This webinar examines new research on psychological safety for Autistic employees and neurodivergent leaders, alongside recent findings on employment in small and medium enterprises. Through research and lived experience, the session will explore what helps Autistic people feel valued at work, develop their strengths and build sustainable careers.
The webinar will include a live Q&A session with the Dr Jennifer Spoor, Dr Ru Ying Cai and Melanie Carrier.
Date
Tuesday 17 November, 12.30–1.30pm (AEDT)
Program
Lived experience accounts – Liam Peake with Melanie Carrier, Dan McKie, Sophie Waltl
Liam, an Autistic young adult shares his experiences of employment as an Apprentice Cabinet Maker in a small business setting. Members of his support network will also share their insights into autism, work, and the supports that can help Autistic people succeed in the workplace.
Psychological safety for Autistic employees and leaders – Dr Jennifer Spoor
This presentation explores how psychological safety shapes the workplace experiences of Autistic employees and leaders, highlighting the barriers created by stigma, neurotypical expectations and communication differences, and examining practical leadership approaches that can foster more inclusive, supportive and productive workplaces.
Autistic employment in small and medium businesses – Dr Ru Ying Cai
For Autistic employees, work can offer purpose and connection, while also requiring considerable effort to interpret unwritten rules and manage social demands. This presentation shares research exploring Autistic adults’ and parents’ experiences of small and medium businesses. It considers the opportunities these workplaces offer for personalised support, the influence of managers and workplace culture, and the often unseen role of families and professionals in helping people stay in work.
Who
This webinar is recommended for:
- Autistic adults
- parents and families of Autistic people
- researchers
- allied health professionals
- business owners
- HR professionals.
Presenters
Liam Peake (aka Tall Fox) – Apprentice Cabinet Maker (Fox Wardrobes)
Liam joined Fox Wardrobes in February 2022 as a part-time apprentice cabinet maker. Since then, he has continued to develop his skills and experience, progressing to a full-time apprenticeship role in early 2023, working on the factory floor.
In 2025, Liam was awarded the Pride of Workmanship Award by the Rotary Club of Belrose in recognition of his hard work and exceptional commitment throughout his apprenticeship journey. His achievements reflect both his personal determination and his passion for his trade.
Liam is currently completing his cabinet making qualification through TAFE and is expected to finish his studies at the end of 2026. His dedication, strong work ethic and commitment to learning have made him a valued member of the Fox Wardrobes team.
Melanie Carrier – parent, Customer Engagement Manager (Aspect)
Mel is the mother of three wonderful children. Her youngest son, Liam (24) is Autistic and is now employed full-time. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, she has successfully navigated every stage of his journey, including the critical transitions from school to adulthood, giving her a unique and practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Autistic young people and their families.
Mel is also the Customer Engagement Manager at Aspect, where she leads customer experience initiatives, service improvement, and engagement strategies that support Autistic people and their families throughout their journey.
Dan McKie (aka Big Fox) – Operations Manager (Fox Wardrobes)
Dan has been with Fox Wardrobes since 2014, starting as an installer before progressing through Install Management, Sales and full-time Install Manager. He is now Operations Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. His experience across multiple areas of Fox has given him a strong understanding of the business, its people and its customers.
Sophie Waltl – Occupational Therapist (Aspect)
Sophie is an Occupational Therapist who has been working at Aspect therapy since 2022. Sophie’s role is to support Autistic children, adolescents, and adults to build participation and engagement in tasks that are important and meaningful to them. Supports are provided across home, school, work, and community settings, depending on the person’s goals and preferences.
Dr Jennifer Spoor – Research Director (Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre), Associate Professor (La Trobe Business School)
Jennifer’s research explores how workplaces can better support neurodivergent people and people with disability through meaningful, strengths-based employment. Focusing on workplace culture, leadership, wellbeing and HR practices, Jennifer’s work examines sustainable employment for Autistic adults, neurodiversity employment programs and support for people managing chronic health conditions. She has led major externally funded research and held a range of academic leadership roles.
Dr Ru Ying Cai – Research Fellow (Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice)
Ru is passionate about understanding and researching the person-specific and environmental factors that promote mental health and resilience in Autistic individuals and their parents/caregivers. And translating the research knowledge into practical programs to improve the lives of Autistic individuals and their caregivers. Her PhD thesis focused on examining the relationships between emotion regulation, intolerance of uncertainty, and mental health and well-being in youth and adults on the autism spectrum. Currently, she leads a program of work that aims to explore the self-compassion experiences of Autistic adults and parents of Autistic children.