Autism Our Way- No Shame in Sharing with Tanika Davis

Jasmin Link is a proud descendant of the Gugu Yithimirr (Cooktown and Yindinjinbarndi (marble bar) people and live in Ipswich, Qld. Jasmin has two children. Luke has Autism and Jasmin has been on quite a journey so far. Jasmin is a single mummy and is an Autism Advocate in QLD. 

Emma Dresens is a special educator with over 15 years experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and multicultural communities alongside children, families and schools.  Emma has held a variety of leadership roles in educational settings across Australia and the U.K. Emma is the coordinator of Diverse Community Programs nationally, for Positive Partnerships. Emma’s current research interests include Human Rights and the intersectionality of diverse learners, culture and communities.

Emily is a Wiradjuri woman. She is currently living and working on Bundjalung country near Lismore, New South Wales. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts/Teaching and Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Hons.) and is a member of Indigenous Allied Health Australia. Emily’s passion is in the delivery of culturally sensitive allied health services to ensure that families feel safe and heard. Emily is currently working as a Speech Pathologist for Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). Emily enjoys working for Aspect due to the family focused approach in developing deep understanding and celebrating the strengths and aspirations of people on the spectrum.Marlee Hudson is a Anaiwan woman. Speech Pathologist for Autism Spectrum Australia, who has worked with children on the Autism spectrum for a number of years. She loves working for Aspect because the approach is about celebrating differences and considering the strengths of the young people and their families. Previously she worked in the Western Desert providing outreach services to remote communities such as Kunawarritji.

Layne Brown is a Proud Yuin Man from the South Coast of NSW.His daughter was diagnosed at around 3 years old after tediously and slowly going through years of doctor appointments after appointment to assist his baby girl. After getting diagnosed with mild autism and global delay they accessed early intervention style programs to assist with helping her on her journey and have been predominantly  involved with Aspect Australia schools and programs which have been a god send in empowering Patty-Sue to engage in the ever confusing and complex world that well have to interact in.Layne has been lucky to grow up in few different communities but his family moved to the Illawarra when he was 16 to be closer to his family who mostly live in Nowra. Since leaving school his committed most his working and study to being centred around Aboriginal community work and family, his most current role is with government in Aboriginal Road Safety for community - 'Bring the Mob home safely' sort of thing. He is part of a blended family living with his partner and her two kids plus his daughter (she lives with her mother) who frequently comes over during the week and every 2nd weekend. In his own time he enjoys running and walking with other Aboriginal men to each other in own journeys (cultural, parenthood, health etc.) in life.

Tammy Anderson is a Biripi woman who has grown up with her family on Dharawal country in Airds, NSW. Tammy first started teaching in 2002 as an Aboriginal Education Resource Teacher at Briar Road Public School. A role that she believes developed in her a strong understanding of individualised learning and the importance that culture plays in academically and culturally developing Aboriginal students. Tammy has forged a successful career in education and ensures that Aboriginal Education is at the forefront in both the schools and community in which she has worked in and lived. Tammy has drawn her inspiration for teaching and her passion for Aboriginal Education from both her family and school mentors including her own primary school Aboriginal Education Officer.Tammy is committed to ensuring that high expectations set the foundation for strong teacher-student relationships for all students within Briar Road Public School. The school is significant to her as she attended there as a student and led the school as the first Aboriginal school captain in 1990. In 2013, she was appointed to the school as Principal where she strongly believes that the change in outcomes for disadvantaged children and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are possible through developing strong school culture, empowering community partnerships and the delivery of high quality curriculum that caters to each child’s needs.She is a mother, a Principal and a community member who relishes in watching those she works with rise up and achieve. 

Renee grew up in north west Sydney. She comes from a big family including 6 brothers, plenty of nieces and nephews and is now settled in Maroubra with her husband.Renee is driven by her relationships with people and has found her work, family and social networks connect her with some incredibly interesting and diverse peopleRenee has recently worked with Positive Partnerships implementing their Stretch RAP, facilitating their First Nations Reference Group and delivering workshops across the country in remote communities, and is now leading Inclusion Projects across Autism Spectrum Australia - which includes Disability Access and Inclusion, their Innovate RAP and Multicultural and LGBTQIA+ Engagement Plans.

Sue Larkey is unashamedly passionate about her mission – to inspire parents and educators and teach them how to Make it a Success. Sue Larkey is uniquely positioned within the education system having taught both as a primary school teacher and a special education teacher. She is a highly qualified educator who has taught students with autism spectrum disorder in the mainstream and special schools. She combines practical experience with extensive research having completed a Masters in Special Education and currently undertaking a Doctorate in Education. Winner of Naturally Autistic 2013 International Award for Community Contribution.   Sue has authored many books on autism spectrum disorders. She believes that armed with the tools of understanding and confidence, much can be achieved. For further information about Sue to to engage with her amazing work please visit:https://suelarkey.com.au/ 

First Episode- HONESTY, LOVE and SACRIFICE. Adrian Davis is a proud Dunghutti and Bundjalung Man. He is a Proud Fireman and Slades Dad. 

Introduction to the Autism Our Way. Launch date will be July 5th 2020.Stay Tuned and start sharing.