Autism Queensland is hosting a full day seminar examining the unique perspectives of women, girls and non-binary people on the autism spectrum at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School in Brisbane.
‘Women, Girls and Non-Binary People: Celebrating Differences on the Autism Spectrum’ will feature a range of speakers who will share their experiences, challenges and achievements, as well as provide personal insights and present the strategies that have supported them.
This event will be of interest to individuals, family members, educators, health professionals and others.
Speakers include Dr Jac den Houting, pictured, a research psychologist, autistic activist, and postdoctoral research assistant with the Department of Educational Studies at Macquarie University, Sydney.
Houting, who was identified as autistic at the age of 25 will focus on the intersection between autistic and LGBTQIA+ identities.
“This is a particularly marginalised section of the autistic community and I will provide perspectives from both personal and research experience on issues of gender and sexuality in the autistic community.”
Houting will also discuss a current Macquarie University research project investigating parents, teachers and young peoples’ perspectives on sex and relationships education for young autistic people.
The researchers aim to understand what autistic young people want to know about sex and relationships, how they learn about these topics and improve how autistic young people are taught about sex and relationships.
Other speakers include Barb Cook who was formally identified on the autism spectrum along with ADHD and phonological dyslexia in 2009 at the age of 40, mother and daughter Danielle and Emma Tomlinson, 12-year-old advocate Summer Farrelly, researcher Rachel Aberdein, and Autism Queensland lead occupational therapist Dr Caitlin Taggart.
Barb Cook is a developmental educator, Master of Autism (Education), Autism and Neurodiversity consultant, editor and author. She will talk about how the autistic with the right supports, tools and strategies can develop the skills to determine a future directed by their visions, dreams and goals.
Danielle and Emma Tomlinson are both on the autism spectrum. They will present on a range of topics including bullying and coping mechanisms, Danielle’s autism diagnosis as an adult, as well as how music has transformed Emma’s life.
Summer Farrelly will talk about her therapeutic chickens, her passion for chicken art and how she uses her creative talents to fund projects and create inclusive events in the community.
Brisbane-based researcher and musician Rachel Aberdein will focus on her personal experiences and the ways in which the gender-based expectations that are placed on women and girls affect women and girls on the spectrum.
Caitlin Taggart will present research findings about how early experiences can influence later life.
The event will be held at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School Auditorium, 11 Ruthven Street, Corinda, on Saturday March 21, 2020 from 9.00am – 4.00pm.
Fees start at $195 per person for individuals on the spectrum. For bookings visit: www.autismqld.com.au/page/workshops