Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism

In this second episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces Yenn Purkis, who is an Autistic and non-binary advocate, presenter, and author and co-author of 10 books. Yenn's advocacy work began in 2005, and since that time they have been prolific, producing memes, blogs, videos, and undertaking many speaking engagements. 

In the conversation, Yenn reflects on their diagnosis during their twenties and they fact it took quite some time to accept their Autistic identity. Yenn also discusses what spurred on their journey as an advocate and reflects on some of their achievements. Yenn talks about their writing career, including what motivated them to start writing books, and explores some of their recent and upcoming titles. Yenn also reveals some of their aspirations and hopes for the Autistic community. And finally, they discuss some of their strategies for mental health and wellbeing.

In this first episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces Dr Melanie Heyworth, who is an Australian Autistic woman, a self and systemic advocate for the Autistic community, Reframing Autism’s founder and CEO, a PhD candidate, and proud mother and educator to her three Autistic children.  

In their conversation, Melanie reflects on her late identification as Autistic, and how that led her to a growing interest in advocacy. Melanie also discusses the evolution of Reframing Autism from a small passion project to the busy not-for-profit organisation it has become. She talks about her hopes for the future, that there will be no need to 'reframe Autism', that Autism will have been 'reframed', and that Autistic culture and identity are recognised as valuable contributors to the richness of humanity. Melanie also summarises her current research into Autistic-led models of care to support families to understand their children's neurology. And finally, she discusses the challenges of balancing work, study, and parenthood, and how her hyperfocus and passion for learning spur her on.