Day 2: Sensory Experiences Program

Dr. Bec Poulsen is a mum of one, a musician, entrepreneur and an Autistic Autism researcher and advocate with expertise in neuroscience, auditory processing, sensory systems, and neurodiversity. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at Macquarie University researching auditory, sensory processing, adaptation, and quality of life. They have been in Autism research for over a decade, completing their PhD in auditory neuroscience and their master’s in education and transitions. Bec has several published peer reviewed research papers in the field of Autism, auditory neuroscience, and Autism advocacy.

Bec is passionate about advocacy and coproduction in Autism research in Australasia and abroad. They are a Research Officer with Reframing Autism, co-chair of the Australian Autism Research Council and the International Society for Autism Research’s Autistic Research Committee. They also hold a position on the Australasian Society for Autism Research executive committee. Through their research and collaboration with others, Dr. Poulsen is committed to contributing to the Autism and auditory neuroscience fields while helping to promote greater acceptance and inclusion for neurodivergent people in academia and beyond.

Tammy (She/Her) McGowan lives on Kaurna land in South Australia. Tammy is a proud Autistic woman navigating multiple co-occurring conditions including learning, hearing, vision, and physical disabilities. Tammy is an alumnus of the Autism CRC’s Sylvia Rodger Academy and is the Project Officer for the 2024 Sylvia Rodger Academy Governance program.

She is a disability consultant, project coordinator and trainer and has been active in advocacy for sixteen years. Tammy has presented on Autism, ADHD, trauma, and disability to various audiences in person, online and via podcasts.

She is passionate about community connection, identity, active citizenship, and dog cuddles.

Luz’s (She/Her) journey as an Autistic advocate and educator began with her personal quest for understanding neurodiversity. Luz’s insights from her lived experience as an Autistic individual and her professional background as an overseas-trained psychologist have enabled her to contribute significantly to the field of Autism education.

Now based in Sydney, she works with teenagers as a Diverse Learning Support officer in schools, applying her knowledge to help others navigate the complexities of neurodiversity.

Dani Croaker is completing her final year of the Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University.

Dani is a late-diagnosed Autistic woman and ADHD-er. She is a fluent Spanish-speaker and has studied and travelled extensively to learn about people in other cultures, living in London and spending 12 years in Peru where she studied and worked as a Gestalt counsellor.

Dani’s passionate interest is in helping other neurodivergent people live a good life on their terms, focusing on strengths-based view of Autism and ADHD. This includes researching the impacts of Autistic and non-Autistic space on Autistic people.

As a qualified Social Worker, Jasmine (She/They) has holistic experience in therapeutic support, employment mentoring, education, and families; with a special interest and focus on the nuances of Autism!

For years, Jaz spent her career gravitating toward working with Autistic people before she subsequently had her “AHA! moment” – the reason this was a strength is that she is Autistic too! This discovery opened a new pathway for Jasmine, allowing her to ground herself in her identity and find her community.

As the co-director of Sunny Spectrum Supports, Jasmine is passionate about promoting affirmation, autonomy, and the discovery of unique solutions for unique people, to live free of fear or rejection, with power and purpose.   To love, to play, to work; Just as they are!

She has leveraged both her personal and professional experiences to better support Autistic individuals and families, particularly with the creation of the “Neuro-Me” and “Neuro-Homes” therapeutic discovery programs. These unique programs serve as an affirming base of education and exploration for those seeking to understand themselves better within the context of their neurological differences. To work with your brain rather than against it!