Girls and Women: Understanding Autistic Needs Workshop Topics
Pursuing a Diagnosis
Why are Fewer Females Diagnosed?
Benefits of a Diagnosis
Disclosure – how, when and why, and do I have to?
Growing up autistic on planet earth
Perimenopause/menopause and aging
Diversity, Gender and Intersectionality
Relationships – your way
Personal Safety
Socialising, Anxiety and Addictions
The Sensory Realm – what does this look like
Executive Functioning – redefining expectations
Emotions and Empathy
Meltdown and Shutdowns – what’s the difference
Self-Care and Wellbeing
Co-occurring Conditions – when it is more than just autism
About the Presenter
Barb Cook
Developmental Educator
Barb Cook is a highly committed autistic advocate, writer, editor, and highly sought-after international speaker. She has made appearances on Australian radio and television, in newspapers and magazines, and in the SBS television documentary The Chameleons: Women with Autism.
Barb received a diagnosis of autism, ADHD and phonological dyslexia in 2009 at the age of 40. This really did give the statement of ‘life begins at 40’ a whole lot more depth and meaning to her — literally a new beginning of self-discovery, self-advocacy and personal empowerment.
Today, Barb is a registered Developmental Educator, Deputy Chair of the Developmental Educators Australia Incorporated (DEAI), an Autism and Neurodivergence Consultant and Neurodivergent/ADHD/Autism Life Coach. She holds a Master of Autism (education) degree with focus on employment from the University of Wollongong, where she is also a researcher and co-project lead in the area of self-determination and self-advocacy for adults on the autism spectrum.
Barb is founder of Spectrum Women Magazine and brainchild of the internationally acclaimed and bestselling book, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism. Barb is a prolific writer on neurodivergence and employment and is published in academic research. Barb’s recent book, co-author with Yenn Purkis, The Autism and NeuroDiversity Self Advocacy Handbook is due for release this February and a much anticipated bestseller.
Barb is the founder of the Neurodiversity Hub in Gympie Queensland, a space providing allied health services for neurodivergent people, including one-on-one support, therapeutic groups, workshops and presentations and informal space to meet. She is also Director and Founder of NeuroEmploy Pty Ltd, a company providing a variety of neurodiversity specific educational and training programs for neurodivergent individuals, workplace staff, management and businesses.
Barb is a passionate motorcyclist, and enjoys riding the love of her life, Ron Strom Burgundy, a Suzuki VStrom DL1000, who assists her with good self-care and an effective anxiety reducing and depression busting practice.
Visit www.barbcook.com.au to learn more about Barb Cook.
