Neurodivergence and DSC Postgraduate Research: Conversations for Success and Inclusion

This workshop explores the neurodivergent experiences of HDR candidates, supervisors and RMIT support staff at RMIT. Drawing on current research and lived experiences, the session will examine barriers to access, support strategies, and inclusive supervision models. This workshop is designed for HDR candidates, supervisors, and academic staff committed to creating more equitable and neuro-inclusive research cultures in HDR at RMIT.

Moderator

Associate Professor Stephen Gaunson

Speakers

Joshua Muir is a biomedical scientist and educator who serves as Neurodiversity Co-Lead within RMIT University Library's Learning and Academic Skills unit. He runs weekly Neurodiverse Workshops and Study Sessions in low-sensory environments— incorporating soft lighting, minimal noise, and calming music-that help neurodivergent learners focus. Josh is diagnosed with ADHD; and draws on his background in writing, mathematics, and science to support students in these sessions.

Adam Ferris is Neurodiversity Co-Lead in RMIT University Library's Learning and Academic Skills unit, where he co-coordinates weekly Neurodiverse Workshops and Study Sessions. An Academic Skills Advisor since 2021, he holds a First-Class Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) and a Professional Certificate in Language Assessment from the University of Melbourne.

Dr Stayci Taylor is Senior Lecturer, and program co-manager of the BA (Creative Writing) in RMIT'S School of Media and Communication. She has supervised eight HDR scholars to completion, four of whom are autistic, or have ADHD, or both. Her ongoing supervision typically centres on creative practice research, particularly screenwriting, but also a range of project-based, autoethnographic and traditional theses on Indigenous pedagogies, comics, queer media, television studies, comedy, filmmaking, audio production and talkback radio broadcasting. She is the co-editor of two books on script development, one on creative writing methods and another on the iconic Aussie TV series Prisoner and Wentworth. In 2022 she was named national leader in field (film) in The Australian's annual research awards.

Dr Clem Bastow is a screenwriter, cultural critic, and award-winning critical Autism studies researcher based in Naarm/Melbourne. They are Senior Tutor in screenwriting at the University of Melbourne. Their PhD, I Can't Describe What I'm Feeling: Reframing Autism and Hollywood Action Towards an Autistic Screenwriting Practice, was awarded the RMIT DSC Research Excellence Prize in 2023. Clem's debut non-fiction book, Late Bloomer, was published in 2021, and they co-edited Someone Like Me: an anthology of non-fiction by Autistic writers (UQP, 2025).  Clem also works as a screenwriter and neurodiversity consultant for film and television, most recently for the AACTA-nominated series Spooky Files (ABC/BBC).

Venue access: The Garden Building - Room 86 is accessible from Bowen Terrace, via lifts or stairs located behind StrEAT Cafe.

Image credit for Dr Stayci Taylor: Pip&Bill

Image credit for Dr Clem Bastow: Leah Jing McIntosh