autism
Research Council, said things have
changed a lot in the 24 years he’s
been involved in autism research.
As a person with autism himself,
“I loved being part of the process. I loved
being asked. I loved being visible. At no time
did I ever feel I was a token autistic person.
It was a true collaboration."
his initial experience with the
research world was very difficult.
“I had all these academic
‘Financial Wellbeing of Autistic felt that before from any organisation
Individuals Report’. Financial or group of professionals,” she said.
qualifications but I was often the last independence and literacy is an person to be told anything – a box to area she feels strongly about, having influence how people with autism
be ticked. My autism coloured what I seen first hand the impact financial are diagnosed, understood and
was being asked, how I answered and hardship can put on a person’s supported. If you want this knowledge
how I was being seen as a researcher,” mental and physical health. As part to reflect an authentic and accurate
Dr Lawson said. of these research projects Gabrielle voice, then trust your own insights and
has reviewed questionnaires, been expertise. Use this established avenue
capacities with Autism CRC in the past involved in focus groups and in the to share your hard-earned wisdom.”
four years, Dr Lawson is heartened by writing up of results.
Since working in a number of
the changes he has seen.
“Working together with other
“I loved being part of the process.
“Academics have the power to
The Autism CRC regularly recruits
community members to participate in
I loved being asked. I loved being coproduced research. If you would like
people with autism, and with non- visible. At no time did I ever feel I was to get involved, visit the Autism CRC
autistic people, valuing what is being a token autistic person. It was a true website and subscribe to their eNews.
brought to a situation, listening collaboration. It’s the first time I ever
www.autismcrc.com.au
mutually to one another, is very,
very beneficial and you can see the
results,” he said.
Gabrielle Hall at Autism@work; and opposite page, Dr Wenn Lawson.
Trained nurse and naturopath,
Gabrielle Hall, agrees. She took a leap
of faith in 2017 and joined the Autism
CRC Academy (now Sylvia Rodger
Academy), which was established
to provide skills development and
experiential learning for adults with
autism in a range of fields, including
research coproduction, leadership
and governance. That has led to her
becoming confident, as a researcher,
and in working with people with
autism to produce guidelines for
accommodating the needs of people
with autism at events.
Gabrielle also feels great reward
from her involvement in ANZ’s
linkonline.com.au
autism
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