Dr Wendy Lawson

Dr. Wendy Lawson MAPS, internationally renowned and respected professional, is a researcher, psychologist, writer and poet with high functioning Autism. She has presented internationally and published many journal articles and written several books including her autobiography and everyday text on Autism. Her work explores the influence of neurological development in individuals with Autism with reference to impact upon learning styles.

At school Wendy was considered to be intellectually disabled and ‘almost incapable of doing as she is told’. In her teens, she was misdiagnosed as ‘schizophrenic’. This label stuck for more than 25 years, until she was diagnosed in 1994 as being on the autism spectrum.

In 2008 Wendy was awarded fourth place as ‘Victorian Australian of the year’. As a writer, poet and adult educator, Wendy is well known both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Becoming a psychologist and sharing her knowledge, understanding and experience of life encounters, including Autism and Asperger’s diff-abilities, is an ongoing journey that Wendy welcomes.

Wendy knows what it means to represent others and advocate on their behalf. The mother of four children, two of her sons are also on the autistic spectrum. Wendy is passionate about the rights of those who so often cannot speak for themselves and aims to promote justice and equality for all.

Wendy’s presentations explore AS, social demand and how to bridge some of the gaps so AS individuals can truly be involved with an inclusive society.