About us

Empowering autism families

Autism Awareness Australia was founded in 2007 to improve the lives of all Australians on the autism spectrum and the families who love them.

Our goal is simple: to improve the lives of all Australians on the autism spectrum and the families who love them. We ensure autistic individuals, and their families, have access to free, credible, evidence-based information, resources and tools to empower them to support themselves or their loved ones on the spectrum. We also provide targeted educational programs to families, professionals and the broader community. We support inclusion for people on the autism spectrum… and we have some fun along the way too.

In 2011, the United Nations found our work so inspiring we were granted NGO membership to the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI) and asked to present at the annual NGO conference in New York. A huge honour, and one that gives us the opportunity to partner with a global network of organisations to promote our common goals.

United Nations Logo

Our team

Headshot of Nicole Rogerson
Nicole Rogerson
Founding CEO / Director
Headshot of Elizabeth Sarian
Elizabeth Sarian
Chief Operating Officer
Headshot of Nicole Hurley
Nicole Hurley
Head of Fundraising & Partnerships
Marlene Sayadian headshot
Marlene Sayadian
Office Manager
Damien Waugh headshot
Damien Waugh
Brand & Marketing Manager
Emily James headshot
Emily James
Marketing Assistant
Sally Collins headshot
Sally Collins
Chairperson
Tabitha Pearson headshot
Tabitha Pearson
Director
headshot of Andrew Whitehouse
Prof. Andrew Whitehouse
Director
charlie viola headshot
Charlie Viola
Director
John Maher headshot
John Maher
Director

Use of language

Words connect us.
The words we use create shared stories that can bring us together as a community.

At Autism Awareness Australia how words are used is very important to us.

We know there are many different perspectives in the autism space and we respect people’s personal preferences about how they refer to themselves and others.

Many autistic people prefer to use identity-first language, like: ‘I am autistic’.

There are also parents and families, who use person-first language, like: ‘I am a person with autism’ or ‘My child has autism’.

It might not seem like there’s much difference here but, for some people, it matters a lot.  

Content from Autism Awareness Australia is written and produced by autistic people, as well as parents and carers of autistic children.

These amazing and courageous people have used their own words and their personal language to share their stories.

That’s why there are different versions of autism language references throughout this platform.

By sharing these stories, we know we can build relationships and communities that support autistic people and the family and friends who love them.

Our work

Annual reports