Belongside Webinars

As children grow, there are so many ways technology can support their learning and development, and often these digital tools are already in your hands. In this webinar, primary and special education teacher Dr Samantha Hornery from Learning Links discusses how free, built-in technology like Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech can help your child learn, communicate and build confidence at home.

In this webinar we’ll explore
• How free built-in technology features on digital devices can support learning and participation at home
• Ways to use these free tools to boost confidence and independence
• Simple, practical tips to make technology work for your family

More about the speaker
Dr Samantha Hornery is a primary and special education teacher with over 20 years’ experience teaching and developing educational programs for children with learning differences. She is strongly committed to improving educational outcomes and ensuring every child has the chance to find success in life. 

For many autistic children, gender doesn’t always fit neatly into the categories of ‘boy’ or ‘girl’ and families are often left wondering how to best support their child. We’re joined by Shadia Hancock who will share their insights and lived experience to help parents feel confident supporting and advocating for their children with pride.

In this webinar we’ll explore

• Why autistic kids are more likely to explore gender
• How to have safe, age-appropriate, and affirming conversations about gender identity
• The role of schools, health systems, and community in supporting both autism and gender diversity
• Practical ways parents can advocate for their child and nurture pride in who they are

More about the speaker
Shadia is the founder of Autism Actually, a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, and an ambassador for Yellow Ladybugs. Identified as Autistic at age three and with ADHD at 23, they bring both professional expertise and lived experience to their work. Shadia is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice, inclusive communication, and the intersection of autism and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Caring for a child with complex medical needs can feel overwhelming at times. From the shock of a diagnosis to the ongoing waves of grief, guilt, and uncertainty, the emotional load of medical parenting is often unseen. In this webinar, Psychologist Jessica Gowan offers a compassionate space to pause and reflect. Together, we’ll explore what to do when life feels turned upside down, how to hold onto hope, and simple ways to care for yourself and find the support you need. 

In this webinar we’ll explore:
• Working through the emotions that surface when your child receives a diagnosis
• What to do when life feels turned upside down
• Reconnecting with your hopes and the parent you imagined being
• Simple ways to build resilience and care for yourself
• Where to find therapy and mental health supports and how to build your village

More about Jessica
Jessica is a Registered Psychologist working in perinatal and infant mental health.  She also draws on her lived experience as a parent raising two children with medical complexity. Jess is a board member of the SuCCEED Child Feeding Alliance and co-founder of Macarthur Tube Feeding Families and is passionate about supporting parents and carers of children with medical complexity and developmental needs.

For parents and carers of Autistic children, it can feel like the world is always telling you their actions need to be “managed.” But every meltdown, or moment of overwhelm is not misbehaviour, it’s communication. In this webinar, psychologist Raelene Dundon will share how to move beyond compliance and respond to our children with empathy, curiosity, and respect. 

In this webinar we’ll explore

• Why traditional ‘good behaviour’ models can cause harm and encourage masking
• How to recognise the messages within meltdowns, shutdowns, and ‘challenging’ moments
• Gentle, compassionate ways to support children in times of overwhelm
• How to reframe children’s actions as communication, regulation, and expression

More about Raelene
Raelene Dundon is an Autistic ADHDer, registered Educational and Developmental Psychologist, and published author. She leads Okey Dokey Childhood Therapy in Melbourne and lectures in Play Therapy at Deakin University.

Delivered in partnership with the Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Network (ECIBPN), this four-session online Conversation Series is designed to help parents navigate the primary school years and advocate for their child’s inclusion and participation. Experienced parents and therapists shared real-life examples and practical strategies on best-practice therapy in schools, understanding IEPs, building collaborative partnerships, and what to do when things aren’t working — helping families gain confidence and tools to support their child to thrive.

Delivered in partnership with the Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Network (ECIBPN), this four-session online Conversation Series is designed to help parents navigate early childhood education and care settings — including childcare, daycare, and preschool — and advocate for their child’s participation and inclusion. Parents, educators, and therapists shared real-life examples and practical strategies on reasonable adjustments, best-practice therapy, building collaborative partnerships, and what to do when things aren’t working — helping families build confidence and stronger relationships with their child’s early learning community.

Delivered in partnership with Siblings Australia, this five-part webinar series shone a light on the experiences, strengths, and needs of siblings when a child in the family has disability, developmental delay, medical needs, or Autism. Each session combined expert insight and lived experience with practical strategies to help families strengthen relationships, build resilience, and make space for all children’s needs. Topics included understanding the sibling experience, relationships and resilience, the sibling role, school and community connections, and support in medically complex families.

Delivered by Belongside Families in partnership with Genetic Alliance Australia, this four-part webinar series shares insights from parents and professionals to help families make sense of the genetic testing process and the emotional and practical realities that come with it. Each session offers guidance and support for every stage of the journey — from seeking answers to living with a diagnosis. Topics included understanding genetic testing and results, navigating services and shaping the future of genetics.

This four-part webinar series explores the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with disability. Each session features honest conversations between parents and professionals about the experiences we don’t often talk about — but that can make all the difference along the parenting journey. Topics include navigating uncertainty, managing the parenting load, dealing with family and friends, and rediscovering yourself outside of your caring role.

The Navigating the NDIS webinar series blended expert insight and lived experience with practical strategies to support families in planning, accessing, and maximising NDIS supports. Topics include preparing for your NDIS meeting; what to expect during the planning meeting; understanding your plan budgets, assistive technology and portal functions; managing and using supports; and what to do if you’re not happy with your plan.

These webinars help families understand and navigate the wide range of services and supports available for children with disability, developmental delay, autism, and rare or genetic conditions. Each session features guest organisations sharing how their free programs and supports can help families in practical ways. Designed to make complex systems easier to understand and use, topics have included Carer Gateway, MyTime, and Supporting Country Kids with Royal Far West.

A collection of webinars featuring trusted professionals such as Child Life Therapists, counsellors and hospital specialists, alongside parents with lived experience. Each webinar recording offers practical information to help you navigate the healthcare system, specialist care and the realities of family life with complex medical needs. 

A collection of webinars each featuring Autistic speakers with professional expertise, sharing practical insights to help families better understand and support their Autistic child. Topics have included When School is Hard, Understanding Masking, Understanding PDA, and How We Talk about Autism.