Our Community

At Autism Dad, the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and child-safe environment for all families attending our events, playdates, workshops, and community activities.

1. Child Safety Commitment

Autism Dad has zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, neglect, discrimination, bullying, or unsafe behaviour of any kind. All children have the right to feel safe, respected, supported, and included regardless of ability, diagnosis, culture, gender, communication style, or support needs.

We are committed to:

• Listening to and respecting children and families

• Promoting inclusive and neuroaffirming practices

• Providing safe and sensory-considerate environments

• Maintaining appropriate supervision during activities

• Responding promptly to safety concerns or incidents

2. Parent / Carer Responsibility

Autism Dad events are family-supported community events and are not drop-off services unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Parents, carers, or support workers remain responsible for:

• Supervising the child/children in their care at all times

• Managing toileting, feeding, medication, and personal care needs

• Supporting emotional regulation where required

• Informing organisers of any significant safety concerns, allergies, or behaviours that may impact participation

Children must remain within sight of their supervising adult unless otherwise arranged with organisers.

3. Supervision Standards

To help maintain a safe environment:

• Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times

• Higher-risk activities (water play, climbing equipment, cooking activities, excursions, etc.) may require closer one-to-one supervision

• Organisers and volunteers assist in maintaining overall event safety but do not replace parental supervision responsibilities

• Any unsafe behaviour, wandering risks, aggressive behaviour, or hazards should be reported to organisers immediately

4. Volunteers & Team Members

All Autism Dad volunteers and team members working directly with children are expected to:

• Hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) where required

• Follow respectful and appropriate boundaries with children

• Avoid being alone with a child where possible

• Report any child safety concerns immediately

• Promote inclusive and supportive interactions

5. Photography & Privacy

Photos or videos may only be taken respectfully and with consent where appropriate. Families are encouraged to avoid photographing other children without permission from their parents or carer.

6. Safe & Inclusive Environment

We strive to create spaces that are:

• Neuroaffirming and judgement-free

• Sensory considerate where possible

• Inclusive of all communication styles and support needs

• Supportive of emotional regulation and movement needs

Families are encouraged to communicate any accommodations or support requirements before or during events.

7. Reporting Concerns

Any child safety concern, incident, injury, or inappropriate behaviour should be reported to an Autism Dad organiser as soon as possible so appropriate action can be taken.

Autism Dad reserves the right to ask individuals to leave an event if behaviour places children, families, volunteers, or staff at risk.