Learn without limits.

Join FutureTech’s online community to engage in virtual autism-friendly STEAM workshops and social sessions from anywhere in Australia.

Virtual STEAM workshops for everyone.

Not local to Sydney? No worries! Our virtual STEAM workshops run every Saturday from 1:30pm – 3:00pm AEST via our purpose-built discord server.

STEAM workshops

Learn from our STEAM mentors. From biomolecular scientists to software engineers and designers, our team spark curiosity and inspire young neurodivergent minds.

Stay social online

Enjoy a safe, supportive community designed with autism-friendly features such as 1:1 rooms, the ability to use chat instead of talking, and separate channels for different discussions.

Explore FutureTech's online programs.

Discover how you can get involved in our virtual STEAM workshops for autistic and neurodivergent youth and get familiar with what a typical online session can look like.

Explore online

FutureTech Online is a hands-on, creative workshop experience.

Designed for curious minds who want to learn from home. Here’s how it works:

Get set up for the term

At the start of term, you’ll get a workshop timetable with what’s on each week – plus a list of any materials you might need. We try to keep it simple with things like paper, blue tac, or dish soap, but sometimes there might be something you’ll need to grab from the shops. It’s a good idea to have your materials ready before we begin so we can jump straight in! Some workshops get a little messy (in a fun way!), so a space like the kitchen can be handy. If you need to move around, don’t worry – you can still join the workshop via Discord on a phone or tablet.

Jump into the workshop

You’ll join a live session with your mentor and group each week. Together, we explore cool ideas, tinker, experiment, and learn through play. Our mentors guide you step by step, but sometimes you might need a little adult help if there’s cutting, sticking, or tricky bits (especially for younger participants). It’s all about giving things a go, having fun, and creating something to be proud of.

Stay connected between sessions

When the workshop ends, the fun doesn’t stop. Our purpose-built Discord server is a safe place to hang out, share creations, ask questions, and meet others across FutureTech – whether online or in person. We’ve got channels for pet pics, memes, and more. It’s a great way to feel part of something bigger, even from home.  

Overhead shot of young girl painting in art book, surrounded by pencils, paints, and a laptop.
Teenage boy wearing headset and on his laptop at his desk.
Teenage girl with pink hair sitting on her bed interacting with her laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our online programs for neurodivergent youth.

Does a parent or carer need to supervise during FutureTech’s online program?

This is up to you! It can be helpful to have additional help in the first few weeks while participants get familiar with the structure and platform but many participants won’t need this help. Some of our workshops have tricky or intricate elements like cutting out, measuring, pouring and can be a little messy – we recommend getting help for anything that may be difficult to do alone as our team cannot physically assist online.

We also recommend participating in any potentially messy experiments or activities in a space that is easy to clean up, using sheets and protective materials if needed, and clear of any devices such as computers or tablets.

Are participants expected to communicate verbally and have their video camera on?

No, we encourage participants to communicate in whatever way they feel most comfortable. We love to see your faces but we don’t expect you to have your video camera on during our sessions, if you don’t want to.

I’m concerned about additional screen time, how is FutureTech different?

FutureTech online is engaging and designed to support wellbeing, not to introduce another screen time factor. We offer structured learning workshops as well as engaging social sessions where they can connect with other like-minded peers in an environment free from many of the social barriers that a face-to-face program would demand. 

This means our online program is suited to those who may find a face-to-face program overwhelming, as well as those who aren’t located within our service area.

Is Discord a safe platform?

Yes! No one can access our Discord channel without being provided our unique link to join. We also have protective measures in place within our channel, so that we always have eyes over what is being shared in the space. While our channel is not monitored around the clock, our nifty bots, combined with our team’s regular check-ins mean that everything remains friendly and appropriate.

Still have questions?

Get in touch with us to understand our programs for neurodivergent young people and how we can accommodate the young people in your life.

Contact us

Hear from our participants and their parents.

“Truly thank you for what you’ve created for our kids. You really are doing something so special and creating lifelong life changing friendships.”

Participant Parent

“I like FutureTech because it is a place where I can connect and relate with people who are just like me.”

Participant

“Since starting at FutureTech, my son has grown in confidence to build connections with others. It's a place where he can be himself and enjoy the company of others.”

Participant Parent

“She has been able to build a sense of belonging and sees herself reflected in many of the mentors. This has boosted her confidence and helped her to believe in herself.”

Participant Parent

“It’s great. I’m weird, they’re weird, we’re all weird together.”

Participant

“He's more confident and realises that he's ‘not the only one’. He finally has a community where he fits.”

Participant Parent

“They have given my son a place to feel safe and happy hanging out with peers when he couldn't find that anywhere else without having us by his side. They allowed him to come out of his shell and find his tribe, without constant fear of judgement. It means the world to him and us.”

Participant Parent

“It's been an incredibly positive experience for him to feel a sense of belonging and family! It has also given us parents the opportunity to connect with other parents who face similar challenges and opportunities.”

Participant Parent