Staff and researchers from our Centre recently attended the Yellow Ladybugs Conference, a neuroinclusive event celebrating Autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people while bringing together researchers, professionals, educators, families and community members.
Representing the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at the conference was Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro, who joined a talk focused on girls and gender-diverse young people who are often missed in early autism diagnosis. This may be partly explained by gendered ways of being at an early age being overlooked, – for example, interests, communication styles and sensitivities often interpreted as shyness or ‘giftedness.’
For OTARC attendees, the conference provided an important opportunity to hear directly from Autistic and neurodivergent presenters sharing their lived experiences, expertise and perspectives. A recurring reflection from attendees was the value of lived experience voices in shaping understanding – particularly when discussing concepts that are often explained about Autistic people, rather than by Autistic people.
The conference was mostly online, with an e-lobby commissioned by vFAIRS, which proved popular among our staff. Their online break room, a virtual sensory room of sorts, featured a ‘movement break’ suggestion linking out to this popular 80s anthem and another link to a video of purring cats – fantastic!
One attendee described the conference as a powerful example of neuroinclusive practice, with the event creating a strong sense of connection and community. Along with an emphasis on lived experience, presenters offered new ways of understanding concepts such as masking, intersectionality and support needs.
From understanding to action
A major theme across the conference was the importance of moving beyond awareness and towards practical change. While building understanding of neuro-affirming principles remains essential, attendees reflected on the need for ongoing conversations about how these principles can be applied across real-world settings including education, healthcare and community environments.
Sessions exploring parenting, neurodivergent professionals and education highlighted the importance of questioning assumptions about what is considered the “right” way to learn, communicate or participate. Presenters encouraged audiences to reflect on the expectations placed on Autistic people and how environments can be adapted to better support different ways of being. This approach echoed our Centre’s ethos around inclusive learning.
Recognising Autistic girls and the impact of masking
Several sessions explored why Autistic girls are often missed or diagnosed later, particularly when they appear to meet expectations around behaviour, academic performance or social presentation.
Others that attended the conference reflected on the importance of recognising the hidden effort involved in masking and the impact of environments that discourage emotional expression or authenticity. Discussions highlighted the need for systems that allow people to communicate distress, ask for support and have their needs recognised before reaching crisis point.
These conversations reinforced the importance of creating spaces where Autistic people are not required to hide aspects of themselves in order to be accepted.
Intersectionality, culture and creating safer environments
The conference also included important discussions about the experiences of First Nations Autistic people and the need for culturally safe, strengths-based approaches.
One presentation titled Supporting First Nations Ladybugs discussed the intersection of autism, culture and identity. A discussion between the presenters Eden Gadsden (neurodivergent occupational therapist with ADHD) and Tash Trickey (Yorta Yorta AuDHDer and Paediatric Occupational Therapist) emphasised the importance of building relationships, engaging families and communities, increasing cultural understanding, and avoiding placing responsibility on First Nations people to explain or educate others.
The importance of culturally responsive practice was a key takeaway, particularly in education settings. This includes recognising the impacts of historical and ongoing inequities, working collaboratively with communities, and ensuring supports are shaped by the people and communities they are intended to serve.
Continuing the conversation
The Yellow Ladybugs Conference provided OTARC staff with an opportunity to reflect on current practice, listen to community perspectives and consider how research and professional work can continue to better support Autistic people.
The conference reinforced the importance of neuroaffirming approaches that centre on respect, autonomy, lived experience and inclusion – while recognising that meaningful change requires ongoing reflection, collaboration and action. OTARC thanks Yellow Ladybugs for creating a space that brought together community, research and lived experience to continue advancing conversations about autism acceptance and support. Thank you for the big community group hug!
