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.
Living on the Spectrum: How to maintain your mental wellbeing as a tired parent.
Maintaining your resilience and wellbeing as a tired parent. is no easy task. According to Kathrine Peereboom, one of the biggest challenges for parents in this
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
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
REAL LIFE: “I’m a mum of three autistic boys and this is how I boost my mental resilience”
“Nothing in life can prepare you for the joy of becoming a parent. My husband and I have three boys aged eight, seven and six.
Kidspot: Hollywood glamorising autism puts NDIS funding in danger for my 3 boys
Speak to any parent who has applied, let alone repeatedly reapplied for NDIS funding for their child – and their hearts will start pounding just as the
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
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,
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
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
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 –
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
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
7 News Feature ‘Everybody deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,’
“If the government can’t provide support for all Australian’s equally… I believe they need to step down,” Kathrine says. “There are nearly four and a
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
Kidspot Feature: How to keep the spark alive while raising special needs children
One thing that we always make a priority is communication. The good, bad, awesome and frightening! For our relationship, everything stems from our partnership being
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
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
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
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
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
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?
‘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
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.
New York feature for Cafe Mom: Christmas is beautiful & overwhelming
As a parent to children with high additional needs, it can be a roller coaster of emotions. It’s beautiful, overwhelming, terrifying, and rewarding all at
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
bounty Parents: 20 gift ideas for children with autism, by a mum of three autistic boys
With one in 70 people with autism, most people know children with autistic, whether they be friends of their children, family members, neighbours – and
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
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
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
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
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.
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,
Nine News – Supporting local business has always been a priority for Kathrine Peereboom
Supporting local business has always been a priority for Kathrine Peereboom and throughout 2020 she has witnessed the collapse of many essential services for her
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
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 –
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
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 to choose a smartwatch for your child
From broadcasting your location to playing games, it’s safe to say watches ain’t what they used to be. And when choosing a smart one for
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,
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
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
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
7News Feature – Consider a role in disability care
As unemployment continues to rise there is a growing need for people to transition into a carers role. Working with our countries most vulnerable can
Mum of Autistic kids calls on Australian to help embrace those with autism
One in 70 people in Australia have Autism Spectrum Disorder. In the United States, the number increases to 1 in 54.
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
Kathrine announced as a finalist for the Gold Coast Women of the Year
Founder Kathrine Peereboom is announced as a finalist in the Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year Award for 2020
Isolation and the Corona Virus. 5 Tips on how to make it work
Thank you to the Daily Mail for this raw article on the challenges of isolation, lockdowns and Covid-19 for individuals on the spectrum and their
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
Spectrum Support calls for sensory day at all grocery stores
One hour per week on a Tuesday really isn’t a viable option for many on the spectrum and their families and carers.
Social Distancing & Home Schooling through Corona Virus
Danica De Giorgio & Kathrine Peereboom discussing the challenges of home schooling and social distancing for people on the spectrum.
5 Tips on working from home with children on the spectrum
Working from home with school aged children? Here are 5 tips from Kathrine Peereboom that might help with balancing the day.
#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
Ahmed Yussuf from SBS Australia talking social distancing with Kathrine
With the complexities of our world right now, it can be overwhelming for individuals on the spectrum and those who care for them. Autism and social
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
Transitioning suited professions into carers roles
Dee Dee Dunleavy & Kathrine discuss the impact of job losses with industry collapses and great need to support the recently unemployed and skilled workers
9Honey Interview with Jo Abi
Kathrine speaks with the talented Jo Abi about the journey of parenthood with children on the spectrum and challenges in finding adequate support for them
NSW police to undergo training to better respond to people with autism
Sky National News interview following the Autism & Law Enforcement training announcement
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
Real fear for our autistic loved ones
‘I live in fear of my sons leaving the house’: Jo Abi from 9Honey’s terrifying concern and why training police to understand autism is so
Saving lives and understanding autism behaviours
SBS speak with Leesa Topic on the senseless death of her daughter Courtney and how she is behind law enforcement learning about autistic behaviours
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
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.
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.
NSW POLICE COMMISSIONER AWARD
Spectrum Support was the proud recipient of the NSW Police Commissioners Safety Award for our Autism & Law Enforcement Training
BRITISH AIRWAYS 100 ACTS OF KINDNESS
British Airways partners with Spectrum Support for 100 Acts of Kindness. As this remarkable business turned 100 on August 25th they are partnering with organizations…..
WIN TV NEWS, PROMOTION
The Great Weekender Motorbike Charity Ride featured on WIN TV News, to promote the upcoming event.
WIN TV NEWS WRAP UP
Stephanie Atkins from WIN TV News, provide all the wrap up details for The Great Weekender
WSN Interview
Womens Sport Network (WSN) spoke to Kathrine Peereboom all about the charity and the motorbike charity ride raising funds for Autism
COAST FM RADIO
Chatting about all things Autism and the upcoming ride The Great Weekender. Have a listen to a fun and serious chat
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
SURFERS FOR AUTISM
When friends across the globe support one another. A shout out from a wonderful USA charity called Surfers for Autism
JOIN US FOR THE GREAT WEEKENDER
Come and see what all the buzz is about. This is what our crew enjoyed in October 2019. Will you be on the next ride? Gold Coast & Sydney we will see you in 2020!