Autism West Symposium 2018: The Speakers

Ana Palacios is a contemporary artist whose work spans practices of research, traditional craft, and storytelling through objects. After receiving an adult diagnoses of autism, Ana realised her art practice had emerged as a positive adaptation to the challenges of being neurodiverse. Starting as a volunteer Ana soon began working as a visual arts facilitator, bringing her passion for working with young people and exploring creative research. Her role has since expanded to include working closely with the Youth Advisory Council and its Youth Empowerment Research Project that recognises the lived experience of participants and growing number of neurodiverse staff as a valuable resource in the development of programs and community.

Ana will be co-presenting with Michael New and Cameron Smith.

In this presentation, young individuals on the spectrum will outline their personal experiences of finding, and being in, employment. They will describe challenges, successes and strategies that they found useful and not so useful in their careers to date. The presentation will be of interest to job seekers, parents and employers who may benefit from hearing a personal perspective of how to navigate the world of work.

Cameron Smith is an autistic student with Asperger’s Syndrome. He is currently in his 5th and final year of a Physics and Engineering double degree at Curtin University. On application to University in 2014 he was awarded 3 merit scholarships; one being for Engineering and another for Physics. In 2015 he was also awarded a place on the Curtin University Vice chancellor’s List. He was in the ‘Gifted and Talented’ (GATE) program of his high school, which culminated with his graduation as Dux of the school in 2013. He still regularly provides voluntary tutoring to Maths, Physics and Engineering students. Cameron has benefitted by being a mentee with the Curtin University Specialist Mentoring Program (CSMP) since its inception in 2014, and more recently as an ambassador, helping to support other autistic students. As a graduation requirement, Cameron has had to acquire at least 480 hours of applicable work experience. He has since worked over 900 hours with Deloitte, the Bureau of Meteorology and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). This experience has given him a direct insight into the working environment from an autistic perspective.

Cameron will be co-presenting with Michael New and Ana Palacios.

In this presentation, young individuals on the spectrum will outline their personal experiences of finding, and being in, employment. They will describe challenges, successes and strategies that they found useful and not so useful in their careers to date. The presentation will be of interest to job seekers, parents and employers who may benefit from hearing a personal perspective of how to navigate the world of work.

Candy Payne is a Senior Speech pathologist who has been with the Autism Association of Western Australia for 10 years. Candy’s involvement across a range of clinical services has provided her with a rich and solid breadth of experience in supporting people with autism and their families. Candy’s past roles include Early Intervention Case Management, Autism Advisory and Tertiary Level State Wide Consultancy. At present she is responsible for consultation across a number of projects and is also involved in the delivery of professional development workshops for staff across services. Candy has worked as part of a collaborative team on numerous initiatives including The Western Australia-East Java Autism Project, The One Person One Plan Cross Team Collaboration Strategy and the Beyond Words Adults with Autism Communication Resource.

Candy will be co-presenting with Kate Cameron.

Research evidence can help us make informed choices for children with autism. Intervention that is designed to incorporate evidence-based strategies, utilise natural environments, develop skills and build relationships, delivers positive outcomes. The First Steps for Autism model is inclusive of a variety of approaches and teaching strategies that are known to be effective for children with autism. Strategies are combined based on the unique characteristics and learning needs of the child, family priorities and context with no prescribed method for combining strategies as the support is tailored to suit each individual child. This presentation will discuss the implementation of evidence informed good practice for children with autism in a group-based early intervention program.

CARG is a multi-disciplinary team of people on the autism spectrum, researchers, students, and volunteers from Curtin University, with an extensive network of industry and research partners throughout Australia and internationally. This also includes a large number of researchers affiliated with the Autism Cooperative Research Centre. The team is dedicated to finding evidence-based, innovative and effective approaches to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, at all stages in life. Melissa Black is a researcher with the Faculty of Health Sciences Research and Graduate Studies and the Curtin Autism Research Group. Sonya Girdler is a Professor of Occupational Therapy at Curtin University and is Director of the Curtin Autism Research Group. She has extensive experience in the developing evidence-based programs in autism and oversees all the research activities and programs within CARG. Ben Milbourn is a Senior Teaching and Research Academic at the School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology. Ben is an early career researcher and member of the Curtin Autism Research Group.

