She/Her

PROJECT LEAD

Berinda Karp is an advocate, educator, and founder of Autism STEP Australia, offering person-centred consultancy and training to support autistic and neurodivergent individuals across all life stages. With over 35 years of experience in education and community development, she empowers clients through tailored programs that foster independence, resilience, and inclusive practices

He/Him

PROJECT LEAD

Brendan Chippendale is an autistic psychotherapist, educator, and counsellor with over 30 years of experience supporting neurodivergent and LGBTIQA+ communities. As founder of Achieve Collective, he offers person-centred, neuroaffirming therapy that empowers individuals to navigate identity, relationships, and life transitions with confidence and compassion.

They/Them

DIGITAL CONTENT AND MARKETING

Rudy Jean Rigg is a queer, trans, and neurodivergent advocate, presenter, and digital creator passionate about inclusion, education, and representation. They are best known for co-creating and hosting TransAthletica and ABC Queer, using media to amplify diverse voices and challenge societal norms.

He/Him

ARTS ADVISOR

Gary Bigeni is a celebrated Australian fashion designer and visual artist known for his bold use of colour, hand-painted textiles, and joyful creative expression. With over 20 years in the industry and a strong presence at Australian Fashion Week, Gary brings his passion for storytelling and individuality to Affirming Access as our Arts Advisor. He works alongside LGBTQIA+SB neurodivergent young people and adults in our workshops and exhibitions, helping them explore identity, creativity, and self-expression in vibrant, affirming ways.

She/Her

WORKSHOP PRESENTER

Jade Belle is a neurodivergent support worker and founder of Belle Ability, offering respectful, person-led support grounded in neurodiversity-affirming practice. Drawing on her lived experience as an autistic adult and training in autism-specific approaches, Jade works alongside clients of all ages to build daily living skills, navigate sensory needs, and access community with confidence and dignity.

He/Him

CONTENT ADVISOR

Dr. Wenn Lawson is an autistic psychologist, researcher, and author who has dedicated over three decades to advancing autism understanding through both lived experience and academic inquiry. As a theorist of monotropism and advocate for co-produced research, he has authored more than 20 books and serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Curtin University, contributing globally to neurodiversity, gender, and mental health discourse

He/Him

CONTENT ADVISOR AND PRESENTER

Haydn Payne is an autistic advocate, educator, and founder of Spectrumite, a neurodivergent-led initiative providing strengths-based mentoring and employability programs for autistic young adults . Through initiatives like the PRISM program and the Spectrumite podcast, Haydn empowers neurodivergent individuals to thrive in education, employment, and life