About Us

Regional Autistic Engagement Network

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Created and run "for us by us". The Regional Autistic Engagement Network (RAEN) is an Autistic & ADHD created, led and managed network that started as a grassroots peer network in the North-West of Tasmania. RAEN facilitates a number of peer groups across the state and provides community, training and advocacy to improve the experiences of Autistic and neurodivergent people in Tasmania.

We are passionate about bringing Autistic & ADHD folk together to create positive change in the lives of individuals and our community.

Our purpose

To support and advocate for Autistic and ADHD people, their families, carers and support people in Tasmania.
To facilitate peer connections among and between Autistic and ADHD people, their families, carers and support people in Tasmania.
To stimulate public awareness and understanding of Autism and ADHD, including through building the capacity of parents, carers, support people and the community at large to support and accommodate Autistic and ADHD people.

Our values

RAEN was founded in grassroots action by the Tasmanian Autistic Community, for the Tasmanian Autistic and ADHD Community. RAEN will not forget its roots or the community that built it.
RAEN wholeheartedly agrees with the popular Disability Community adage "Nothing About Us Without Us", and commits to being an Autistic and ADHD led organisation and to platforming Lived Experience Voices at all times.
RAEN advocates for the Tasmanian Autism and ADHD Community in consultation with the Community and supports the Community's right to advocate for themselves.
Self Determination is key to supporting Autistic and ADHD people. RAEN supports the right of Autistic and ADHD Tasmanians to practice self determination in their own lives.
RAEN is a neurodiversity-affirming organisation that recognises and supports individual capacity without seeing a need to correct neurodiversity or ask it to conform to neurotypical standards.
RAEN celebrates Autistic and ADHD culture and identity and creates safe places for that culture to thrive and for Autistic and ADHD Tasmanians to connect to neurokin.