Day 1: Identity Program

Dr Alexandra Johnston (PhD) is an Autistic postdoctoral Autism researcher with Reframing Autism and the Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University. Alexandra is also an award-winning educator with 25 years’ experience in the areas of early childhood and applied positive psychology. Alexandra is a member of the Australasian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR) and a board member with Inclusive Rainbow Voices, where her specific expertise in trauma-informed practice supports co-design research initiatives with community representatives from under-represented and multiply marginalised groups. As an interdisciplinary lived-experience researcher, Alexandra is a research fellow as part of a diverse team of academics from the University of Glasgow, the University of Melbourne, and the Australian Catholic University. She has presented her research at international conferences, where her focus spans contemporary theory and practice in the areas of Autistic wellbeing and applied positive psychology.

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 the Chief Executive Officer of Reframing Autism and has been involved in the organisation since its founding. She is also a late-identified Autistic mum of two boisterous, gorgeous kids, one of whom is also Autistic. Sharon is passionate about changing the harmful narratives about Autism in our society.

When she learned that her oldest son was Autistic, her understanding of Autism was based on outdated, harmful stereotypes. But when she found Autistic voices, she realised that she too was Autistic and was able to understand herself and change her parenting to be more neuroaffirming. She credits Reframing Autism as improving her quality of life and that of her family. While not a researcher herself, she considers herself to be a research groupie. One of her main passions is her pug dog, Pugsley, who might make an appearance at the summit.

Professionally, Sharon spent most of her career as a senior finance leader, working in multinational corporations, starts ups, and not-for-profits. She has worked and lived in multiple countries, including the US, the UK, and Australia. She has served on various boards and completed a Social Impact Fellowship in 2023.

Eliza is a 28-year-old model, actor, content creator and host of Australia’s first Autism therapy channel – Planet Jassi. Born with a developmental disability, she has spent most of her life learning everything that others do naturally.

Eliza uses social media to create her brand, ‘Planet Jassi’ (2018), embracing individualism and self-acceptance for kids living with a disability. Stepping out of the character of Jassi, Eliza has also appeared as herself in screen and print campaigns including an ABC documentary for IDPWD, (2019), and featured in the ‘Momentus’ project (2021) archived in the National Museum of Australia. Other credits include guest speaking on podcasts and Autism conferences as well as live stage performances.

Eliza uses her story to inspire others to be themselves and try everything. Despite having a disability, anything is possible.

Jessica Horner is a disability advocate, consultant, and journalist. As a disabled and Autistic/ADHD woman Jessica specialises in storytelling, content creation, policy and advising on disability-related issues. Jessica’s mission is to be a voice for those who are left without a voice, promoting hope and empowerment for the Autistic and disability communities.

In 2022, Jessica was awarded the ABC Regional Storyteller Scholarship, which she used to explore the lived experiences of Autistic adults in Australia. Her scholarship project, titled ‘A Rich New Lens,’ was nominated as a finalist for the Walkley Foundation’s Media Diversity Australia Award in 2023.

Stevie Lang (He/Him) lives in Armidale, NSW where he’s raising his eight-year-old kid in an all-Autistic family. His favourite stim is flapping to electronic dance music and his longest-lasting special interest is the life and times of Thomas Cromwell.

Stevie is a casual academic teaching sociology at the University of New England, is almost finished a PhD investigating the impacts of incarceration on mothers, and in 2023 he was elected as the NSW Assistant Secretary for the National Tertiary Education Union.  Stevie is a transgender man, a proud bisexual and has a physical disability.

Kitty Mach is a provisional psychologist with 10 years of experience in the health and disability industry. Having been diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD, Kitty believes this has greatly influenced her client-cantered and holistic approach to clinical practice. She has a particular interest in supporting neurodiverse individuals and strives to promote inclusivity and understanding in our world.