‘Autism: A Family Affair’ campaign
One in every 40 children born in Victoria is autistic.
It takes specific parenting skills to successfully raise an autistic child. Most families do not have access to the right supports at the right time.
Mansfield Autism has been supporting autistic children to achieve their goals for over 50 years. We have the environment, the tools and the experience to bring about life changing impact with your support. Our service is unique due our willingness to support children with the most complex behaviours, and our commitment to supporting the whole family.
Your generosity will give us the opportunity to fill gaps in funding, wrap services around the whole family, and develop programs such as animal therapy, adventure and sensory playgrounds, carer retreats, sibling camps, and more.
Support our Animal Therapy Program
Animal-assisted therapy involves interactions with animals as the primary means for supporting skill development. Human-animal interactions are often motivating for autistic children, providing a calming and non-judgemental space to help develop social skills and general wellbeing.
We are currently fundraising to expand this program. Thanks to a very generous donor, every miniature cow, donkey or goat purchased will unlock an additional $2,500 in matched giving to support safe housing and care for the animals. Our goal of $98,000 will allow us to purchase therapy-trained animals, and build them all safe homes. We're almost halfway!
If you’d like to help us bring more joy and therapeutic benefit to our community, you can make a donation below.
- Progress toward the goal42%
Support our Playgrounds
Our major focus from 2026 is building our two playspaces: our Adventure Playground and our Sensory Playground.
The inclusive, nature-based Adventure Playground is designed to support children of all ages and abilities. The playground will incorporate elements that encourage safe risk-taking, creativity and physical challenge, including climbing structures, ropes, monkey bars and a flying fox. The design will work with the natural slope of the landscape, integrating tunnels and slides that flow with the terrain. A range of play experiences will be offered, including swings, water play and a mud kitchen to support sensory and imaginative play. Accessible pathways and play spaces will ensure children with mobility needs can participate.
An undercover Sensory Playground will create an all-weather space that supports inclusive, low to moderate energy play. The sensory playground will offer a diverse range of sensory, social and skill-building activities, including a multi-purpose wall for climbing and tactile exploration. A designated quiet play zone will provide a calm, space for children who benefit from reduced stimulation. The area will also feature an interactive walking and running track with traffic signage to support road safety learning.
- Progress toward the goal10%