and interests.
- Communication and social skills development: Support workers can use various techniques to help an autistic individual improve verbal and non-verbal communication, understand social cues, and build meaningful relationships.
- Emotional regulation and sensory sensitivity management: Autism support workers are trained to understand the sensory sensitivities and emotional challenges that some autistic people experience. They can help individuals develop coping strategies, manage anxiety, and create a safe and supportive environment.
- Learning and skill development: Support workers can assist with a wide range of learning and skill development activities, such as supporting educational goals, helping to develop job skills, and teaching independent living skills.
- Companionship and emotional support: Beyond practical assistance, autism support workers often provide valuable companionship and emotional support. They can be a trusted friend, a listening ear, and a source of encouragement.
Autism support workers typically have specialised training or experience in understanding autism spectrum disorder. They are knowledgeable about different communication styles, sensory needs, and positive behaviour support strategies. Their goal is to empower individuals with autism to achieve their full potential and live fulfilling lives.
What to look for in an autism support worker
Finding the right autism support worker is crucial for a positive and successful support experience. Here are some key qualities and skills to consider:
Empathy and understanding of autism
A good support worker should have a genuine understanding of autism spectrum disorder, including its diverse presentations, challenges, and strengths. They should be able to empathise with the individual's experiences and provide support with sensitivity and compassion.
Patience and a calm demeanour
Supporting someone with autism can require patience and a calm approach. A support worker should be able to remain patient in challenging situations, manage their emotions effectively, and create a relaxed and supportive environment.
Reliability and good communication skills
The support worker should be punctual, dependable, and consistent in their commitments. They should also have excellent communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, and be able to communicate clearly, respectfully, and in a way that the individual understands.
Experience working with individuals with autism
Prior experience working with individuals with autism is highly desirable. An experienced support worker will be familiar with common challenges and effective support strategies.
Relevant skills and interests
Consider the individual's specific needs and interests when choosing a support worker. For example, if the person enjoys music, it may be beneficial to find a support worker who shares that interest.
NDIS worker screening check
Ensure that the support worker has undergone an NDIS Worker Screening Check. This check helps to ensure the safety and well-being of people with disability.
Why choose a Like Family support worker for autism?
At Like Family, we call our support workers "Social Carers" because our primary focus is on fostering social interaction and community participation. We believe that meaningful social connections are essential for everyone, and our Social Carers are skilled in helping individuals with autism to build these connections.
We have a rigorous vetting process to ensure that our Social Carers are reliable, compassionate, and qualified. All our carers undergo an online values test, three reference checks, and NDIS Worker Screening Checks, and we only approve applicants we'd want looking after our own families.
We take the time to understand your specific needs, interests, and preferences, and we carefully match you with Social Carers who share similar interests and have the experience and skills to provide the support you require.
Like Family is a registered NDIS provider, which means you can use your NDIS funding to access our services. We're here to help you navigate the NDIS process and ensure you get the support you're entitled to. We offer simple, affordable support with hourly rates that are below the NDIS price limit. There are no hidden fees, and you don't need to negotiate pricing with individual carers.
We believe that you should have choice and control over your support. You can choose the Social Carers you work with and decide how your support is delivered.
With Like Family, you can find a caring, reliable, and experienced autism support worker who will work with you to achieve your goals and live your best life.