From Participation to Belonging: Bridging Research and Community to Support Autistic Wellbeing and Dignity
Tracks
Jacaranda - In-Person Only
| Monday, September 28, 2026 |
| 11:25 AM - 11:55 AM |
| Jacaranda Room |
Overview
Dr Aida Hurem, Empower Autism & Michael Coles, Empower Autism
Key Learnings
1. Practical framework: Explore a community-centred, neuro-affirming model linking belonging, advocacy and systems change to support Autistic wellbeing.
2. Application across contexts: Learn how research and lived experience translate into practical strategies for education, workplaces and community settings
3. Collaboration for impact: Understand the role of co-construction and
collaboration in fostering dignity, inclusion and sustainable wellbeing.
Speaker
Dr Aida Hurem
Manager, Corporate And Community Education
Empower Autism
From Participation to Belonging: Bridging Research and Community to Support Autistic Wellbeing and Dignity
Presentation Overview
Creating genuinely inclusive environments for Autistic people requires more than
awareness training or policy change. It requires meaningful, community-centred
approaches that connect research, lived experience and needs. This presentation
introduces a neuro-airming, community-based model developed within our Autisticled
organisation, to strengthen inclusion, belonging and neuro-dignity across
education, workplaces and community settings.
Grounded in lived experience leadership, our presentation explores how community
programs translate evidence and lived experiences into practical supports. Our
presented model centers three interconnected elements: belonging and identity; skills,
self and peer advocacy; and systems change. Together, these elements empower
Autistic people to build confidence, navigate education and employment systems, and
participate in community life.
While sharing examples from community-centred initiatives, we demonstrate how peer
connection, mentoring, educational advocacy and capacity building can create
inclusive, airming and supportive environments. Particular attention is given to how
Autistic leadership and lived experience shapes program design and delivery, ensuring
that supports reflect the priorities, strengths and realities of Autistic communities.
The session is co-presented by two colleagues from Empower Autism, an Autistic lead
organisation dedicated to translating research and lived experience into practical
community programs. One presenter is an Autistic culturally and linguistically diverse
(CALD) woman and former academic specialising in Autism, belonging and wellbeing,
now leading community and corporate education. The co-presenter is an Autistic
advocate, podcast host, workplace trainer, and public speaker with deep community
connections. Together, they bring complementary perspectives that combine research,
lived experience and community engagement.
awareness training or policy change. It requires meaningful, community-centred
approaches that connect research, lived experience and needs. This presentation
introduces a neuro-airming, community-based model developed within our Autisticled
organisation, to strengthen inclusion, belonging and neuro-dignity across
education, workplaces and community settings.
Grounded in lived experience leadership, our presentation explores how community
programs translate evidence and lived experiences into practical supports. Our
presented model centers three interconnected elements: belonging and identity; skills,
self and peer advocacy; and systems change. Together, these elements empower
Autistic people to build confidence, navigate education and employment systems, and
participate in community life.
While sharing examples from community-centred initiatives, we demonstrate how peer
connection, mentoring, educational advocacy and capacity building can create
inclusive, airming and supportive environments. Particular attention is given to how
Autistic leadership and lived experience shapes program design and delivery, ensuring
that supports reflect the priorities, strengths and realities of Autistic communities.
The session is co-presented by two colleagues from Empower Autism, an Autistic lead
organisation dedicated to translating research and lived experience into practical
community programs. One presenter is an Autistic culturally and linguistically diverse
(CALD) woman and former academic specialising in Autism, belonging and wellbeing,
now leading community and corporate education. The co-presenter is an Autistic
advocate, podcast host, workplace trainer, and public speaker with deep community
connections. Together, they bring complementary perspectives that combine research,
lived experience and community engagement.
Biography
Dr Aida Hurem is the Manager of Corporate and Community Education and Empower Autism. She specialises in wellbeing, belonging, and Autism and brings extensive expertise in Autism research, education, psychology and inclusive program design. As an Autistic educator, researcher and advocate, she is dedicated to creating learning environments that empower neurodivergent people and strengthen community belonging. Aida's work focuses on evidence-informed practice, community and lived experience, capacity building and shifting systems towards genuine neurodiversity inclusion.