Recognition of the contribution that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make in the workplace is often limited. Adults with ASD possess unique strengths and abilities that can be harnessed in work environments. However, research tells us there is limited consideration of the role that environmental factors may play in the workplace. This presentation looks at the factors that can improve employment outcomes of adults with ASD, and explores the measures currently used to evaluate employment outcomes. The researchers would like to acknowledge the support of Mr Scott Miller and the Autism Association of Western Australia in recruitment of participants for the Australian research collected.

Julian is Team Manager of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training in the CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), a mental health educator and professional certified Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) trainer (certified by Cornell University). Julian delivers TCI consultancy services as well as delivering TCI for families. Julian has worked as a senior clinician in the child and adolescent mental health service for over 30 years and has collaborated with senior mental health clinicians, child protection, legal professionals and clinical therapists to develop and establish the first therapeutic residential treatment program in Western Australia for children with developmental trauma.

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) is a model for supporting and caring for children and adolescents who struggle with their own emotional regulation and may place themselves and others at risk of injury. Developed by Cornell University it is used extensively internationally in child protection, mental health, education and residential care homes. It was first introduced in one Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in WA in 2005, and in 2013 was implemented as the mandatory training program and the primary model of care for all of CAMHS. This presentation will give a brief overview of TCI and look at the fundamental aspects and lessons learnt since its implementation.

Kate Cameron, Manager of Early Childhood Services at the Autism Association of Western Australia, has 9 years experience working as an Occupational Therapist in both Australia and overseas. Kate has worked extensively with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in early intervention and school based settings. Kate manages a comprehensive trans-disciplinary program providing therapy services to 560 children across Early Intervention and Long Daycare settings.

Kate will be co-presenting with Candy Payne.

Research evidence can help us make informed choices for children with autism. Intervention that is designed to incorporate evidence-based strategies, utilise natural environments, develop skills and build relationships, delivers positive outcomes. The First Steps for Autism model is inclusive of a variety of approaches and teaching strategies that are known to be effective for children with autism. Strategies are combined based on the unique characteristics and learning needs of the child, family priorities and context with no prescribed method for combining strategies as the support is tailored to suit each individual child. This presentation will discuss the implementation of evidence informed good practice for children with autism in a group-based early intervention program.

Kathleen Davey is a Clinical Psychologist who deciphers the autism spectrum in legal contexts. Kathleen works with individuals, families and legal teams across criminal, family and workplace law contexts. She provides consultation, workshops, medico-legal reports, and expert opinion on a range of matters involving people of all ages on the autism spectrum. Kathleen has spent seventeen years building a strong professional understanding of the Autism Spectrum across the lifespan, currently runs a private psychology practice, and is Principal Consultant at the Social Skills Training Institute for the Secret Agent Society program. Her forensic interest has extended into membership of the editorial team of Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, involvement in international forensic research and interest groups, international conference presentation and work with renowned autism experts Professor Gary Mesibov and Tony Attwood.

Decipher Zone   

Social Skills Training Institute      

Day 1: Secret Agent Society (SAS) empowers children with a fun, technology integrated, whole-of-life approach. Learn how this evidence-based approach can be used with children in classrooms, learning support units, and in one-to-one therapy work. The session provides information, tips and strategies on how to use the SAS Computer Game and SAS E-Telligence Pack flexibly with students. It will show how the computer game activities map onto children’s targeted skill development and explore techniques for practising skills with children at school. Get ready to activate your O₂ Regulators, put on your Bully-Guard Body Armour, and see the Detective Laboratory in action.

Day 2: When someone with autism comes in contact with the legal system, there are many points of vulnerability and risk that can be eased through correct identification and understanding of that person’s autistic profile. This presentation aims to assist the community to predict, prevent and manage areas of misunderstanding when dealing with legal issues. We asked lawyers, parents of offenders, prison staff, police, forensic psychologists, and most importantly people in trouble with the law to answer this question: “How does understanding autism help you?”  See, hear and read how they answered. Something that helped these people may also help you.

Liz Pellicano has recently been appointed Professor in Educational Studies at Macquarie University, having previously been Professor of Autism Education and Director of the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at University College London. An internationally-regarded experimental psychologist, she is committed to understanding the distinctive opportunities and challenges faced by autistic children, young people and adults and tracing their impact on everyday life – at home, at school and out-and-about in the community. She has been consistently dedicated both to ensuring that the outcomes of her research are as influential as possible in education policy-making and to enhancing public understanding of autism, its challenges and opportunities.

