The prevalence and interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders – Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and PDD-NOS – has grown enormously since the early 1990's. This group of puzzling and challenging developmental disorders affects at least one in 160 Australians*.  A complex network of organisations and professionals has developed in response to the increasing demand for specialist services to help the children, adults and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As a result of intense lobbying, state and federal governments around Australia are now offering a range of ASD specific funding options for service providers and rebates for families.

The speedy growth and wide range of service options in the ASD sector has led to a complex, highly competitive 'autism industry'. Families, carers and professionals alike experience great difficulty navigating this industry for quality information specific to their needs. There have been many helpful responses to these difficulties but few that focus specifically on the services and products provided by organisations and professionals.

At last here is a website specifically for organisations and professionals specialising in ASD - the Autism Noticeboard

There isn't much that Carol Barclay and Amanda Golding don't know about ASD and the Australian service system. With a combined 30+ years working in the sector in a number of leadership and administrative roles, they have amassed a wide range of skills, knowledge and contacts. They have established the Autism Noticeboard as a place for organisations and professionals in the ASD sector to advertise their services, products and events, to ask questions and find answers, to source new staff (or find a job) and to enhance opportunities to network with each other. The Autism Noticeboard will help families and other consumers to easily find the professional services and resources that best meet their needs.

AMANDA GOLDING
Amanda was the Executive Officer for Autism Victoria for 16 years and a director of the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders and its predecessors during that time.  Apart from her extensive knowledge of ASD, her specific areas of expertise include organisational, information and communication systems and event management. She runs her own consultancy, AmaGol Services, and is currently Senior Autism Consultant to the Parenting Research Centre an Honorary Member of the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre and a Life Member of Alpha Autism Inc.

CAROL BARCLAY
Carol has had a varied career in administration, having worked for private enterprise, the public service and for Autism Victoria as their Office Manager. She is currently the Office Manager for Learning for Life Autism Centre. Her areas of expertise include all aspects of administration, financial & IT systems and event management.

The Autism Noticeboard has been established by Carol and Amanda as a web based service to advertise and promote organisations and professionals working in the ASD sector. It is their belief that well informed and supported professionals will mean better services and support for families, carers and most importantly individuals with an ASD. Consumers, professionals  and organisations will be able to become members of the Autism Noticeboard for a small annual fee. Membership entitlements will include a range of special offers and discounts, access to the Autism Noticeboard Panel of Experts and an informative member only newsletter – the eNoticeboard.

The Autism Noticeboard Guiding Principles

• There is no one best program or approach for the management of ASD. The Autism Noticeboard will advertise and support all service and program options fairly and equitably.
• The Autism Noticeboard encourages collaboration and mutual respect between different services believing this to be the most effective environment for achieving the best possible outcomes for organisations, professionals and their clients.
• The Autism Noticeboard will present all information in an objective, easy to find and factual format.
• The Autism Noticeboard respects the capacity of professionals and consumers to evaluate for themselves the efficacy and suitability of a particular program, resource or approach and will remain impartial at all times.

Corporate Details
The Autism Noticeboard is a registered Business Name in the State of Victoria under the Business Names Act 1962, Section 7 (4) & (5). Registration No. B2218384M, dated 13/9/2009.
Carol Barclay and Amanda Golding operate a private partnership using the trading names Lilyann Enterprises and the Autism Noticeboard and are registered with the Australian Business Register – ABN 68 014 223 028 dated 21/9/2009.
The Registered Office of the Autism Noticeboard is in Glen Iris, Victoria.
All correspondence should be addressed to PO Box 3328 Wheelers Hill Victoria 3150.