Shifting Our Lens: From Deficits to Differences
Tracks
Ballroom 1 - In-Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Wednesday, March 26, 2025 |
| 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM |
Overview
Sonny Wise
Presenter
Sonny Wise
Autistic Advocate, Author And Public Speaker
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Shifting Our Lens: From Deficits to Differences
Abstract
Using their personal stories and lived experience of growing up with an early Autism diagnosis, Sonny shares the importance of moving from deficits to differences when it comes to supporting neurodivergence and how this shapes our self-esteem, identity and well-being.
This presentation is an opportunity to step away from viewing human differences through the lens of diagnostic labels and instead, through the lens of neurodiversity.
This powerful presentation will encourage viewers to shift from the pathology paradigm to the neurodiversity paradigm to better understand, support and empower neurodivergent young people.
This presentation is an opportunity to step away from viewing human differences through the lens of diagnostic labels and instead, through the lens of neurodiversity.
This powerful presentation will encourage viewers to shift from the pathology paradigm to the neurodiversity paradigm to better understand, support and empower neurodivergent young people.
Biography
Sonny is an award-winning neurodivergent advocate, author and public speaker passionate about changing the narrative around neurodivergence. Sonny wrote the first neurodiversity affirming DBT workbook with over 70,000 copies sold worldwide. Their resources, workshops and talks have led to organisations, mental health and allied health services adopting a neurodiversity affirming framework. This past year they have been the co-chair of Australia’s first National Autism Strategy’s Social Inclusion Working Group as well as sat on South Australia’s first Autism Strategy Advisory Committee helping to lead the change for Autistic inclusion at a national and state level.
