Positively Autistic - Jeanette's Autism Show

This is Jeanette Purkis's radio show where she and invited guests talk about all things Autism. Jeanette is an Autistic author, advocate and public speaker and is passionate about empowering people on the Autism spectrum to live fulfilled and positive lives. Jeanette is a keen advocate for inclusion and appropriate support for people with Autism spectrum conditions in such areas as employment, education, parenting and access to health services.

This week, Jeanette will be speaking with academic and one of the three founding members of the I CAN Network, Penny Robinson, about the work of the Network, particularly with Autistic young people. The I CAN Network offers a rethink on autism: making autism mean “I Can”, not “I Can’t”, and focusing on the strengths on the spectrum rather than deficits. The Network is currently doing great things. Further information on the I CAN Network can be found on their website: http://icannetwork.com.au 

Penny is an Assistant Lecturer in the Women’s Health Research Program at the School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Penny has a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome and believes that the strengths of this far outweigh the deficits.  She has won awards for her research and is passionate about medical research, epidemiology and women's health.