Free Webinar | AUT to Know Series: Navigating School Holidays
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The school holidays are approaching, and for many families with autistic children, this time can feel particularly challenging.
This December, we're bringing together four parents who understand exactly what you're going through. Join us for an honest, supportive conversation where Porscia Lam, Ryan Gomes and Dr Melinda Hildebrandt share the strategies and insights they've gained from their own experiences. This free webinar includes live Q&A and covers holiday planning, managing the festive season, and maintaining structure when school routines disappear.
We'll explore practical topics including preparing for the break ahead, planning activities and structure, managing the sensory and social demands of Christmas, and finding support when regular services aren't available. Whether you're facing your first school holiday period with an autism diagnosis or you're looking for fresh perspectives after years of navigating breaks, this conversation will leave you feeling more prepared and less alone.
Webinar Details
When: Thursday, 4 December 2025, 12:00 PM
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
Porscia Lam
Porscia is a corporate lawyer and a mum of two. Her eldest child was diagnosed with autism at age two, leading Porscia to take an extended career break to navigate his early intervention. She recounted this experience in her memoir, The Unlocking: An Autism Story, published by The Kind Press in February 2025. Porscia is proud to champion the life-changing potential of person-centred early intervention, and to contribute to greater understanding around PDA, ARFID and sibling wellbeing.
Ryan Gomes
Ryan is a technology specialist with over 20 years' experience designing IT, audio visual, broadcast and space management solutions. Ryan's family includes his wife Shirani, a paediatric speech pathologist, his eldest daughter Kyra who is 13, and his youngest daughter Amieka who is 9 and has level 3 autism with bilateral cochlear implants. His unique family perspective brings valuable insights into navigating both the technical and emotional aspects of supporting an autistic child.
Dr Melinda Hildebrandt
Melinda is a policy researcher whose work focuses on equity and access in education. She is the proud parent of a Deaf and autistic teenager, whose experiences have shaped her commitment to disability advocacy. Melinda brings both professional expertise and lived experience to conversations about supporting young people through their educational journey.
Hosted by Liz Wise: Liz is an established marketing, brand, and communications leader with more than 20 years’ experience across Australia, the UK, Europe, and North America. She has a personal tie to the autism community and as Chief Marketing Officer at Autism Awareness Australia, leads our marketing, and communications initiatives.
Proudly supported by:
Leap in! is the proud sponsor of this webinar series and a two-time winner of the 'Most Outstanding Plan Management Award' (2023 & 2024). As Australia's leading plan manager, they support thousands of Australians in every state and territory, helping them get the most out of their NDIS Plans. With 60% of their team having lived experience, they truly understand what matters most to their Members. Through partnerships with organisations like Autism Awareness Australia, Leap in! is committed to providing trusted information, expert guidance, and support to help people confidently navigate the NDIS.
About AUT to Know
The AUT to Know webinar series is designed to connect parents, carers, educators and professionals with valuable insights and expertise to support autistic individuals in their early years, school years, and throughout adulthood.