Free Webinar | Preparing for the First Day of School
Ready for day one, and the whole first term
Starting school means a new place, new people and a new routine, all at once. For many autistic children, that’s a lot of change to take in. For parents, it can mean a long list of questions and very few clear answers.
In this free webinar, Nicole Rogerson sits down with psychologist and Certified Behaviour Analyst Niesha Illingworth to work through those questions. They’ll discuss practical steps you can start using at home well before the first bell.
You’ll learn how to:
- prepare your child in the weeks before school starts
- build a positive partnership with your child’s teacher and school
- ask for the supports and adjustments your child needs
- manage after-school fatigue and big emotions
- recognise the signs your child is settling in, or needs more help
Whether your child is starting Kindergarten, Prep, Reception, Pre-primary or Transition, you’ll come away knowing what to do before day one and what to watch for through term one.
Webinar details
When: Wednesday 20 January 2027, 11am AEDT (10am AEST, 10:30am ACDT, 9:30am ACST, 8am AWST)
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Q&A: Yes, live session included, so have your questions ready!
Recording: Available to all registered attendees
Can’t join live? Register anyway and you’ll get the recording.
Meet our speakers
Host: Nicole Rogerson
Nicole Rogerson is one of the nation’s leading autism spokespersons. She is the founding director of Autism Association of Australia and is an experienced director, government advisor and senior executive.
For more than 18 years, she has been advising on public policy, providing early intervention services and advocating for the inclusion, acceptance and understanding of individuals with autism. A passionate disability advocate and social policy campaigner, Nicole is a frequent public speaker on these issues and regularly advocates for families with children on the spectrum. She is deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Nicole has two sons, the eldest of whom is on the autism spectrum.
Speaker: Niesha Illingworth
Niesha Illingworth is a registered psychologist and Certified Behaviour Analyst with almost 20 years’ experience supporting autistic children and people with developmental disabilities. She is Clinical Director of Bright Eyes Clinic in the Blue Mountains and a PhD researcher at Charles Sturt University, where her research focuses on caregiver-implemented approaches to supporting young autistic children. Niesha has particular expertise in early intervention, behaviour support and working collaboratively with families to develop practical, evidence-based supports that can be used in everyday life.
Proudly supported by
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) is a national, volunteer-led organisation representing autistic people, their families, carers and associates. Thank you to A4 for supporting this webinar.
