Autism, Gender and Gender Dysphoria

In this talk Dr Lawson draws on his lived experiences as well as wider research to explore the concept of gender diversity and its implications on the wellbeing of autistic individuals. 

Dr Wenn Lawson, Associate research fellow, University of Birmingham

Dr. Wenn (an Autistic Trans Man) is passionate about autism, mental health, family, and building autism understanding across the generations, professions and the world. He is a well-known autistic researcher, author, speaker and poet. Wenn, an Adjunct Associate Professor with Curtin University, WA, and Curtin University’s Autism Research Group is a proponent for co-production, ‘it must be nothing about us without us’.

Wenn is a key theorist of the Monotropism theory of Autism, he resides on a number of boards, including the editorial board for ‘Autism in Adulthood’ & the Autism Research Institute (ARI) (US). Wenn recently joined The Silver Pride Network, (LEAP) Victoria and he , is author/contributor to more than 40 books on various aspects/connections to autism.

In 2013 Wenn was recognised for his work in Autism and Advocacy across Australia; In 2021 awarded the Lesley Hall prize for Lifetime Achievement as a leader in disability; In 2023 Wenn, along with the team, was awarded the EdX 2023 award for excellence in online teaching (Autism and mental health MOOC); the translation of autism research into practice ‘Autism CRC 2023 award’ and the Lawrence P. Kaplan US Autism award.

• Registration is essential to attend the event.
• This event is free and open to the university staff and students.
• Please note, this event is not being recorded.