Hi, my name is Kerryn, and I was diagnosed at the age of 30 with Asperger’s Syndrome as it was known back then. Nothing was known back in the days when I was growing up in the 70’s, 80’s or even 90’s.
Today it’s more widely acceptable, as more and more children get diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Learning about “the world” was very challenging. I had to learn the independent living skills that I now know. I also had to learn to adapt to society and take my place in it as that didn’t happen before. I felt as though I didn’t belong there as I didn’t know how to at the time.
Between 2005 & 2013, I did my life journey to step away from what I felt was an immature person and to help me become who I am today. I learnt to make decisions for myself as well as other vital life skills such as social/communication and behavioral strategies as well as learning about boundaries and where the buck stops once you’ve reached the end of the line!
During that time, I also wrote and developed 6 self-help life course books – 2 on life skills, 2 Autism-specific ones, and the other 2 were employment related – one targeted for parents/careers and the other for employers. These were highly valued in the community once they were released as courses in Neighborhood Houses/Community Centres.
Now I’m a highly passionate, very enthusiastic advocate when it comes to educating the community about ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) and have life’s knowledge to share with others.
In 2020, I felt the urge of my passion rise in me again and decided that I would like to do what I did in the past. I did a google search and that’s when I came across Speakers Bank. I felt like this would be a great platform for me to share my story with others.
For more information about Kerryn, please contact Speakers Bank’s Program Coordinator on 03 9687 7066 or email speakersbank@annecto.org.au.
Watch Kerryn’s Video