LATEST NEWS

Spectrum Support is an Australian Charity dedicated to those living with or caring for a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We are a community-based charity for all ages.

Podcast: The Juggling Act

Our guest today is with us to share her story of raising three severely disabled autistic boys, how she’s managed to protect her relationship with her husband during all the challenges they’ve faced and what her greatest fear is for her boys. While Mel has been thinking more about her own biggest fear – aging

Read More »

The Advocate: Inspirational mother of special needs children provides her tips on success

Kathrine Peereboom is a world-leading disability and vulnerable persons advocate and founder of Spectrum Support. Spectrum Support provides education and training to law enforcement and first responders across the country. Her work has attracted global awards for her extraordinary achievements. “Juggling motherhood with three special needs children and being a busy entrepreneur is certainly challenging

Read More »

Get It Magazine Feature

Meet Kathrine Peereboom, Australia’s first Autism and Law Enforcement trainer. Having founded Spectrum Support in 2017, Kathrine Peereboom sits down with Get It Magazine’s Holly Bartter to share her story of family, forward thinking, and the work her charity is doing to educate law enforcement in understanding and managing ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in the

Read More »

News Feature: World Autism Awareness Day

On World Autism Awareness Day this mum-of-three shares her determination for her children to me so much more than the “butt of people’s jokes, ridicule, and glares.” It’s Saturday morning and we have just walked in from therapy with the three boys and I am sitting down to my first coffee of the day. Today marks World Autism

Read More »

7News: Raising awareness and creating change

Kathrine Peereboom, autism and vulnerable persons advocate, said she believes there needs to be more focus on acceptance and what people can do in a practical way to achieve this. “Autistic people see the world through a different lens, and they engage in a different way – in many different ways,” Ms Peereboom said. “Many

Read More »

MamaMia Feature: Why autism training for police is so crucial.

For Kathrine Peereboom, life is “quite hectic”.  As a mother of three autistic nonverbal boys under the age of ten, Kathrine and her husband’s day starts at 4:30am. That’s if the family has been able to sleep through the night.  “Even though our eldest is eight, it very much feels like we still have newborns at times,”

Read More »

Nine News Feature: Mum’s Mission to Train First Responders

Raising three children who are severely autistic comes with countless and ever-changing challenges. However there is one thing keeps Kathrine Peereboom awake at night – the thought of her boys existing in the world as adults. What will happen to them then? Kathrine, 43, and husband Stephen, 52, are devoted parents to Oliver, eight, Joshua,

Read More »

International Business Times Feature

A woman in Australia who has three sons diagnosed with autism said she was able to notice the telltale signs that pointed to her sons’ disabilities during the children’s developing years. Katherine Peereboom’s three sons, 8-year-old Oliver, 7-year-old Joshua and 6-year-old Tyler, are “severely autistic” and nonverbal, 7News.com.au reported. The 43-year-old Gold Coast mother said she noticed that Oliver’s development was

Read More »

Women’s Health Feature: Aussie Mum, Training Law Enforcement

If someone asked you, “What is autism?” would you be able to give an accurate description? Most people have heard of autism or are familiar with the term “on the spectrum,” but autism spectrum disorder is often widely misunderstood – even though an estimated 164,000 Australians have it, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey

Read More »

Kidspot Article: Autistic 8yr old’s first Dental Appointment under GA

Last week, my eight-year-old son had his first dental appointment under a general anaesthetic. Deep down I knew he would be absolutely fine, but I was still utterly terrified. His time slot was changed from 7am to 1pm – that meant I couldn’t feed him from 7am. Oliver has an eating disorder which makes him constantly hungry and unable to

Read More »

Microsoft Global: World Mental Health Day

October 10th marks World Mental Health Day. An international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. The team at Microsoft, have taken the opportunity to highlight the importance of this and ensuring an open dialog is always available to their personnel and partners. Thank you for sharing your story and

Read More »

Daily Mail Feature: Frightened and forgotten: Mother of three autistic boys says lockdown has left many families like hers ‘crumbling’

When life becomes overwhelming for one of her three profoundly autistic sons, Kathrine Peereboom’s go-to plan is a drive to the local park. The familiar route is one of the quickest ways to soothe Oliver, eight, or Joshua, seven and five-year-old Tyler, who crave routine and thrive in structured environments like most children with Autism