Day 1: The transition to adult life can be difficult for young autistic people because society does not understand what it is like to be autistic. Previous research has mostly focused on rather crude metrics of successful outcomes – having a job, living independently, getting married – all of which are almost exclusively selected by non-autistic researchers. In this talk, Liz interrogates what a ‘good’ outcome is for young autistic adults using data from a group of young autistic people first seen in childhood, 12 years earlier. The results call into question whether the traditional standards to which we often hold young autistic people are developmentally appropriate and suggest that the pressures of striving towards more normative ways of engaging in the world, especially in the absence of support, may be detrimental to their wellbeing.

Day 2: Autism is not a mental health condition but autistic people are especially vulnerable to mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression. Despite this knowledge, there is a lack of research on this topic, particularly in relation to young autistic people (16-25 years). This workshop describes a study in which a team of academic researchers and young autistic people worked together – as full and equal partners – to examine young autistic people’s experiences of mental health problems and mental health services. Findings showed that the sample of 130 young autistic adults generally felt unhappy, under strain and rated their quality of life to be poor. They also found it difficult identify what their ‘normal’ is and when they might be experiencing difficulties with their mental health. The presentation also showcases a toolkit developed by young autistic people to help them determine what their normal is and when something feels different.

Louise Sheehy is a registered high school teacher and has been working with teenagers and adults on the Autism Spectrum since 2011. Louise has worked as an educational disadvantage policy officer in Ireland for a national network and was a founding member and co-ordinator of Galway Autism Partnership, an autism organisation which focuses on person centred social groups for individuals with autism. Louise’s role at Autism West involves managing service development using a person centred approach for our members focusing on their interests and talents. She is passionate about ensuring that individuals on the autism spectrum are actively involved in planning delivery and development of services.

The experience of transitioning to high school can cause high levels of anxiety among students with autism. It is important to ensure students feel some control over this process through being able to contribute to strategies to help them to engage, as well as giving their subject teachers information and strategies to understand their learning needs and how to communicate with these students.  This presentation gives ideas on how to prepare both students and teachers for a successful transition to high school.

As Founder, and first Executive Director of GRASP, the largest membership organisation in the world comprising adults on the autism spectrum, Michael John Carley has spoken at over 150 conferences, hospitals, universities, and health care organisations, including training at numerous school districts and Fortune 1000 companies. As Executive Director of Integrate he has spoken at conferences focusing on human resources, corporate diversity and inclusion, and works with large companies to help train them manage existing spectrum employees, or to increase their confidence in hiring new ones. Michael John was one of two people on the spectrum to address the US Congress in their first-ever hearings on autism, he has addressed the United Nations, his articles have been published in magazines such as Autism Spectrum News, Autism Spectrum Quarterly, and Autism/Asperger Digest, and for four years he had a column with Huffington Post (“Autism Without Fear”). He is also the author of four books: Asperger’s from the Inside-Out (Penguin/Perigee 2008), Unemployed on the Autism Spectrum (Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2016), ‘The Book of Happy, Positive, and Confident Sex for Adults on the Autism Spectrum… and Beyond! (late 2018), and The Last Memoir of Asperger’s Syndrome (unsigned). Michael John proudly sits on the Board of Directors of NEXT for Autism, on the Advisory Boards of GallopNYC, and C.H.A.S.E., and reviews for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (JADD).

Day 1: Michael John examines the many ways we look at the entire autism spectrum, and guides us through the confusing mixed messages we receive today. With a very humanist roadmap this presentation discusses obstacles faced by adolescents and adults, the myths surrounding their capabilities, and briefly goes over the sociological history of why we react the way we do to words like “autism” and “Asperger’s.”

Day 2: This presentation looks at two forces – both sciences, and art forms – whose quality of implementation can determine the difference between a life spent in solitude, or a life spent engaging with others.

Michael John looks at disclosure as an option for those who can hide the diagnosis by considering why, how, when and to whom we should disclose. He also examines how best to make these decisions given that spectrumfolk, like himself, are diagnostically challenged at making accurate decisions therein. This presentation also looks at disclosure as a strategy, especially in work situations.

