Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about taking part in Shine for Autism?
Find answers to common questions about registering, fundraising, creating your display and making the most of your Shine for Autism experience.
What is Shine for Autism?
Shine for Autism inspires people to light up their homes, schools, businesses and Christmas parties to spread festive cheer while raising vital funds and awareness for autism. Together, we're building greater understanding and acceptance of the estimated 1 in 40 Australians on the autism spectrum. Registrations are now open!
How do I register for Shine for Autism?
Click here or the 'Register Now' button at the top of the page and complete the registration form.
How do I create or join a team?
Are there any costs to register?
Shine for Autism is free! There are no registration costs, but we encourage everyone to make the first donation to their fundraising page. This helps to kick-start your fundraising efforts and motivates others to start supporting you.
Where does my fundraising go?
Amongst other programs, funds raised could help Aspect support Autistic people and their families access earlier diagnosis, provide specialist schooling for children on the autism spectrum and help create inclusive, autism-friendly environments. Click through to learn more about the work that Aspect does.
Do you have resources to help create an autism-friendly Christmas?
We understand and appreciate the diversity within the Autistic community, including the sensory sensitivities that many individuals experience. Our 'Shine for Autism' campaign aims not only to raise funds but also to foster greater understanding and inclusivity.
We involved individuals on the autism spectrum in our decision-making to ensure we're inclusive in our approach and have developed a guide to creating autism-friendly light displays, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities comfortably. You can find our 'How to make your Christmas light display more autism-friendly' resources here.
Can I have a bright Christmas light display?
While some people on the autism spectrum may find bright lights overwhelming, we've also found through Shine for Autism that many absolutely love them. Participants are welcome to decorate in a way that reflects their own style, community and festive spirit.
Whether you create a spectacular light display, a sensory-friendly experience, introduce designated quiet hours where music and flashing lights are reduced, host a Christmas party, or fundraise in another way, every participant is helping to raise funds, understanding and acceptance for Autistic Australians.
How do I fundraise?
Once you've registered, fundraising is easy! Here are some simple ways to get started:
✨Share your personal fundraising page with family, friends and colleagues via email, text message and social media, and let them know why you're supporting Shine for Autism.
✨Display your Shine for Autism poster alongside your Christmas light display, at your Christmas party, workplace or community event to encourage donations and spread awareness.
✨Add some festive fundraising fun, such as a Christmas raffle, gold coin donation, best-dressed competition or light-themed challenge. You could even create a Christmas photo opportunity with Santa, your lights or festive decorations and invite visitors to make a donation to take part.
Your Christmas lights or party are just the beginning. The more you engage your community, the more you'll help raise funds, understanding and acceptance for Autistic Australians.
Where do I display my Shine for Autism poster?
We'll email and post you a Shine for Autism poster featuring a QR code linked directly to your fundraising page when you register.
Display it somewhere highly visible, such as your front fence, letterbox, entry gate, shopfront window, reception area or event entrance. The easier it is for people to see and scan, the more awareness and support you'll generate for your fundraiser.
Don't be afraid to get creative. A well-placed poster can help turn visitors, neighbours and passers-by into supporters.
How do I host a Shine for Autism-themed Christmas Party?
When inviting your guests, share your Shine for Autism fundraising page and tell them what inspires you to support Autistic Australians. Display your donation poster at the event to make donating quick and easy.
Then add some festive fundraising fun, such as a Christmas raffle, sparkly dress-up challenge, Christmas photo booth or a gold coin donation activity.
Once you've signed up, you'll have access to a range of resources to help you plan your celebration and make the most of your fundraising.
Where can we see the Christmas lights?
As participants register, we'll be adding their festive displays so you can discover lights near you. New displays will be added regularly, so keep checking back as Christmas draws closer.
Can I change my pages fundraising target?
You can change your fundraising target by:
- Logging into your Fundraising page
- Click onto ‘Dashboard’
- Select the ‘Edit My Page’ tab and change the ‘fundraising target’ to the new target amount you would like.
Any problems, please contact us on: 1800 288 476 or fundraising@aspect.org.au
Are the donations tax deductible?
I'm unable to receive donations from overseas?
Please contact our Fundraising Team on: 1800 288 476 or fundraising@aspect.org.au
Where can I get help?
If you have any questions or need help with your fundraising page please contact our Fundraising Team on: 1800 288 476 or fundraising@aspect.org.au