Read More »

ABC News Feature

ABC Weekend News with hosts Johanna Nicholson and Fauziah Ibrahim. Lead experts highlight the unique challenges associated with COVID-19 and autism

Read More »

Kidspot Feature: Gut Health and Autism

It’s not uncommon for autistic people to have gastrointestinal issues, which can have effects on behaviours, moods, faecal outputs and cognitive response. “The gut and the brain are connected. If you have a healthy gut you are more likely to be in a happier disposition with clearer thoughts. If you have bad bacteria and gut health

Read More »

Take 5 Magazine: I’ll Protect You

I won’t let ignorance hurt my boys! Determined to make the world a better place for all people on the spectrum, Stephen and I created Spectrum Support, a charity that teaches law enforcement agencies how to safely help people on the spectrum. Our training sessions have been running for two years now and I can’t

Read More »

Leading Allied Health And Disability Care Provider Partners With Australian Charity To Offer Specialised Training In Autism

To mark World Autism Month, award-winning, national allied health provider, Physio Inq, has partnered with Australian charity, Spectrum Support, to deploy its expertise and specialised training for its entire 200+ allied health workforce to improve their skills in treating and empowering clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Physio Inq, which has a division that provides

Read More »
Peereboom high five

Treating patients on the autism spectrum

Thank you to Australian Dental Association for this article on treating patients on the autism spectrum. Kathrine says one of the first thing she asks prior to a medical consultation, especially if the family is going somewhere new, is if they can have a desensitisation appointment. “I can tell you that most parents are anxious

Read More »

Autism Training For Aussie First Responders

Thank you to Aussie Ambitions Podcast for this fantastic podcast. Speaking about the Australian delivery of Spectrum Supports Autism & Law Enforcement training program and key issues that still arise with acceptance of autistics in our country this podcast covers topics that are not typically discussed publicly.

Read More »

ABC News Feature: Calls for changes to school term for special needs kids

The autism advocate and founder of Spectrum Support believes that special needs children should run to an alternate school term. “My boys love going to school. They thrive on the routine, structure, emotional regulation and mental stimulation. My boys are so happy when they are at school.  They sleep better, eat better and they aren’t begging me

Read More »

Mum proposes alternate school terms for special needs kids

“If there was even the remote possibility of shifting the school year for special needs kids by a few weeks or a month, I believe the impacts would be felt immediately!” Kathrine says.“ The benefits for businesses would see an increase in client interactions throughout the year and for the neurodiverse community hotels, theme parks,

Read More »

Tips for a First Time Parent of a Child With Autism, From Seasoned Experts

Peereboom has similar sentiments about raising her three boys, who all are diagnosed with level three — the highest diagnostic level — which requires very substantial support. She says, “It’s extremely difficult at times, but my god, it’s equally amazing”. Although her non-verbal boys have taught her more about who she wants to be in

Read More »

Mindful Parenting During The ‘Terrible’ Toddler Years’

My nephew is going through the “terrible twos” (or is it actually terrible threes?), if you could call them that – so far, it’s not so bad. Sometimes I’ll get sweet, unprompted kisses and declarations of love, and mere minutes later he’ll be calling me a farty-head. These so-called terrible toddler years are a universal

Read More »

Australian Online News Feature: Best Gift Guide for 2020

Still looking for Christmas gifts for your kids? Or maybe your waiting for the Boxing Day sales to stock up for birthdays throughout the year? Either way Founder Kathrine Peereboom has some great ideas for you. Speaking with Christy Johns from Australian Online News, check out the link for more information

Read More »

‘No way’: Sia doubles down on autistic character casting in Music

Sia continues to defend her decision to cast Dance Moms star Maddie Ziegler as an autistic teen in her feature film Music, despite copping a large amount of backlash over it. During an interview with 10 News First about the project, the Aussie singer was asked about the criticism she faced from the autism and wider communities for choosing not to

Read More »

Yahoo Lifestyle: Challenges at Christmas Time

“Christmas in our home has had more misses than hits to be honest,” Katherine tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “But this year I think it will be different. Two of our boys have started to understand the concept of gift giving so our tree will be full of toys that hopefully delight.” Katherine says despite the high rate

Read More »

Mama Mag Feature: Autistic Understanding

There is a strong autism community out there and it can be easy to forget that for the majority of Australians they have limited exposure to what autistic traits may be.  Thank you to Mama Mag for this wonderful article.