Inclusion is the educational buzzword of the day, though it is used more and more in employment settings. However, very often people on the spectrum (sometimes to great fanfare) are included in the event, only to become the wallflower. Michael John critically points out where we kid ourselves in inclusive practices, and shows how to overcome those barriers to real inclusion.

Michael was one of the interns to participate in Bankwest’s first Autism Internship offered by Bankwest, the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) and the Australia Computer Society Foundation (ACSF), where he spent a year as an intern before becoming a full-time employee under Bankwest’s Technology and Transformation Graduate program for a further two years. Michael now works at BHP as a full-time Junior Developer, and sits on the AASQA advisory board as an advisory member. Michael hopes to be an aspiration for others who are neurodiverse, and not only give them hope to pursue and conquer their dreams, but do what he can to help them get there.

Michael will be co-presenting with Cameron Smith and Ana Palacios.

In this presentation, young individuals on the spectrum will outline their personal experiences of finding, and being in, employment. They will describe challenges, successes and strategies that they found useful and not so useful in their careers to date. The presentation will be of interest to job seekers, parents and employers who may benefit from hearing a personal perspective of how to navigate the world of work.

Michelle (Shelly) Dival is an accredited designer with over 20 years of experience in building design. A proud Churchill Fellowship recipient in 2017, on her recent Churchill Fellowship Trip she met with individuals, researchers and organisations in the US, Denmark, the UK, Netherlands and France looking at best practice and the latest research in this field. An active member in her industry associations, Shelly works closely with her clients to create special spaces and places. Memorable projects have included a riding centre of excellence for the Riding for the Disabled, and a Holistically based Trauma Recovery Centre based on Biophilic design principles. After her grandson’s diagnosis of Autism, she changed the focus of her practice and is passionate about setting a new standard for neuro diverse enabling building design in Australia, and continues to be a researcher of specialised building design for individuals on the autism spectrum. Her practice, Front Door Building Design, is based in the Perth Hills region of Western Australia, and she lives with her very fluffy dog who thinks he is human, and a regal Burmese cat who thinks he is a dog. She is an historical romance tragic, and when her rambunctious grandchildren go home, enjoys the odd glass of medicinal grape juice.

Michelle will be co-presenting with Stephanie Valentine and Tom Tutton on how to create autism friendly environments.

The social model of disability suggests that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It looks at ways of removing barriers in the environment that limit life choices. Traditionally, the focus has been on physical disabilities but recently a worldwide movement has grown to include people on the autism spectrum by creating ‘autism friendly environments’. This co-presentation will review our autism friendly work completed so far, drawing from research, practice, and collaborations with others to highlight an overarching framework and core principles for the development of autism friendly environments.

Hailing from Brisbane, QLD; Nichole Conolly was diagnosed with Aspergers/ Anxiety at the age of 19. She has overcome many challenges in her life and speaks candidly about them with a quirky sense of humour with the dreams of advocating for and empowering others. Nichole is currently studying her Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies at UOW with the future goal of be coming a Teacher Aide specialising in Autism. Life and work experiences include six years working as a circus performer and teacher with Lorraine Ashton’s Classic Circus, writer for the 2017 Brisbane Season of Company 2’s Kaleidoscope, volunteering at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and is currently a theatre columnist for Australian theatre website Theatre People. Conference experience includes being a presenter at 2017’s Asia Pacific Autism Conference in Sydney, 2016’s Arts Activated Conference in Sydney and 2015’s 3rd National Aspergers Conference in Brisbane. This is Nichole’s first visit west and she is excited to visit the home of her AFL team Fremantle and take a photo with a quokka. Aspie Circus Girl

Nichole’s autism journey began when she was diagnosed at the age of 19. Whilst autism changes the way she sees and does many things, she has had many opportunities to use her journey to hopefully enrich and empower others who are on their own autism journey. Nichole’s presentation tracks her journey from diagnosis, through school and work, with the hope of creating a more understanding society with greater support and opportunities.

Nicole Rogerson is one of the nation’s leading spokespersons for the awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. For more than 15 years, she has been working on public policy, advocacy and early intervention service delivery. In 2007 Nicole founded Autism Awareness Australia, now Australia’s leading national autism not-for-profit organisation. The organisation combines her passion for developing national education programs that promote understanding of ASD, and supporting and advocating for the needs of individuals on the spectrum and their families.A passionate disability advocate and social policy campaigner, she is a frequent public speaker on these issues and often appears in the media advocating for families with children on the spectrum. She is a determined advocate for evidence-based interventions and funding support for individuals with disabilities.

