University of New England (UNE) academics will provide valuable insights at an upcoming community event aimed at reshaping how we understand and support autistic individuals at all stages of life.
Hosted by the New England North West Branch of the NSW Royal Society and led by UNE Professor Vicki Bitsika, Perspectives on Autism, Neurodiversity, and Resilience will mark a significant shift in the conversation around autism.
Moving away from narrow diagnostic labels, the event will highlight autism as a natural variation in neurodevelopment, focusing on individual assets, strengths, and specific support needs.
“The frameworks for identifying autism have evolved significantly,” says Professor Bitsika.
“As our understanding grows, it is essential that we create spaces where lived experience, clinical expertise, and research evidence are equally valued. By marrying these perspectives, we can better enhance the resilience and quality of life for autistic individuals at every stage of life.”
Professor Bitsika, a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) with over 30 years of experience in neurodevelopmental conditions, will be joined by a diverse panel of experts and advocates:
- Dr Wayne Arnold completed his PhD in Neuroscience at UNE in 2025. His PhD research aimed to improve understanding of ‘masking’, in autistic people. Wayne was diagnosed with autism when he was 16, and his own lived experiences have informed his approaches to researching masking, as well as his ongoing research projects on autism and mental health at UNE Brain Behaviour Research Group.
- Jane Weier is a mother, trained teacher, counsellor, and advocate with more than 20 years’ experience supporting young people and families. As the parent and carer of an autistic child, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to conversations about neurodivergence.
- Georgia Vu is a 20-year-old with AuDHD. She left school at 17 as it was not catering for her needs. She first entered the workforce at 16 and went fulltime in retail after leaving school. Georgia is passionate about validating, advocating and educating on the neurodivergent experience.
This community forum is free to attend and open to all members of the public, educators, and health professionals.
Event Details:
- When: Wednesday, 12 August 2026 | 5.00–7.30 pm AEST
- Where: NOVA, UNE SMART Region Incubator, 122 Faulkner Street, Armidale NSW 2350
- Entry: Free!
- Registration: Essential by 12.00 noon AEST, Tuesday, 11 August 2026. Find out more and register here.
