For students at La Trobe, there is an opportunity to take an autism-specific elective as part of their undergraduate degrees. The Understanding and support for autism subject runs once yearly in semester 2, and features lectures by a mixture of La Trobe staff and autism research professionals external to the University.
We sat down to speak with Erin Salmon, who undertook the subject last year and has gone on to do her honours thesis with OTARC.
Hi Erin, first of all I’d like to ask why you chose the Understanding and Support for autism elective as part of your undergraduate degree?
Choosing the autism elective was a deeply personal decision for me as an A woman. Having my own lived experience with autism and being actively engaged in the neurodiversity community, I’ve always had a profound curiosity about the intricacies of autism and how it manifests uniquely in individuals.
Despite being immersed in the neurodiversity community, I recognized that there was still so much more to learn, not just about autism, but also about how it specifically pertains to my own experiences and those of others within the community.
The subject offered a structured opportunity for me to delve deeper into the scientific and psychological aspects of autism, enhancing my understanding and enabling me to better articulate and comprehend my own journey.
What interests you about autism research?
The field of autism research captivates me due to its potential to uncover insights that can directly impact the lives of Autistic individuals. Whether it’s advancements in understanding and exploring effective therapies and support programs, or advocating for greater acceptance and inclusion, autism research has the power to shape policies, perceptions, and practices to create a more supportive and inclusive society for neurodiverse individuals like myself.
What was the highlight from the subject for you?
One aspect of the course that left a lasting impression was the balance of unique assignments and engaging, relevant content. It felt like the content was not only accurate to my experiences as an Autistic woman but also deepened my understanding of autism as a whole, filling in gaps in my knowledge.
Learning about the wide range of tools, assessments, and methodologies used to identify and diagnose individuals with autism provided invaluable insights into both the clinical and personal aspects of the diagnostic journey. This not only enriched my understanding of my own experiences, which I can see being directly applicable to my future career goals, but also broadened my perspective on how individuals from diverse backgrounds may navigate the diagnosis process.
What truly made the course memorable was the exceptional staff and guest lecturers. Their diverse perspectives and expertise brought depth to our discussions and made every session engaging and thought-provoking. Moreover, the inclusive and supportive environment fostered within the course encouraged open discussions about autism and neurodiversity, which was incredibly enriching and allowed for the exchange of ideas and experiences among participants.
Do you have any plans to undertake Autism research in the future? If so, why?
I’m currently immersed in autism research at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) as part of my Honours thesis. My primary motivation behind this research endeavour stems from a desire to contribute to a field brimming with potential. Neurodiversity research, in particular, has gained considerable momentum in recent years, owing to the rapid growth of our understanding in this area. There’s a wealth of knowledge yet to be uncovered, making it an exciting and promising field to explore.
What would you like to do after graduation? Do you have any career goals?
Upon graduating, my aspiration is to pursue a career path as a Clinical Psychologist with a focus on providing support and diagnosis within the realm of neurodiversity. My biggest career aspiration is to establish my own practice focusing on neurodiversity, where I can provide a welcoming and supportive environment for both neurodiverse practitioners and clients. My ultimate vision is to create a space where individuals across the neurodiversity spectrum feel understood, respected, and empowered to thrive. However, simply being able to assist people every day is my main career goal, which I’m sure will be the most rewarding!