Day 1: Much has changed in the world of autism over the last twenty years in Australia. Awareness, research, advocacy and NDIS have been game changers. While the rollout of the NDIS is well underway, there are still issues we are a long way from ironing out. Is life in Australia in 2018 better for individuals with autism and their families than it was previously? Nicole combines her experiences of being a mother, a service provider, a businesswoman and an advocate to report on what changes have occurred in autism and what challenges lie ahead.

Day 2: Following on from the recent release of her documentary film, Dad, Nicole talks about the lessons that can be learnt from parents who have walked this path. She discusses how sharing our stories and hearing from a diverse range of people, who have had very different experiences of autism, is how we bridge the gap and, as a community, walk forward together to best support individuals with autism and their families who love them.

Rachael has a lived experience of Autism Lvl 2 with co-morbidities with mental health. She was diagnosed by a private Psychiatrist and Psychologist at the age of 30. She is now 32, and has three children aged 10, 6 and 4, one of which is diagnosed on the spectrum. Rachael’s career at time of diagnosis was a Trainer and Assessor for Disability/Aged Care Support Workers, an irony which should give example to the level of masking in women and its costs on mental health to function with a society. Because of diagnosis, Rachel was able to access the now defunct WANDIS (Western Australian Trial of the National Disability Scheme) and the eventual introduction of the NDIS, supports of which were not traditionally supported by the Disability Support Systems of Australia for adults on the autism spectrum. Rachael is an active participant within the adult autism and Asperger’s community within Western Australia and gives back to her community through peer support. She is a member of the only group within Western Australian that represents and works on a model of peer support, PA5 – The Perth Autism and Asperger’s Association. Rachael is an advocate for access to diagnosis for the missing girls and women with Autism Spectrum Disorder with effective, timely, choice and control delivered through the NDIS.

Rachael was diagnosed with autism two years ago, at the age of 30. One of her three children is also on the spectrum. At the time of diagnosis, Rachael was working as a Trainer and Assessor for Disability/Aged Care Support Workers, an irony that shows the level of masking in women and its mental health costs to function within a society. Rachael advocates for access to diagnosis of the missing girls and women with Autism Spectrum Disorder with effective, timely, choice and control delivered through the NDIS. Rachael’s presentation catalogues her journey to personal understanding of herself and how she hopes her story can support others.

Regina Ledo is psychologist with over 25 years experience in working with individuals with autism and their families.  Regina studied at Murdoch University; while undertaking post-graduate studies she joined the landmark Murdoch University Young Autism Project and began her career in supporting individuals with autism. She spent 12 years at the Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI) – a private, centre-based educational program for individuals with autism – the majority of these as a trainer in the institute’s early intervention, education, and adult programs. This included a five-year appointment as a Teaching Parent at one of in the institute’s group homes, where she resided with her family and five young adults with ASD. Regina is currently in private practice, consulting to families and agencies supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Improving sleep and increasing independence in toileting are two of the most frequently reported areas of concern for parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder. Difficulties with sleep and toileting impact both the child’s and family’s functioning, and significantly increases family stress. This presentation briefly describes the most common types of sleep difficulties and toileting problems for young children. Regina will highlight several important skills that promote healthy sleep and toileting routines, as well as evidence-based strategies for improving these skills.

Stephanie Valentine is an aspiring musician and composer who lives in Perth. Stephanie is studying a on-line and currently works in retail. Stephanie was diagnosed with autism (without intellectual disability) at Aspect NSW last year, at age 30. Stephanie always knew she was different but it is only since diagnosis that a history of social struggles, a penchant for memorising numbers and sensory over-stimulation made sense. She is now working towards developing her career, harnessing her strengths, managing everyday social & sensory stressors and learning to live at her own pace.

Stephanie will be co-presenting with Michelle Dival and Tom Tutton on how to create autism friendly environments.

The social model of disability suggests that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It looks at ways of removing barriers in the environment that limit life choices. Traditionally, the focus has been on physical disabilities but recently a worldwide movement has grown to include people on the autism spectrum by creating ‘autism friendly environments’. This co-presentation will review our autism friendly work completed so far, drawing from research, practice, and collaborations with others to highlight an overarching framework and core principles for the development of autism friendly environments.

