Find your people. Build your community.
Local Connect is our way of helping you connect with others in the Yellow Ladybugs community. You can apply to join Local Connect – Families to search for and connect with other Yellow Ladybugs families nearby. These are informal, friendly meet-ups arranged by members, not official Yellow Ladybugs events. If you are an autistic adult, you can apply to join Local Connect Plus – Adults, where you can connect with autistic women and autistic adults of marginalised genders, including autistic trans and autistic non-binary people, across Australia by location, age bracket or shared interests. This is a free program. If you’re interested in joining, the first step is to apply below.
Local Connect – Families
Connect with other Yellow Ladybug families in your local area – Australia wide. Local Connect is designed for parents and carers of autistic girls and gender-diverse children. Connections are informal, like a playdate or catch-up, not official Yellow Ladybugs events.
Access is granted after review and agreement to our community guidelines.
When you register, you’ll also be added to our mailing list so you receive news and updates automatically.
Access is granted after review and agreement to our community guidelines.
When you register, you’ll also be added to our mailing list so you receive news and updates automatically.
Local Connect Plus – Adults
Local Connect Plus – Adults
A dedicated program for autistic women and autistic adults of marginalised genders, including autistic trans and autistic non-binary people. Join to connect across Australia by location, age bracket or shared interests, build friendships and find supportive community. These are informal member-to-member connections, not official Yellow Ladybugs events.
Please note, Access is granted after review and agreement to our community guidelines.
Please note, Access is granted after review and agreement to our community guidelines.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Yellow Ladybugs
YL
Local Connect is a member directory that helps approved Yellow Ladybugs members find and connect with each other. Once approved, you can search for other members and reach out directly to arrange informal meet-ups.
No. Connections made through Local Connect are informal and arranged by members themselves. Yellow Ladybugs does not organise or supervise individual meet-ups.
Local Connect – Families is for parents and carers of autistic girls and autistic gender-diverse young people aged up to 18.
Local Connect Plus is for autistic women and autistic adults aged 18 and over who are of marginalised genders, including autistic trans and autistic non-binary people.
Local Connect is not an automated matching service. Once approved, members can search the directory themselves and choose who they’d like to contact.
For families, you can search for other families by location to arrange informal catch-ups.
For adults, you can search by location, age bracket, or shared interests. For example, you might connect with someone nearby, someone in a similar life stage, or someone who shares interests such as deep-dive research topics, creative arts, gaming, reading, nature walks, disability advocacy, crafting, dinosaurs, work, or specific focused hobbies. Connections are arranged directly between members via email.
For families, you can search for other families by location to arrange informal catch-ups.
For adults, you can search by location, age bracket, or shared interests. For example, you might connect with someone nearby, someone in a similar life stage, or someone who shares interests such as deep-dive research topics, creative arts, gaming, reading, nature walks, disability advocacy, crafting, dinosaurs, work, or specific focused hobbies. Connections are arranged directly between members via email.
Yellow Ladybugs exists to support autistic women, girls, and autistic people of marginalised genders who have historically been under-recognised and under-supported. Local Connect Plus continues that focus by creating opportunities for connection within this community.
Yes. Local Connect is currently free to participate.
Click Apply under the relevant program above and complete the short application form. You’ll then receive an email with our community guidelines and terms. You must reply to confirm you’ve read and agree before access is granted. Applications are reviewed manually.
Access is granted only after your application has been reviewed and approved.
Approved members can search for other approved members and reach out directly via the email provided in the search results. Local Connect does not host in-platform messaging.
No. Searches are intentionally limited to protect member privacy and prevent misuse of community data.
Local Connect is still growing. In some areas there may currently be a smaller number of approved members. As more people join across Australia, results will continue to expand.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for each. Each program sits independently under your account.
If we’re unable to approve your application, we’ll let you know via email.
Only approved members can access Local Connect. All members agree to community guidelines before being granted access and are expected to respect the privacy of others. We have a range of security controls in place designed to protect your personal information from unauthorised use and disclosure.
Your data will not be shared with any third parties in accordance with the Australian law.
Your data will not be shared with any third parties in accordance with the Australian law.