Dyslexia, ADHD & Autism
EARLY BIRD PRICE TIL 30TH APRIL 2019
DATE & TIME
31st May 2019, 9am to 5pm
PLACE
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, 578 Royal Esplanade, Manly QLD
TICKETS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED TO 200
About the event….
Thriving Now is hosting its inaugural Neurodiversity and Employment Symposium, promoting a positive and productive focus on the strengths that neurodiverse individuals can offer the workplace.
The goal of this symposium is to inform, enlighten and educate attendees from a variety of perspectives. Those of neurodiverse individuals with lived experience of navigating the employment realm, to professional insights and research-based evidence on the benefits of employing and supporting neurodivergent thinkers in the workplace.
This symposium is an invaluable opportunity to understand how employing a neurodiverse workforce will create a more inclusive and diverse team, bringing diversity of thought and knowledge, plus, collectively opening up new pathways for both employer and employee in attaining successful and productive futures.
About the Speakers
About the Speakers
Jay Hobbs – Director of Thriving Now
Jay Hobbs is a psychologist and co-creator of Thriving Now based in Brisbane, Australia. Jay has worked with neurodiverse individuals (Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism) and their families for over fifteen years in both Australia and the UK. Jay worked as an Employment Services Manager at Specialisterne, has a Master of Professional Psychology and currently works with Dr. Michelle Garnett and Prof. Tony Attwood. Jay has worked on large employment programs with corporate clients such as HP, SAP and SunPork Farms. Jay is passionate about working with people on the spectrum particularly in the areas of psychology, education and employment.
Tony Attwood
Professor Tony Attwood PhD is an internationally recognised clinical psychologist, educator, and author and co-creator of Thriving Now. Recently featured on ABC’s Australian Story, Tony is one of the world’s foremost authorities on autism. His book Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals is an international best seller and seminal in the field.
Michelle Garnett
Dr Michelle Garnett PhD is a clinical psychologist and co-creator of Thriving Now and Founder and Director of Minds & Hearts, a clinic specialising in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Michelle has co-authored four books on ASD, including three books with Tony. Her most recent book, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism, was co-authored with Barb Cook and 14 other women on the Spectrum.
Bill Gamack
Chief Executive Officer – EPIC Assist. An accountant by trade, Bill’s career has taken him around the world. He has worked at a major accounting firm in Australia and England, held senior management positions across a range of industries, and spent 7 years in the Middle East.
Bill’s family ties with disability inspire a sustained interest and stake in the disability employment services sector. After connecting with EPIC in Brisbane in 2010, Bill identified a strong shared value system and joined the EPIC Board, before taking on the role of CEO in 2014. Bill is passionate about raising society’s expectations around disability, and believes everyone has the right to work.
Jeanette Purkis
Jeanette Purkis is an author, presenter, autism advocate and community leader. Jeanette is the author of six published books on elements of autism and has contributed to a large number of journals, books and websites. Jeanette is a presenter and facilitator and regularly gives keynote presentations including at the 2013 TEDx Canberra conference. Jeanette is a member of a number of committees and reference groups and is has a number of awards for leadership in the community, including the 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year.
Will Attwood
Will Attwood was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome during a three-year sentence in prison, and has written the book, Asperger’s Syndrome and Jail : A Survival Guide, to help people with Asperger’s cope with prison, and to provide better understanding for the professionals who work with them.
Barb Cook
Formally identified on the autism spectrum along with ADHD and phonological dyslexia at age 40, Barb is editor and co-author of the internationally acclaimed book Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism, and editor in chief of Spectrum Women Magazine. Barb is an internationally recognised speaker and writer and was awarded a Special Commendation in the 2017 Autism Queensland Creative Futures Awards by the Queensland Governor. Barb is also currently studying a Master of Autism at the University of Wollongong (Education and Employment), an entrepreneur, and provides workshops, consulting, and mentoring services for the neurodiverse community.
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About the workshop…
This workshop focuses on strategies and supports to empower women and non-male individuals on the autism spectrum in gaining self-advocacy and self-determination skills to set them on a pathway to a more fulfilling life. Throughout this workshop, Barb and Yenn will explore issues faced by autistic individuals in a variety of life settings, resonating from their personal lived experience, current research and community knowledge. Practical group activities and discussion will provide an opportunity to expand knowledge within the wider community and to enlighten health professionals and educators in how to best support and genuinely create inclusive settings for autistic individuals.
Topics covered:
Employment, Diversity, Inclusion, Assertiveness, Personal Safety, Anxiety, Self-Care, Mental Health.
This workshop is for autistic adults, parents, educators, health professionals.
On completion of this workshop, a certificate will be provided with four (4) hours personal development.
To view event flyer click here.
About the Speakers…
BARB COOK was formally identified on the autism spectrum along with ADHD and phonological dyslexia at age 40, and is editor and co-author of the internationally acclaimed book Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism, and editor in chief of Spectrum Women Magazine. She is an internationally recognised speaker and writer and appeared in the short TV documentary, The Chameleons: Women with Autism.
Barb was awarded a Special Commendation in the 2017 Autism Queensland Creative Futures Awards by the Queensland Governor. Barb is also currently completing a Master of Autism at the University of Wollongong (Education and Employment), an entrepreneur and mentor for the neurodiverse.
YENN PURKIS (formerly Jeanette Purkis) is an autistic author, presenter and advocate. Yenn has six published books on elements of autism, has given many keynote presentations including for TEDx Canberra and represents on several advisory boards and committees. Yenn has had a number of media engagements including featuring in the ABC documentary Alone in a Crowded Room. Yenn is active in social media, publishing weekly blogs and a daily meme since 2014.
Yenn was named the 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year and has a number of other awards for community leadership. They even feature on a mural of local heroes in Canberra where they live. Yenn has facilitated a women’s support group in Canberra since 2011 and mentors a number of young people on the autism spectrum. Yenn also works for the Australian Public Service.