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Our Autistic advocates

Emma Tomlinson

Singer/Songwriter and Autism Queensland Ambassador.  Emma Tomlinson is a neurodiverse artist, recognised for not only performing at major events nationally, but significantly as Formal Ambassador of Autism Queensland and Queensland Artist / Musician Advisory Board Member of 'THE A-LIST’. Emma’s award-winning leadership and advocacy embodies deep commitment to inclusivity, accessibility for neurodiversity within community, education and creative industry.

Angus Hamill

Angus, an alumnus of Aspect Central Coast School, was one the 15 Autistic journalism students featured on ABC’s "The Assembly" last year. Host of Roar! Youth Disability Radio on Coast FM since 2021, he’s passionate about letting diverse voices be heard. Angus has also just taken on a casual role working at national youth-focused radio station triple j as a Late Nights presenter, so keep an ear out if you’re ever feeling slightly insomniac!

Alexandra Robinson

Alexandra works at Aspect as the Office Administrator and as a Think Tank consultant. Alexandra is an Autistic adult who was diagnosed at age 25.

Bethany Woodman

Bethany is a dedicated Autistic advocate who was diagnosed Autistic and ADHD in her early 20s. She uses social media to share her views, raise awareness, and develop her voice as a communicator. Bethany’s passion for politics and standing up for what’s right drives everything she does.

Uncle Michael West

Uncle Michael is an Aboriginal man of the Gamilaroi Nation, artist, and an Autistic and ADHD advocate. He is a member of the Stolen Generations. Uncle Michael regularly speaks at Aspect special events and consulted on Aspect's Reconciliation Action Plan.

Jean-Christophe Novelli

Jean-Christophe is a renowned French chef, author and restaurateur. He is one of the MasterChef Australia judges and has a son on the autism spectrum.

Tilly & Lucius

Tilly is an Autistic primary school student who loves Lego and crochet. Lucius is an Autistic high school student whose lifelong love is the Wiggles, and loves to travel.

Emma Beardsley

Emma is a proud Autistic woman who works as a consultant, advocate and researcher with Aspect’s Autism Friendly team. A founding member of the Aspect Think Tank, she brings invaluable lived experience and expertise to a wide range of projects, championing the rights and needs of Autistic people.

Michael Theo

Michael is an Aspect autism consultant and actor who is known for his roles in "Love on the Spectrum" and "Austin".

Kerry Chin

Kerry is a well-known for his extensive involvement in the Sydney LGBTQIA+ and Autistic communities. He aims to draw attention to Autistic experiences and perspectives by being the representation he wants to see. Kerry can often be spotted riding a rainbow bike.

Ella Pardy PLY

Ella is an Australian Paralympian with cerebral palsy and is on the autism spectrum. She represented Australia in the 2016 Rio Paralympics where she won a bronze medal for track and field (4 x 100m). She also competed in Tokyo in 2020 and Paris 2024.

Andrew Radford

Andrew Radford is a dedicated disability advocate and a member of Aspect’s Advisory Council. Featured in ABC’s "The Assembly", he interviewed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese under the mentorship of Leigh Sales. In 2024, he became the first person with an intellectual disability appointed to The Disability Trust’s Board.

Abbey Faulkner

Abbey is passionate about advocating for people with autism. She was one of the cast of ABC’s "The Assembly", famously asking Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a job. Full of hopes for a career in the media, she has always dreamed of interviewing interesting people and becoming a Play School presenter. 

Julie

Julie is the parent of an Autistic child, a proud Gomeroi woman and founder of Dhinawan Yarn and Entertainment. She is a breathwork facilitator, Aboriginal educator, and Song Room performer, dedicated to fostering cultural connection, mindfulness, and inclusion across preschool to corporate settings through education and creative expression.

Ben Taylor

Ben is an Autistic racing driver in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia for Wall Racing. He is proudly an AuDHD athlete.

Tom Broadley

Tom is an Autistic adult who joined Aspect Adult Community Services as a participant, with the intention of developing his social skills and engaging in community activities. Tom developed a passion for assisting his peers to achieve their goals, so much so that in 2021 he was offered the innovative role of Aspect Autism Liaison Officer. 

Mirjana Gligorevic

Mirjana Gligorevic is an Autistic advocate who loves to travel and in 2017 took her first solo trip to the Balkans. She has written about her experiences in My Balkan Heart. She uses her journey, as a young woman on the autism spectrum and cerebral palsy to inspire others.

Chris Day

For Chris, life started at 63, when he was diagnosed Autistic. He was able to better understand himself and autism more fully through the assistance of an Aspect team member and our research on self compassion. Now at age 74, Chris is an Autistic advocate and with his understanding, self-discovery and reflection on his past, he is a lot happier and in a better place in his life.

Bec Street

Bec is an Autistic advocate and late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD (AuADHD) woman who lives with various co-occurring mental and physical health challenges. Bec works with Aspect's Autism Friendly team and is passionate about the power of story telling to help others learn and grow.

Jessica Tattersall

Jessica likes to spread awareness about both autism and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. She has worked as an admin assistant at the ABC since 2006. She is also the most popular person at the ABC. Jessica is on the autism spectrum, has a lazy eye and an intellectual disability. She leads a very fulfilling life and enjoys drawing, trains and spending time with friends.

Daniel Giles OAM

Daniel is proudly Autistic, an Aspect Advisory Council Member and works tirelessly as an advocate for other Autistic individuals and others with diverse needs. In recognition of his extensive work in this area, Daniel was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2017 for his “Service to Disability and the Community”.
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