Meet the Advisors: Rheannan
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Autism Connect is often the first place people turn when they have a question about autism. Rheannan has been with the Autism Connect team for a year and a half. With a background in social work and a decade in public health, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to every call.
Here, she shares why she’s passionate about her work, and why that lived-experience perspective matters so much.
Rheannan and her Chihuahua
What kinds of calls do you get?
We get calls from people seeking diagnosis, parents with Autistic children and schooling, partners of Autistic people, NDIS enquiries and mental health and complex calls.
What makes a great call?
When I am speaking with a late-diagnosed Autistic person and they feel heard, seen and understood, and not alone. It is so rewarding and makes my heart sing.
How does your own experience shape your work?
I am also late diagnosed with AuDHD, so I am on the same journey of uncovering and understanding myself and my brain. I can empathise with callers’ stories because I am experiencing similar things. There is potency in being believed and accepted − even celebrated − and not shamed or made to feel wrong.
Is there something about your own background or experience that shapes how you approach this work?
Yes. I have a background in social work and worked 10 years in the public health system, so it informs my practice. My background aligns very nicely to this role and with my own lived experience, I feel I can assist others with their own autism journey.
What brought you to this work?
It is my passion to assist my own community. Working in government healthcare, I had to mask and hide my neurodivergent identity for fear of judgement. Now I can live authentically and not have to hide who I am.
If you could change one thing about the systems Autistic people have to navigate, what would it be?
To make it streamlined and easy to navigate. Autistic people are already so burnt out with surviving in a neurotypical world — the systems created to help just create more burnout and are not as helpful as they should be. It is a huge barrier. I have even been put off by how hard it is, and I am a social worker!
What’s the hardest part of the job?
Being triggered by some of the material people share as it hits close to home. But knowing I can reach out for support is a great relief.
Most rewarding moment?
When someone says at the end of a call: ‘I feel so much lighter − I haven’t spoken to anyone about this.
Autism Connect is free and confidential. Call 1300 308 699, Monday to Friday, 8am–7pm. You can also contact us via email or webchat.