Day 5: Autistic Elders Program

Dr. Wenn is passionate about Autism, mental health, all things LGBTQIA+ and building Autism understanding across the generations, professions, and the world. He is a well know author, speaker, and poet. Wenn is an Adjunct Associate Professor with Curtin University, WA, and member of CARG (Curtin University’s Autism Research Group). He has published as a Senior Researcher with Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Curtin University WA and The University of Queensland, Australia.

Wenn’s focus has been to highlight the need for co-production in a variety of neurodivergent research, to contribute to the call of the Autistic voice: ‘it must be nothing about me without me’ and to highlight the needs of those who are late in coming to a recognition of their Autism as well as the reality that adaptive morphing (masking) has had on mental health.

Yenn (they/them) is a passionate Autistic and non-binary advocate. Yenn is an author, presenter and community leader.

Yenn Purkis is an author, public servant and passionate advocate for Autistic people and their families. Yenn is the author of ‘Finding a Different Kind of Normal: Misadventures with Asperger Syndrome’ – an autobiography, ‘The Wonderful World of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens’- an activity book about employment for teens on the Autism spectrum. Yenn is co-author of ‘The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum’ and ‘The Parents’ Practical Guide to Resilience for Children aged 2-10 on the Autism Spectrum.’ Yenn has also contributed to other books, journals, blogs and websites. Yenn has a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and atypical schizophrenia.

Yenn has been working full-time for the Australian Public Service since 2007. In between writing and paid work, Yenn frequently gives talks about living well with Autism and mental illness. Yenn gave a presentation on Autism and resilience at the TEDx Canberra conference in 2013. Yenn facilitates a support group for women on the Autism spectrum and has their own internet radio show entitled Yenn’s Autism Show. Yenn lives in Canberra, Australia.

Yenn was the 2016 ACT volunteer of the year.

Stormy Meiying Liu (She/Her) lives on the lands of the Wadawurrung and DjaDja Wurrung People and is a blind woman identifying as Autistic with ADHD.  She is a mature age Artist, exploring how her life is blending with her Autism and ND whilst integrating these aspects into her life.

Stormy feels change is not a stranger to her, and her blindness adds a unique perspective and has also impacted on her Autism to a larger extent. She does not see these parts of herself as mutually exclusive.

She has a long history of activism, especially in disability rights and feels her lived experiences inform her work with the IAC, and community.  Stormy’s greatest achievement is gaining her undergraduate degree with honors, living a full life, and taking courage from her life’s ongoing journey.

Helen Said (She/Her) is a late diagnosed Autistic with two adult neurodivergent daughters. She is from a Greek-Egyptian ethnic background and has co-authored research about CALD families with Autistic children. She convenes Victorian Labor’s Multicultural Ageing and Disability Policy Subcommittee. Helen co-founded Neurodivergent Labor which meets regularly with an advisor from Bill Shorten’s office.

Helen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and tutors English and mathematics. She has taught several Autistic students and currently tutors a blind student in grade 1 braille. Next year, as an aged pensioner, Helen will focus on her vegetable garden and policy advocacy.

Geraldine Robertson is an Autistic advocate and a retired, award-winning educator.  Geraldine is passionate about advocating for Autistic people form a human rights perspective.  Geraldine enjoys mentoring young Autistic people as they navigate their daily lives and work towards promoting societal change so that Autistic people can live fulfilling lives.  At present, she helps diverse organisations to develop Autism appropriate resources, focussing on informing neurodiversity and trauma informed practice.  Geraldine has served on many boards including roles as a founding member, secretary, and chairperson of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (AU&NZ).  She was also chairperson of Autism Tasmania and at present is Deputy Co-Chair of the Autism Health and Mental Health Roadmap.