This interactive webinar will bring together researchers, an Autistic person with an intellectual disability, and a parent of an Autistic person with an intellectual disability to explore how to create more inclusive research practices. We will discuss key gaps identified in a recent systematic review and examine ways to ensure that people with intellectual disability are meaningfully and equitably included in research that affects them.
Date
Monday 7 April, 12.30–1.30pm (AEST)
Program
Improving health outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – Scientia Professor Julian Trollor AM (National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health)
Julian will talk about the health gaps for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the work of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, and explore the synergy with work to improve the health and mental health of Autistic people.
Unheard voices: a systematic literature review of studies using self-report methods to gather the perspectives of Autistic adults with intellectual disability – Dr Vicki Gibbs (ARCAP)
Vicki will share key insights from ARCAP's systematic review of studies that used self-report methods to gather the perspectives of Autistic people with intellectual disability. The review was recently published in Autism in Adulthood.
Lived experience interview – Andrew Radford (Advocate) and Kathy Harris (Parent)
In this interview, Andrew and Kathy will share their insights and personal experiences on the inclusion of Autistic people with intellectual disabilities in research, examining both barriers and opportunities for greater participation.
The webinar will include a live Q&A session with the presenters.
Who
This webinar is recommended for:
- Researchers
- Autistic adults
- Families of Autistic people
- Inclusion, diversity and disability professionals
- Organisations and businesses with an interest in inclusion
Presenters
Scientia Professor Julian Trollor AM – Director, National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health
Julian is a Scientia Professor, NHMRC Leadership Fellow, and Director of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health at UNSW Sydney. He was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2025 for significant service to people with disability as a clinician and academic. Julian and the Centre work to improve health policy, practice and supports for people with an intellectual or developmental disability.
Dr Vicki Gibbs – Head of Research, ARCAP
Vicki is a Clinical Psychologist, Head of Research at Aspect, and an Adjunct Associate Lecturer at the University of Sydney. As a parent of an Autistic young man, she is passionate about impactful research. Her work spans autism assessment, criminal justice, employment, education, financial well-being and self-compassion, with a PhD on violent victimisation of Autistic adults.
Andrew Radford – Advocate
My name is Andrew Radford and I have autism and intellectual disability. I am an advocate for people with autism and intellectual disability. Last year, I was one of the people selected to feature in ABC TV’s “The Assembly”, and got to interview some of Australia’s most famous people. I was selected in 2020 to do the Future Leaders Program with Autism CRC. In 2019, I got selected to present at APAC Asia Pacific Autism Conference in Singapore. I have also presented at the VALID Having a Say Conference. I am a valued member of the Council for Intellectual Disability.
Kathy Harris – Parent and General Manager, Centre for Inclusive Supports
Kathy is the parent of an Autistic son. She is founder and General Manager of a unique day program for young Autistic adults, and the charity that runs it. The Campus Life program gives young people an opportunity to experience a tertiary campus and to mature in an adult learning environment that is neurodivergent friendly. The Centre for Inclusive Supports charity has recently started an additional program, Work Life, to transition the young adults into micro enterprises and supported work.