Read More »

Kidspot: An expert’s guide on Christmas gift ideas for children with autism

With Christmas fast approaching and parents already being whipped into a frenzy over what presents to buy their kids – another issue emerging is for people buying gifts for kids, teens and adults on the autism spectrum.  One in 70 people in Australia are on the autism spectrum and parents, extended family and friends across the country are not sure what to buy them for Christmas. To assist

Read More »

MamaMia Feature: Christmas is a time of rejection

As a family with different neurotypes, inclusion is not something we regularly experience. The term “inclusion” gets thrown around quite a bit, from workplaces to schools and government bodies, but there is sadly a vast gap between education, acceptance and the real world.

Read More »

Mum reveals her ongoing struggle at Christmas with three autistic boys

Kathrine remembers a Christmas party last year that was particularly difficult. “We walked into the room and the music was blaring and the lights were flashing and there’s decorations everywhere so my eldest son, Oliver, just walked in and walked straight back out. He had complete sensory overload. We had to follow him and leave

Read More »

Autism: Principal won’t accept mum’s child in enrolment interview

“My 4yo son was discriminated against at an enrolment interview with the principal.” A minute and a half. That’s the time it took Queensland mum Kathrine to see that the principal of the private school she was visiting for an interview had no intention of accepting her son. Kathrine’s youngest, Tyler, 4 is autistic. He’s also

Read More »

A personal drive for change

Kathrine Peereboom is the founder of Spectrum Support, an organisation dedicated to empowering people with autism through safety and awareness programs. She’s this week’s Changemaker. 

Read More »

Kathrine Peereboom: Celebrated as the world’s most innovative woman of the year!

Multi-award winning Kathrine Peereboom is celebrated as the world’s most innovative woman of the year! The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run– worldwide.  The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the

Read More »

Jummps keeps business alive by support Gold Coast autism community | Gold Coast Bulletin

Trampoline therapy provides emotional regulation, core strength development and increases muscle tone. It enhances gross motor skills, balance and co-ordination. It provides social interactions and personalised programs. “Jummps Indoor Trampoline Park is an incredible facility that my boys have been attending regularly now for 7 months. Melissa and her team are highly skilled, caring and

Read More »

Founder Kathrine Peereboom recognised globally with 4 awards!

Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Asia, Australia or New Zealand – Gold Stevie Winner Female Innovator of the Year – Government or Non-Profit – Gold Stevie Winner Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit – Gold Stevie Winner Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit – Silver Stevie Winner The

Read More »

The Sun UK – I hate seeing how cruel people are

Thank you to The Sun in the United Kingdom for publishing this article. “If people knew more about autism, they may be more inclined to make an effort and understand why someone is behaving differently. “Just when I think we have raised the bar in autism awareness and acceptance there is an incident that happens

Read More »

Discrimination is all around

I try my best to stay composed and get him into the car, but I couldn’t help myself. “He is a child! He is autistic! How do you feel picking on an innocent child?”. They didn’t care, he was an annoyance and they had no empathy. I got into my car and burst into tears.

Read More »

Autism – friendly day for shopping centres?

Autism awareness has become more widespread this century, and greater numbers of children with subtle symptoms are now diagnosed at young ages. But decades ago, doctors rarely diagnosed people towards the subtler end of the spectrum. “Fifty years ago, nobody would call autism what we call autism today – they would just be consid- ered

Read More »

Autism expert warns families to focus on mental health amidst COVID lock down

Kathrine Peereboom is one of the country’s leading autism experts and advocates and she is calling on families with loved ones with autism to focus on mental health.  Peereboom is the mother of three severely autistic boys and founder of Spectrum Support, a national organisation dedicated to raising awareness of autism and providing education, training and support. 

Read More »

How parents can help end the loneliness of autism

How would you feel if your child was never invited to birthday parties? Or worse, if they had their own party but no other kids showed up? Katherine Peereboom is a mother of three boys on the autism spectrum and the founder of Spectrum Support. She says that this is a reality for many parents

Read More »

Autistics often excluded from social events

This mum of three boys with autism wants people to understand the toll it takes when they’re left out. Kathrine Peereboom knows the heartbreak of watching her boys left out. She has three boys on the spectrum and she’s on a mission to try to get people to be kinder and more accepting of kids with

Read More »

Harvey Norman Gold Coast Woman of the Year Winner!

