Gerard Atkinson (he/him) is an adult-diagnosed Autistic professional with experience consulting on strategy, marketing and analytics for governments, businesses and non-profit organisations in Australia, North America and Europe. He has also worked as an opera singer and actor for a number of Australian arts companies.

Since being identified as Autistic Gerard has sought to put his experience in advocacy and fundraising to use in advancing the case for neurodiversity in society, especially in workplaces. As a program and policy evaluator, he is also committed to the development and testing of evidence-based approaches to supporting the needs of Autistic people and their families. He believes that the best approaches are those that ensure positive outcomes in wellbeing and personal development across all life stages.

Prior to joining the board of Reframing Autism, Gerard was Secretary of the Board of the Pacific Opera, and was the founding Secretary of the Board of the Canberra Opera (now the National Opera), leading their process of establishment as an incorporated not-for-profit entity. He holds an MBA and an MA in Arts Management from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and a BSc(Honours) in Physics from the Australian National University in Canberra. He is also a Qualified Professional Researcher of the Research Society.

Melanie Heyworth (she/her) is an Autistic mother of three Autistic children, whom she homeschools. She has postgraduate qualifications in Autism and is currently undertaking a second PhD in Autism under the supervision of Prof Liz Pellicano. Mel is passionate about creating a better world for herself, her children, and the Autistic community.

Mel founded Reframing Autism in 2017. She has been running it ever since. Through Reframing Autism, Mel wants to bring parents of Autistic children to a more accepting, optimistic and hopeful way of parenting.

She firmly believes that social change can only occur when Autistic individuals are supported to explore and celebrate their authentic Autistic identities.

Sharon Fraser (she/her) is a late-diagnosed Autistic mum of two boisterous, gorgeous sons. One of her sons is also Autistic.

Sharon has a deep, personal investment in Reframing Autism. When she found out that her oldest son was Autistic, Sharon didn’t know much about Autism. She had only been exposed to harmful and damaging stereotypes. Looking back, Sharon feels she wasted too much time and energy focusing on the wrong things. When she discovered adult Autistic voices, she changed her approach to parenting. She saw that a strengths-based approach was the path to the best life for her son. She hopes to gift that message to other parents as early as possible in their journeys.

Professionally, Sharon is a senior finance leader. She has a wealth of experience in all aspects of operational finance. She is a US Certified Public Accountant. Sharon started her career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Washington, DC. She then moved to London. There, she worked for a range of companies. Sharon now calls Sydney home.

She was previously the Treasurer for Autism Community Network. Through her involvement with that charity, she received a St George Community Award for Individual Volunteer Achievement.

Tim Chan (he/him) is a 26-year old Chinese Australian. He was diagnosed with Autism at 3 years old, and has been non-speaking after 14 months of age.

At 9 years old, after picking up supported typing, Tim became opened to the possibility of connecting with people and with the life he wanted to live.

He has kept working on building his capacity and strengths. His journey has been supported and scaffolded by his social network.

Some of the highlights of this journey include graduating from mainstream school, to study at University. He has recently completed his B.A. and is currently proceeding with B.A. Honours. Tim also gave a TEDTalk when he was 18, presumably the first by a nonspeaking Autistic person.

Tim has the greatest respect and time for organisations that advocate for Autism. He is excited to be part of the self advocacy movement. Tim wants to drive Autism to a new level of relevance and inclusion.

Dr Justine Noble (she/her) is a consultant paediatrician who is passionate about child health and development. She graduated from the University of NSW and completed Diploma in Paediatrics, before completing Royal College of Physician Fellowships in both General Paediatrics and Community Child Health. She has over 15 years of experience in Paediatrics. She is proudly neurodiverse and uses her lived experience to enrich her contributions professionally.

Justine’s interests range from general to developmental and behavioural paediatrics. She has extensive experience of helping families of children with difficulties accessing the services and supports their need to improve their quality of life.

Dr Justine is gifted-friendly, and LBGTQI-friendly and is passionate about advocacy for her clients. Her focus of care is to help children from bio-psycho-social model, and concentric multilevel of care rather than solely on the treating the individual.

Dr Justine also works in research in her public health honorary role in the Sydney Local Health District. Her focuses of research is in perinatal mental health and urban Aboriginal children wellbeing. She is also interested in telehealth care provision and pharmacogenomics, and is doing independent studies on these.

Reframing Autism’s Brand Ambassador is Yenn Purkis (they/them).

Yenn is a passionate Autistic and non-binary advocate. Yenn is an author, presenter and community leader.

They have written nine books on elements of Autism. They have a strong media presence. And they facilitate a support group for Autistic women and gender diverse people. They have given presentations around the world, including for TEDx Canberra. Yenn was named the 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year.

Yenn works full-time in the Australian Public Service.