Biographical note

Yenn Purkis is an autistic and non-binary advocate, author and presenter. Yenn has a Masters degree in Fine Art from RMIT University. Yenn has given a presentation for TEDx Canberra and has been a frequent keynote presenter at autism and disability events for several years. Yenn has a number of awards, including the 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year award and a number of other awards for community leadership including being nominated for the Australian of the Year award in 2017. Yenn has worked full-time for the Australian Public Service since 2007. They have facilitated a support group for autistic women and gender diverse folks in Canberra since 2011. Yenn has featured in media interviews for many years and was one of four autistic adults featured in the ABC TV documentary Alone in a Crowded Room. Yenn lives in Canberra, Australia. Emma Goodall, PhD, is a Senior Autism Advisor in South Australia and an executive committee member of the Australian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR) as well as an executive committee member for the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network of Australia and New Zealand (ASAN Aus/NZ). Emma has volunteered for an HIV support service, was married and divorced by the age of 22 and has a range of friends across all genders and with a variety of sexualities. As an educator, she understands the damage that bad information can cause in relation to being able to live happily and enjoy one's sexuality. Emma lives in Adelaide, South Australia, with her partner.