Sandra Thom-Jones on Growing into Autism

Professor Sandra Thom-Jones is an autistic author, academic, advocate and artisan. Sandra has undertaken numerous research projects­ in partnership with the autistic community on the experiences of autistic people and the knowledge and attitudes towards autism in the community, including research that won the Autism CRC's 2019 and 2021 awards for research translation, and 2022 award for inclusive research. Her research includes a 12-month reflection study on the experiences of more than thirty autistic academics from around the world. In 2018 she established ACU's Autism Inclusion Program, which aims to improve the attraction, retention and positive outcomes of autistic people in higher education. She is a passionate advocate for the inclusion of autistic people in all aspects of society. 

Edwina Shaw is a QLD writer and editor of fiction, memoir and screenplays. She is the author of A Guide Through Grief, Thrill Seekers, In the Dark of Night and over 40 short pieces that have appeared in literary journals and anthologies including Best Australian Stories. She is the contributing editor of Bjelke Blues, co-editor of Our Inside Voices, and ghostwriter/editor of Hard As. She teaches creative writing at UQ and also runs Relax and Write Retreats.