University Research Themes: Social change and equity, Healthy people, families and communities
Autistic Australians are far less likely to hold a postgraduate qualification compared to non-Autistic Australians. Barriers such as late diagnosis, stigma, discrimination, inaccessible learning environments, and a lack of tailored support within universities mean that many Autistic students do not get the opportunity to pursue advanced study.
In 2024, we launched the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre PhD Scholarship for Autistic Scholars to change that.
Rebekah (Bek) Carter (pictured left), Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University, became one of our inaugural recipients. With supervisors Associate Professor Jennifer Spoor (primary, OTARC), Dr Melissa Gilbert (OTARC), and Dr Daryll Archibald (University of Dundee). Bek is exploring the firsthand experiences of Autistic students in pre-registration nursing programs, identifying challenges and examining how universities can provide adequate support.
Diagnosed in 2019, Bek had kept her diagnosis private. With the encouragement of her supervisors, she applied for the scholarship. Her successful application marked a turning point.
Bek now shares her Autistic identity with colleagues and students, and it is transforming her teaching practice. Bek has introduced universal, neurodiversity-affirming structured supports, such as:
- a buddy system – class so that if a buddy notices their partner struggling, they can alert the tutor or Bek, enabling early check-ins and support
- fostering a culture of wellbeing and speaking openly about this
- having structured classes with clear rules.
These teaching techniques allows every student to feel heard and respected. Her students now learn from a role model who embodies both academic excellence and lived experience.
Impact
- Improved student understanding, teaching outcomes, and teacher ratings “she [Bek] always ensured her classroom was a positive and safe environment for all. Her teaching techniques allowed students to clearly understand the content. Rebekah was always approachable and motivating.” – student.
- Strengthened culture of respect and wellbeing in the classroom
- Western Sydney University are using Bek’s teaching practices as an exemplar of good practice at Western Sydney University.
Autistic scholars like Bek are reshaping higher education by demonstrating the value of authentic leadership, driving equity, inclusion, and excellence across the sector.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
