Autism Tasmania is the peak independent voice for the Tasmanian autism community.
We are committed to improving the lives of adults and children on the autism spectrum, their families, and carers; and to improving community awareness, acceptance, and understanding of autism. We work closely with our members and the extended autism community to advocate for equity and fairness. We are a community-based, not-for-profit, incorporated association and registered charity.
Our vision:
Optimal outcomes for all autistic Tasmanians.
Our mission:
- Create the right conditions for autistic Tasmanians to achieve.
- Grow community knowledge about autism and how to make a difference.
Our Core Values
Inherent worth: We recognise and celebrate that people on the autism spectrum are valuable members of society, capable of contributing to and enriching the lives of those around them.
Social justice: We value equality and recognise that some people need a greater share of resources in order to have equal opportunity.
Individual Dignity: We value individuality, acknowledge that everyone should be treated with respect, and believe that all people should have the opportunity to be involved in choices relating to their own wellbeing.
Respecting language and identity: We acknowledge the differing views within the autism community for describing autism and respect the right of individuals to choose the language which they believe most powerfully represents them.
Evidence-based practice and policy: We value evidence-based practice and consult with and seek input from the autism community to influence better policy outcomes.
Collaboration and community: We value partnerships with other organisations and celebrate the diversity and achievements of the community we represent.
Professionalism and accountability: We strive to operate our organisation transparently and with the best interests of our members and the Tasmanian autism community in mind.
Update following the 2021 Annual General Meeting
Our 30 Years History
Review our e-book sharing our past, present, aspirations and record of achievements.
Meet the people who worked to make a difference here.
30th Anniversary Donation Drive
Help us help others by donating to our 30th Anniversary fundraising campaign to raise funds for:
- Creating autistic-safe spaces to illustrate best practice; and
- Educating the community on how to be open to Autism.
Autism Terminology is Important
The Autism Tasmania Board has endorsed a Terminology Policy that recognises the dual importance of:
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- consistent use of terms that match the collective preferences expressed by the Autism community, and
- working in parallel to always follow individual preferences expressed by each person.
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Autism Tasmania will adopt this terminology in all communications and will work to encourage other organisations and the media to join us.
View the Terminology Policy here.
Meet Our Board
Our organisation is governed by a voluntary board of directors drawn from our membership, with geographic and skills-based representation. The board is responsible for the oversight of the strategic, financial and legal obligations of the entity; and benefits from the professional expertise and lived experience of its members.
Skie Mitchell
Chairperson
Kieran McDonald
Deputy
David Donald
Treasurer of the Board
James Baker
Board Member
Laura Godfrey
Board Member
Lisa-ann Gershwin
Board Member
Pip Atkinson
Board Member
Michael Gammon
Board Member
Desmond FitzGerald
Board Member
Meet our Autistic Community Advisory Subcommittee (ACAS)
The Board has established The Autistic Community Advisory Subcommittee.
This subcommittee comprises individuals representing the diversity of Tasmania’s autistic community, who are full members and meet the section criteria set by the Board.
The Board has proposed the set of powers and functions of the Sub-committee and has been co-design by the inaugural Subcommittee.
The inaugural Subcommittee members are:
Riley Williams
Co-Chair
Megan Oliver
Co-Chair
Carol-Ann Fletcher
Pen Brake
Heidi La Paglia
Ashton Hill
Tara Azar
Nadja Pecl
Lisa Berry
Meet our Autism Families and Carers Advisory Subcommittee (AFCAS)
Meet Our Team
Autism Tasmania team members bring together their wide-ranging expertise in pursuit of our vision towards optimal outcomes for the Tasmanian autistic community. Most of us have lived experience with Autism to further fuel the passion.
Donna Blanchard
CEO
Amanda Gunders
Peer & Social Coordinator
Krystyna Moyle
Autism Advisor / Support Coordinator
Robyn Davis
Project Officer
Roger O’Meagher
Project Officer
Donna Gibbons
Autism Educator
Hannah Reeve
Autism Educator
Alice Dudgeon
Autism Educator
Sharyn Scott
Autism Educator
Chloe Nortje
Autism Educator
Jodie Denman
L&D Prof. Development Coordinator
Jamie Mitchell
Support Coordinator
Rose
Support Coordinator
Vishnu Mutthoju
Support Coordinator
Autism Tasmania Constitution (updated October 2021)
Strategic Plan
Privacy Policy
Autism Tasmania Privacy Statement
We follow Australia’s Privacy Principles and, as authorised by law, we may collect personal information you disclose for the purpose of providing our services or as required by our funding agreements. Our Privacy Policy is available here or can be sent to you upon request.