BOOK LAUNCH
When: Saturday, 23 April
Time: 12PM to 1:30PM
Venue: Harry Hartog ANU
153/11 University Avenue
Australian National University
Canberra, ACT 2601
Free event? Yes!
About the Book
Being autistic, you might come across more challenges than others around you, such as dealing with ableism, discrimination in employment or difficulties in your relationships. Learning to successfully self-advocate will help you to build confidence, strengthen your relationships and ensure your needs are met.
Written by two autistic activists, this book will give you the tools and strategies to advocate for yourself in any situation. It covers specific scenarios including work, school, and family and relationships, as well as looking at advocacy for the wider community, whether that's through social media, presentations or writing. Additionally, the book provides advice on building independence, developing your skills, standing up for others and resolving conflict.
The authors also explore the overall impact of self-advocacy in all areas of your life, building a sense of confidence, resilience and control. Drawing on the authors' extensive experience, this book will help you to successfully prioritise your needs and rights, challenge what is unfair or unjust and make your voice heard.
About The Author
Yenn Purkis is an author, public servant and passionate advocate for Autistic people and their families. Yenn is the author of 'Finding a Different Kind of Normal: Misadventures with Asperger Syndrome' – an autobiography, 'The Wonderful World of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens', The Autistic Trans Guide to Life. Yenn is co-author of 'The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum' and 'The Parents' Practical Guide to Resilience for Children aged 2-10 on the Autism Spectrum.' Yenn has also contributed to other books, journals, blogs and websites.
Yenn has been working full-time for the Australian Public Service since 2007. Yenn gave a presentation on Autism and resilience at the TEDx Canberra conference in 2013. Yenn facilitates a support group for women on the Autism spectrum and has their own internet radio show entitled Yenn's Autism Show.
This is an in-person indoor event, and according to ACT Health masks are mandatory. To help keep everyone safe, please ensure that you are familiar with, and follow, the advice from ACT Health regarding COVID-19 exposures. Bookings are essential.
Barb Cook is a registered Developmental Educator (DE), Deputy Chair of the Developmental Educators Australia Incorporated (DEAI), and an Autism and Neurodiversity Employment Consultant and Life Coach for neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism and dyslexia).
Barb holds a Master of Autism (education) degree with focus on employment from the University of Wollongong, where she is also a researcher and co-project lead in the area of self-determination and self-advocacy for adults on the autism spectrum.
Barb is founder of Spectrum Women Magazine and editor and co-author of the internationally acclaimed book, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism. Barb is a prolific writer on neurodivergence and employment and is published in academic research.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Registration is required for this event. Accessible parking spaces are available around campus should you require them. This is an in-person, indoor event and ANU requires masks to be worn. To help keep everyone safe, please ensure that you are familiar with, and follow, the advice from ACT Health regarding COVID-19.
If you do not feel well, please refrain from attending this event.