This webinar explores the experiences of Autistic parents raising their children, bringing together current research and lived perspectives. Dr Melanie Heyworth (Reframing Autism) will present on Autistic parenting more broadly, while Dr Chris Edwards (Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice, ARCAP) will share new, co-produced research focused specifically on Autistic fatherhood, an area that has been largely overlooked.
Together, the presenters will explore how Autistic parents approach parenting, connect with their children, and navigate family life. They will highlight both the strengths and challenges of Autistic parenting, including navigating systems and services that do not always recognise or support Autistic people, and share insights into what supports wellbeing, connection, and joy in Autistic family life.
The webinar will include a live Q&A session with the presenters.
Date
Tuesday 19 May, 12.30–1.30pm (AEST)
Program
Autistic parenting: lived experiences, strengths and strategies – Dr Melanie Heyworth
This presentation will focus on Autistic parents' experiences of parenting Autistically, including how Autistic parent conceptualise an Autistic approach to parenting. It will explore the challenges and affordances of being an Autistic parent, as well as the parenting strategies that Autistic parents employ to engage and connect with their children and experience joy and success in parenting.
Parenting experiences of Autistic fathers – Dr Chris Edwards
This presentation will share findings from recent research on Autistic fatherhood, exploring how Autistic dads experience everyday parenting. It will highlight both the joys and challenges of fatherhood, including identity, family relationships, and navigating systems that often overlook Autistic parents.
Who
This webinar is recommended for:
- Autistic adults and Autistic parents
- researchers
- families of Autistic people
- healthcare and allied health professionals
- providers of parenting support programs
- policy makers.
Presenters
Dr Melanie Heyworth – Founder and Head of Research, Reframing Autism
Dr Melanie Heyworth is an Autistic Autism Researcher, mother of Autistic young people, advocate and founder of the Australian charity, Reframing Autism. Her research focuses primarily on utilising participatory methods to explore parents’ experiences of parenting Autistic children, Autistic parents’ approaches to parenting, as well as flourishing and wellbeing across the Autistic community.
Dr Chris Edwards – Research Fellow, ARCAP
Dr Chris Edwards is an Autistic Autism Researcher with Aspect and Adjunct Research Fellow with Griffith University as part of the Inclusive Futures beacon. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Australasian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR) and as a Non-Executive Director of Empower Autism. He has been supporting the Autistic community for over nine years across various roles, and is most passionate about research in adulthood.