Event details
Join our speakers as they explore innovative ways to incorporate autism inclusion and education into classrooms. With research that underpins practical, real-world strategies, Curtin University Professor Sonya Girdler, Director of the Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG), will discuss projects such as SCHOOL KONTAKT™, a Social Skills Toolkit for autistic students that is helping to create opportunities for them to thrive.
We’ll also hear from South Australia’s Director of Strategic Translational Research, Dr Emma Goodall, on how the State is working to apply research to policy to make positive changes for the autism community.
Following the lecture, there will also be an opportunity to engage with the researchers and autism advocates, including Lisa Munday MLA, and Jo Hall and Debbie Hawthorn from the School of Special Educational Needs: Disability (SSEND) in a panel discussion.
Don’t miss this exclusive event and the chance to help shape the future of autism education.
If you can’t make it in person, you can join us online. Please note a link to stream the event will be sent to you via email closer to the date.
CARG is dedicated to supporting the unique skills of individuals on the autism spectrum with research guided by and for them. Their research is made possible by the generous donation from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and Telethon.
Date
Thursday 22 August 2024
Time
5.00pm – 5.30pm: Registration & light refreshments
5.30pm – 7.00pm: Formal proceedings
7.00pm – 7.30pm: Networking & light refreshments
Location
Norman Dufty Lecture Theatre
B210.102
Curtin University
Presenters & Panellists
Professor Sonya Girdler
Professor Sonya Girdler is a Professor of Occupational Therapy and Director of the Curtin Autism Research Group at Curtin University. She has extensive experience in the field of autism research and is particularly interested in enabling the participation of autistic individuals in education, employment, and the development of evidence-based interventions.
She is a member of the Australian National Autism Co-operative Research Centre and affiliated with the Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND) in Sweden. In 2022, she was named Joint Winner of the Western Australian Premier’s Science Awards for the Chevron Science Engagement Initiative of the Year.
Dr Emma Goodall
Dr Emma Goodall is the Director of Strategic Translational Research in South Australia’s Department for Premier and Cabinet. Emma has worked extensively in the area of autism education, research and public policy, and teacher training across Australia and internationally. She was the inaugural Director of the Office of Autism, delivering a State Autism Charter and practical outcomes for autistic individuals in South Australia.
Emma is an autistic researcher, writer, educator, and parent of an autistic adult. She has a passion for using translation research to support policy and practice across the lifespan and a particular passion for the use of interoception strategies to support emotional wellbeing.
Lisa Munday MLA
Lisa Munday is the Member for Dawesville, elected to state parliament in 2021. Before that, she worked as an ambulance paramedic and is a registered psychologist. As a mother of two autistic sons, she is passionate about autism advocacy. Lisa’s political career focuses on how society embraces neurodivergent people, striving to highlight their brilliance. She strongly supports groups like the Curtin Autism Research Group to foster change and provide opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. Lisa also works to educate the public on the strengths and potential of autistic people.
Jo Hall
Joanna Hall has over 30 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator across a range of contexts. She is currently the Principal of the School of Special Educational Needs: Disability, a specialist school that provides state-wide disability expertise to educators. She has extensive experience designing and providing support to schools and building teacher capacity, having led many projects for the Department to enhance student engagement.
Joanna is passionate about education and inclusion. She brings lived experience with disability to her work, advocating for accessible, inclusive and supportive environments.
Debbie Hawthorn
Debbie Hawthorn is an Associate Principal at the School of Special Education Needs: Disability (SSEND). With 26 years of experience in primary, secondary and education support setting, she currently oversees support for the State’s Specialised Learning Programs (SLP) for autistic students.
Driven by lived experience of neurodivergence, Debbie is passionate about disability advocacy, and creating inclusive and supportive educational environments. She is dedicated to building strong connections with families, educators, and the wider community to ensure every student has the chance to thrive.
Professor Gretchen Benedix
Professor Gretchen Benedix is the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research (Interim) at Curtin University. She is a cosmic mineralogist and astro-geologist in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, using the chemistry, mineralogy, spectroscopy, and petrology of meteorites to understand the formation and evolution of asteroids and other planets.