Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions?
You are in the right place
Social Living Solutions - General Questions
Q: What is Social living solutions?
A: Social Living Solutions is a Canberra-based organisation that provides neuroaffirming support, advocacy, and education for neurodivergent individuals and their families. We offer in-person services in the Canberra region and online support Australia-wide.
Q: Who do you support?
A: We work with:
- Autistic individuals, ADHDers, and people with different neurotypes
- Families of neurodivergent children and teens
- Educators and schools
- Neurodivergent young adults
- Organisations and workplaces seeking inclusion training
Q: What services do you offer?
A: Our core services include:
- The Family Empowerment Program (10-week group program)
- One-on-one parent coaching and advocacy
- Neuroaffirming support worker services
- Educator training and inclusive classroom strategies
- Online and in-person workshops
- Community education and speaking engagements
Q: do you only support families with a diagnosis?
A: No. We support families at any stage — whether you’re seeking answers, waiting for a diagnosis, or already navigating life post-diagnosis. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to access our services.
Q: Are your services ndis funded or claimable?
A: Yes, if the funding you want to use is self-managed or plan-managed.
There are three ways NDIS funding can be managed:
- Self-managed: you, or your plan nominee, pay providers directly and claim the cost back from the NDIS.
- Plan-managed: a plan manager pays providers for you and keeps track of your budget.
- NDIA-managed: the NDIA pays providers directly. This funding can only be used with NDIS-registered providers, so we are not able to accept it.
Different parts of the same plan can be managed in different ways. We’re happy to talk you through what fits your plan and goals.
Q: How do I check how my NDIS funding is managed?
A: Your NDIS plan shows how each part of your funding is managed. If you are not sure, ask your plan manager, support coordinator, or Local Area Coordinator. You can also call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
If your funding is NDIA-managed and you would like to work with us, you can ask the NDIS to change how it is managed at any time.
Not sure where you stand? Get in touch and we will talk it through with you.
Q: How are your Support Workers different?
A: All our support workers are trained in Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and neuroaffirming support practices. Many have lived experience and all bring deep empathy, patience, and skill to their work. We take great care to match clients with the right support worker.
Q: Where are your services delivered?
A: We offer in-person services across Canberra and surrounding regions (including Queanbeyan and Murrumbateman), and online coaching, advocacy, and training Australia-wide.
Q: How do I get Started with Social Living Solutions?
A: You can reach out via our contact form, email, or phone to discuss your needs. We offer free discovery calls to help you decide which service or program is right for you.
Q: Do you provide school-based or educator training?
A: Yes. We offer training for teachers, learning support officers, and school leaders on how to create neuroinclusive, safe, and supportive classroom environments. This includes practical strategies around sensory processing, emotional regulation, and communication.
Q: I am a neurodivergent young adult - can I access support directly?
A: Absolutely. We support neurodivergent individuals directly with mentoring, independent living support, goal planning, and workplace or study-related challenges. Whether you’re transitioning from school, navigating Centrelink or employment, or building independence, we can help.
Q: What is your approach to inclusion and advocacy?
A: We believe in true inclusion, not just compliance or accommodation. This means we work to shift systems — in schools, workplaces, and communities — so that neurodivergent people are not just accepted, but actively included, respected, and celebrated.
Can I reschedule a session?
Sessions may be rescheduled with 24 hours notice. We are flexible where possible, however a last minute cancellation may receive a fee.
Family Empowerment Program- FAQ's
Q: Who is the Family Empowerment Program for?
A: This program is designed for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and teens — including autistic children, ADHDers, and those with other neurotypes. Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or you're just beginning to explore neurodiversity, this program can support you.
Q: Do I need a diagnosis to join the program?
A: This program is designed for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and teens — including autistic children, ADHDers, and those with other neurotypes. Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or you're just beginning to explore neurodiversity, this program can support you.
Q: What if I've already done a parenting course?
A: Unlike general parenting programs, the Family Empowerment Program is specifically tailored for neurodivergent families. It provides neuroaffirming, practical tools — not generic advice — and is led by someone with lived experience and professional expertise.
Q: What topics are covered in the 10 weeks?
A: We cover a range of topics including:
- Understanding your child’s neurotype
- Navigating school and therapy systems
- Managing burnout and overwhelm
- Communication and emotional regulation
- Setting goals using the S.H.A.R.E. Framework
- Building stronger family connections
Q: Is the program suitable for single parents or non-traditional; families?
A: We cover a range of topics including:
- Understanding your child’s neurotype
- Navigating school and therapy systems
- Managing burnout and overwhelm
- Communication and emotional regulation
- Setting goals using the S.H.A.R.E. Framework
- Building stronger family connections
Q: What if I can't attend every session?
A: While we encourage you to attend all 10 sessions for the full benefit, we understand that life happens. If you miss a session, you’ll still receive the materials and support to stay on track.
Q: How much does the program cost? Is it NDIS claimable?
A: The program cost will be shared upon enquiry. For NDIS participants, funding may be claimable under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, depending on your plan. We can help you understand if it’s suitable for your child’s funding type.
Q: What support do I receive outside of the weekly hours?
A: You’ll have unlimited phone and email support throughout the 10-week program, so you’re never navigating things alone. You’ll also receive a copy of the Family Empowerment Program Workbook to guide your learning and application at home.
Q: Do both parents need to attend?
A: It’s not required, but it can be helpful. You’re welcome to attend solo or with a partner or co-carer — whatever works best for your family structure and availability.
Q: Is this a therapy program?
A: No, this is not therapy. The Family Empowerment Program is an education and advocacy-based support program, facilitated by an experienced advocate with lived experience and professional expertise. It complements, but does not replace, therapeutic services.
Q: Is this program available outside Canberra?
A: Currently, the Family Empowerment Program is delivered in person in Canberra. However, we offer online coaching and training services Australia-wide, and we’re working on expanding our reach in the future.
Contact Social Living Solutions
Empower yourself or your loved one with tools and strategies to thrive.
Send us an email or book in for a complimentary call where we can answer your questions and develop a plan to empower your journey.
