Connecting & Empowering Women
At AQ, we know that social connection and belonging matter. Our Connecting & Empowering Women services and initiatives are designed to support autistic and neurodivergent women by creating safe spaces to connect, share, and build meaningful relationships.
Finding genuine connection and belonging can sometimes feel out of reach for autistic and neurodivergent women. Many share experiences of isolation, missed understanding, or barriers that make it harder to build and maintain friendships. We believe all women deserves the chance to feel connected, supported, and part of a community that values who they are.
Our Connecting & Empowering Women services and projects brings together initiatives created with neurodivergent women’s lived experiences at the heart. These provide safe, welcoming spaces where autistic and neurodivergent women can come together, share openly, and build lasting relationships. Whether you’re seeking social opportunities with peers or a chance to have your voice heard in shaping what connection should look like, these opportunities are here for you.
Connections4Women (18+) – Brisbane – South, Central Queensland, and Toowoomba areas
FREE social connecting groups for anyone who identifies as an autistic or neurodivergent woman (18+) living in Brisbane – South, Central Queensland, and Toowoomba.
Many autistic and neurodivergent women face barriers when it comes to making and keeping social connections. Connections4Women provides a safe, supportive environment where women can come together, connect with like-minded people, and create lasting friendships.
Facilitated with lived experience at the heart, these groups are all about:
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Building confidence and belonging.
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Sharing experiences in a safe, understanding space.
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Developing meaningful, supportive connections.
Continuous co-design is central to the program, ensuring it reflects the needs and voices of the women involved. Many women involved so far have highlighted the value of connecting with others who “get them”, finding a space where they can share openly without fear of judgement. Conversations have been robust, emotional, celebratory, and deeply supportive.
Who can participate:
You need to live in the Brisbane – South (click here to see a map of this area), Central Queensland, or Toowoomba regions.
Current Opportunities:
– Monthly Connections4Women groups running at Mt Gravatt for those in Brisbane South.
– Online sessions also available for those in Brisbane South.
For more information about any of these groups or to attend a group in Toowoomba or Central Queensland, please register your interest via the link below.
This service received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Connections for Young Women (15-30) – Jimboomba, Beaudesert, and Flagstone areas
A project designed to hear directly from autistic young women (ages 15–30)
We want to listen and learn from your real experiences of friendship, social connection, and community. That’s why we’re hosting one-on-one and small, comfortable groups sessions, facilitated by autistic women, to create a supportive and safe space for open conversation.
Here’s what you can expect:
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One-on-one or small group sessions.
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Additionally flexible options available including an online session (subject to demand), an online survey, or creative expression submissions to best represent your experiences and preferences.
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A chance to share and feel heard about what works and what doesn’t, and what is meaningful to you!
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Facilitated by autistic women for autistic women.
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Light refreshments provided at face-to-face sessions.
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Your time valued with a $50 payment to eligible participants (not eligible for service providers).
📍 Sessions are open to autistic women aged 15–30 in Jimboomba, Beaudesert, and Flagstone with venues to be determined upon expression of interest. Sessions are expected to be held early-mid 2026. This project is short-term, so spots are limited.
This activity is supported by funding from the Australian Government through Brisbane South PHN.
Autistic Women Leading Change: Economic Security (21+) – Mackay, Isaac & Whitsunday Region
Let’s talk about work, money & feeling secure! Are you an autistic woman aged 21+ living in the Mackay Isaac–Whitsunday region? We’re inviting autistic women to join small groups this March-May to talk about:
- Work & employment
- Money & financial stress
- Independence & stability
- What helps & what doesn’t?
With support from the Queensland Government (Empowering Queensland Women grant program), we want to hear your ideas, stories, and experiences. This is your chance to make a difference and help create better support for autistic women.
What’s Involved?
- Small, supported sessions (in person or online)
- Welcoming, inclusive environment
- No pressure to speak
- Facilitated by experienced, inclusive staff .
Why Join? This is a safe space to share experiences and help shape better supports for autistic women in our region. Connect with other autistic women to share your ideas, influence real change and learn about local supports and opportunities.
Where & When: Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region sessions will be held between March – May 2026, in various formats and locations or Online option available.
Who can take part? You are eligible to participate if you:
- Identify as an autistic women aged 21 years and older, and
- Live in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region
This project is short-term, so spots are limited.
Empowering Queensland Women grant program | Queensland Government