Category winner, Kathrine Peereboom, Angels Among Us presented by St Hilda’s School, Gold Coast. Thank you so much for the recognition and honour. I am inspired by my children everyday to bridge the knowledge gap between law enforcement and the autistic community.  It is a privilege to be Australia’s first in this field and to be

Read More »

Gold Coast Woman of the Year Finalist

“You know when you start up a business and you’re so passionate that it’s blood, sweat and tears, it’s not until you have someone say, ‘What you you’re doing is really remarkable’ that you take a step back and lift your head out of the sand.”

Read More »

Bullying is not acceptable

As increased isolation has made many Autistic children reach out to connect via online, there has been a significant rise in harassment, trolling and unacceptable interactions.  Thank you to Rochelle Kirkham and Keeley’s Cause for shining a light on such an important topic with Spectrum Support.

Read More »

Music & Family

Following on from A Current Affair one of the more fun requests Spectrum Support received, was to hear the song Kathrine sang with 2 of her children taking part. We hope you enjoy this too.

Read More »

Forgotten faces of the coronavirus crisis

Queensland family struggle with three autistic sons in lockdown If you are struggling with life under lockdown, spare a thought for this family. Katherine and Steven Peereboom have three profoundly autistic children and COVID-19 has left them battling gut wrenching regression and violent outbursts.

Read More »

A Current Affair feature

Corona Virus has been life changing for everyone. A Current Affair speaks with CEO Kathrine Peereboom on the challenges her boys face without their structure and routine.

Read More »

Dentist appointments and Autism

Dentist appointments can be very stressful at the best of times. For some on the spectrum a visit to the dentist will require explanations, visuals and a desensitisation appointment. For others it will be finding a dentist who provides sedation if required.

Read More »

ABC Weekend National News

Founder of Spectrum Support, Kathrine Peereboom talks to Johanna Nicholson and Fauziah Ibrahim about managing home schooling throughout COVID-19 and applying some great strategies to assist everyone in the home.

Read More »

#BeKindSayHi

COVID-19 is impacting so many around the world right now. Let’s shine a light on mental health and supporting one another in this time of need. #BeKindSayHi is a short video reminder of what others are going through, so let’s remember to Be Kind & Say Hi

Read More »

Forgotten children of the Corona Virus

Jo Abi from 9Honey chats with Kathrine and another family highlighting the terrifying challenges of buying food and medical supplies for their Autistic loved ones whilst the grocery shopping frenzy continues.

Read More »

TRAINING POLICE TO UNDERSTAND AUTISM

People on the autism spectrum are 20 times more likely to come in contact with somebody from the police. Despite this, up until now there has been no training for police officers in how to recognise and react to people with autism spectrum disorder.  Spectrum Support, an organisation empowering the autism community, has partnered with the

Read More »

NSW Police & Spectrum Support Press Announcement

Spectrum Support officially launched our partnership with NSW Police and our jointly developed Autism & Law Enforcement training. This training is an Australasian first and both organisations are committed to the education program along with ensuring the safety of all individuals on the spectrum.

Read More »

KIDSPOT INTERVIEW

Take a look inside Founder Kathrine Peereboom’s family life. This interview is raw, real and highlights why she has the passion and drives to make a difference.

Read More »

BLACK TIE GALA 2019 ADDRESS

The incredibly moving speech by Founder Kathrine Peereboom at the Spectrum Support Black Tie Gala in November 2019. Tears were flowing and a standing ovation followed.

Read More »

WSN Interview

Womens Sport Network (WSN) spoke to Kathrine Peereboom all about the charity and the motorbike charity ride raising funds for Autism

Read More »

COAST FM RADIO

Chatting about all things Autism and the upcoming ride The Great Weekender. Have a listen to a fun and serious chat

Read More »

MANNING COMMUNITY NEWS

A wonderful news article promoting the fundraising event The Great Weekender. A three day motorcycle ride that will see riders partaking in a spectacular fun-filled ‘two wheeled’ adventure from the Opera House, across county to the outback hills of the Hunter Valley and back into Sydney via the ocean

Read More »
Scroll to Top

Give Your Gift Today