Theresa Kidd has worked in the disability sector for over 30 years and currently works therapeutically with children, adolescents, and adults with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). She has recently completed her PhD (Clinical Psychology) at Curtin University, assessing the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety in older adolescents with high functioning autism. In addition, Theresa is the joint Program Manager of the Curtin Specialist Mentoring Program (CSMP) that supports Curtin University students on the autism spectrum to successfully engage at university and beyond. Theresa is dedicated to promoting an awareness and understanding of autism, as well as effective and practical strategies to both parents and professionals, which together have the potential to lead to positive outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Anxiety is recognised as one of the most commonly co-occurring diagnoses for individuals on the autism spectrum and can have debilitating effects on social relationships, family functioning, education, and adult outcomes. Parents can feel isolated and often experience high levels of stress when their child with autism has additional anxiety problems. This presentation will look at how people with autism experience and express anxiety, and provide a framework for how their parents, teachers, and professionals can support them to manage anxiety symptoms. This information is based on the Chilled Program research (adapted from the Cool Kids ASD program), a randomised controlled trial assessing a family-based, cognitive behavioural therapy intervention (CBT) for autistic adolescents.

Tom Tutton, from Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), started work for the severe challenging behaviour team in the UK in 1997 working closely with students on the spectrum to maintain home and school placements. Subsequently, after 3 years completing a clinical psychology degree at Southampton University and more than 10 years supporting people on the spectrum in classrooms, schools, family homes and communities through direct service, training and research, he has never wanted to do anything else. Tom has spoken at Asia Pacific Autism Conferences, the Autism Congress in Singapore 2017 and the Association of Positive Behaviour Support conference in Denver 2017. Tom coordinates Aspect’s Autism Friendly Australia work that has included work with Taronga Zoo, Coles, the Museum of Contemporary Art, VIVID festival and Surf Life Saving Australia.

Day 1: Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) in schools uses a multi-tiered approach, with functional based support plans being developed for students with specific behaviour support needs. PBS research specifies that support plans need to have a number of elements to increase the likelihood of plans being effective, however, the process can be complex and technical. Tom will present a set of simplified PBS planning forms to enable participants to complete the PBS process to meet the evidence base. Participants will be guided step by step to use the Aspect functional assessment and planning form and linked to a range of free support resources

Day 2: Tom will also be co-presenting with Michelle Dival and Stephanie Valentine on how to create autism friendly environments.

The social model of disability suggests that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It looks at ways of removing barriers in the environment that limit life choices. Traditionally, the focus has been on physical disabilities but recently a worldwide movement has grown to include people on the autism spectrum by creating ‘autism friendly environments’. This co-presentation will review our autism friendly work completed so far, drawing from research, practice, and collaborations with others to highlight an overarching framework and core principles for the development of autism friendly environments.

Joshua, Kemi and Alyssa are a team of Accredited Exercise Physiologists and researchers from Thriving Paediatric Programs at University of Western Australia. Thriving is an exercise service specialising in delivering tailored exercise programs for children and young people whose ability to participate in community or school-based physical activity is impacted by behavioural, social and/or medical conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. At Thriving specialised and trained instructors work with many kids and teenagers on the spectrum and aim to improve physical fitness and movement confidence using a wide range of exercise modalities and training strategies. The Thriving team are passionate about the role exercise can have in facilitating learning and development of children with autism, and are well versed in the physical, social and psychological health benefits of exercise participation for individuals on the spectrum. The team will share information around the role of exercise, and share practical strategies for motivating and encouraging activity participation for kids and teens on the spectrum.

This session provides an overview of the physical, social and psychological health benefits of exercise participation for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families, and details the role exercise professionals can have in facilitating the learning and development of children with autism. It will also provide strategies for parents, educators and health professionals to encourage more children with autism spectrum disorders to have the motivation and opportunity to be physically active.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) consists of young people on the spectrum hoping to inspire their peers to take part and put creative ideas into action. The Youth Empowerment Project applies project-based learning and engages young people with autism from late primary and above with motivating and authentic learning opportunities.The YAC’s current action research project addresses a common social issue, employment.

The YAC will be showcasing videos and a panel presentation about their current action research project, which addresses a common social issue, employment.