2026 Mentor and Mentee Applications Are Now Open
With the generous support of Telethon, we launched a new program in 2021, called The Telethon Teen Mentoring Program.
The program provides an exciting opportunity for autistic high school students to mentor autistic primary school students. This initiative enables autistic children to connect, collaborate and inspire each other as they work together on creative and meaningful community-driven projects.
How to apply
Mentor
We’re looking for awesome autistic students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to join our next group of paid mentors for the 2026 Telethon Teen Mentoring Program.
As a mentor, you’ll work alongside younger autistic kids, build leadership skills, gain valuable paid work experience in a supportive environment and learn new things along the way.
If you enjoy connecting with others, sharing your interests and being part of a team, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now. We can’t wait to meet you!
Mentee
Are you in Year 6 or 7 and getting ready to start high school, or have you just started high school?
Would you like to learn culinary skills, explore your artistic talents and try out cool digital media programs? Do you want to spend time with other autistic kids who understand you?
If that sounds like you, we’d love you to apply to be a 2026 Mentee in the Telethon Teen Mentoring Program.
You’ll hang out with autistic teen mentors, try new activities and be part of a fun and supportive group.
How it works
Our program is built on peer connection and autistic leadership. Mentors share their lived experience, strengths and perspectives, while mentees bring their own creativity, curiosity and ideas. Learning flows in every direction, and everyone’s perspective is valued.
We’re proud to create fair and inclusive paid opportunities for autistic young people to step into leadership roles, develop skills and gain experience that can support future pre-employment and employment pathways.
Most importantly, we’re building a community where autistic young people (and their families!) can connect with their neurokin, feel understood and grow together in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Let’s help our All Stars shine - together.
If you have any questions about the Telethon Teen Mentoring Program, please contact us.
What it looks like
The program operates after school every Thursday of the school term, from 4–5pm at All Stars for Autism in the Joondalup Family Centre.
Each term focuses on a different project that encourages long-term goal setting, the development of new skills and collaboration between mentors and mentees, with sessions guided by specialist teachers.
Each mentor supports two to three mentees, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and work towards shared project goals. Experienced support workers are also present to help children navigate any difficulties, provide encouragement and support positive peer interactions.
The program is overseen by the Directors of All Stars for Autism, Cara and Jo, in consultation with Claire, our program’s psychologist, to ensure participants receive the most from the program. The mentors are supported by Anthony, our Adult Mentor, who provides guidance, lived-experience insight and leadership for the mentor team.
Autistic Led
We’re proud to welcome Anthony Pyle to our team. He is an autistic leader and advocate who brings valuable lived experience to the program. As our Adult Mentor, Anthony supports and guides the mentor team, helping mentees navigate challenges and encouraging them to build confidence, develop skills and grow in a supportive, autistic-led environment.
