My re-awakening: how the label of neurodivergent has helped me
Event description
When we label something as disordered who does that really support? In their article, Unmasking Neurodiversity: Revisiting the Relationship Between Core Self and Sense of Self to Examine Common Neurodivergent Script Decisions Beren Aldridge and Ronen Stilman argue that we live in a society that is quick to punish when we diverge from the “norm”. Humans will sometimes employ coping mechanisms that may deviate from the norm when faced with uncertain and challenging periods in their lives. But who gets to decide what is “normal”, effective, and or/ productive in those moments?
The University of Adelaide’s Neurodiversity Project warmly invites students and staff to this free event “My re-awakening: how the label of neurodivergent has helped me”. We invite you to listen to our four panel speakers who will be discussing their journeys. Specifically, how our speakers learnt about their neurodivergence and the potential positive impacts this had on their mental health.
Get to know the speakers
Laura Airey | Laura Airey is a Manager, Educational Design in Learning Enhancement and Innovation within the Division of Academic and Student Engagement. She studied at the University of Adelaide, and prior to her work in higher education, worked as a teacher. As a researcher, her work has focused on ethical considerations for generative AI use, but she is also interested in research relating to structural barriers for neurodivergent students. She was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021 and uses her lived experience as a previously undiagnosed student and professional staff member as part of informing her approaches to curriculum design and leadership. |
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Amy Meadows | Amy Meadows is a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide (School of Biomedicine) exploring how brain rhythms drive motor system plasticity using non-invasive stimulation. She shares her passion through teaching, and as a late-diagnosed ADHD and self-diagnosed autistic researcher, advocates for embracing neurodiversity to thrive in work and study. |
Joey Ballantyne | After a global career in management consulting and commercial diplomacy Joey Ballantyne founded Grit n Grace Collective, a professional development coaching organisation specifically for neurodivergent folks. She was driven to this work after her own late autism diagnosis and now works to support other neurodivergent professionals to overcome persistent bouts of burnout to create sustainably successful careers. She has a specific passion for working with women and her coaching program help clients to reframe differences as superpowers, work smarter not harder and to belong without having to “fit in”.
Prior to this, Joey has been a senior executive and commercial diplomat and has experience working in government, professional services, corporate, start-ups and not-for-profit organisations in Australia, UK, North America and Asia. She is qualified in business, communications and executive leadership and is a graduate of the AICD. Her skills and experience are in people and organisational performance. |
Andy Morran is a Coordinator for Student Success and tutor for UniSA Education Futures, based at UniSA College. Receiving a diagnosis of moderate to severe combined ADHD as an adult had life-altering outcomes beyond anything he imagined. It gave him a new lens to reflect on his past, particularly the challenges ADHD created throughout his early education, a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and self-compassion. Andy draws on these lived experiences to support and advocate for others, combining personal insight with professional practice to help students thrive. |
Disclaimer
Please note that this event is about the lived experience of the speakers. If you are seeking information related to a diagnosis, please discuss this with a health professional
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