This webinar will offer an Autistic person’s lived experiences of Autism, and of parenting and teaching Autistic children.
Key topics include: thinking beyond a linear spectrum, reassessing functioning labels, what a strengths-based, interest- and child-led, individualised and ultimately respectful approach looks like, and how as teachers we support, not change, our Autistic children.
About out speaker
Mel is an Autistic mother of three Autistic children, who has postgraduate qualifications in autism and is a passionate advocate for creating a better world for herself, her children, and the Autistic community. Mel has given feedback to numerous governmental inquiries and consultations and provided testimony at Parliamentary Inquiries on behalf of the Autistic community. She sits on several advisory committees to guide respectful, inclusive best practice, and is on the Board of Autistic Self-Advocacy Network Australia and New Zealand.
The cornerstone of Mel’s advocacy vision is the not-for-profit organisation, Reframing Autism, which she originally founded. Reframing Autism aims to create a world in which the Autistic community is supported by families and allies to achieve genuine acceptance, inclusion, and active citizenship, and in which Autistic culture and identity are celebrated and nurtured.
Mel has a deep commitment to bringing parents of Autistic children to a more accepting, optimistic and hopeful parenting perspective, and firmly believes that social change can only occur when Autistic individuals are supported to explore and celebrate their authentic identities.
Related NESA Professional Teaching Standards/Focusses: 1.5, 1.6, 3.3, 3.5, 4.1, 5.1, 5.4
