Some Brains
Children, Neuro-Affirming, Understanding AutismDescription
It starts from the premise that neurodiversity (conditions like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and the like) is a normal, essential part of human biodiversity – without it we don’t get Picasso, Einstein or Greta Thunberg! Yes, neurodiverse kids sometimes require a bit of extra help and patience, but they should never be viewed as disordered. Some Brains encourages us all look for our strengths and to understand that brains are like fingerprints – uniquely, wonderfully ours.
All brains are special,
All brains are smart,
All kids have big thoughts,
And all kids have big hearts.
ALL KIDS ARE SPECIAL – JUST FOLLOW THEIR HEARTS
About the Author
Nelly Thomas has been described as one of Australia’s most natural comedians. An award-winning performer, she was listed as one of Australia’s “most innovative thinkers” in The Age Newspaper’s, The Zone and was featured on the ABC’s Big Ideas- The Smartest Stuff on TV, Radio and Online.
Nelly is a regular guest on ABC Local Radio and Radio National and writes extensively in the print and online media, including as a columnist for New Matilda. She has written three books What Women Want, Some Girls and Some Boys and produced a DVD, The Talk – a comedic sexual health and ethics DVD for young people. Nelly sprung into comedy suddenly, winning the Triple J Raw Comedy competition in 2003 (at the ripe old age of 28 and with a working life behind her). Since then she’s done all the things comedians normally do – toured Australia and overseas, established a Melbourne Comedy room, done a bit of radio and telly and performed at hundreds of gigs and a couple of dozen festivals. She’s also directed shows by some incredible comedians including Maria Bamford and Stella Young.
Alongside her normal comedy work, Nelly has forged a specialist and stellar career in comedic health promotion and is highly sought after as a health promotion speaker and MC.
She performs at and MC’s conferences, functions and other events; often travelling the country delivering key-notes on a range of health and social issues, especially around women’s and adolescent health.
Autism Tasmania acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal people as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. 
Our logo symbolises the rare native Tasmania orchid (Thelymitra or sun orchid). This fascinating plant is a significant part of the flora of Tasmania. It's flowers are blue, pink, or yellow. This logo inspires our mission. Just like the autism community, this extraordinary plant blooms "only when the conditions are right!"
