Using innovative research techniques that often defy convention, this leading neurobiologist is demonstrating what songbirds can reveal about the evolution of human language and learned behavior.

The next time you hear the melodious sound of a songbird, think of what these birds may one day tell us about the origins of human language and how our brain learns behavior. Such is the research focus of neurobiologist Erich Jarvis.

His work thus far has resulted in some compelling hypotheses, including: establishing a close anatomical similarity in the brain mechanisms that control vocal communication in songbirds and humans. “What birds and humans seem to have in common is a connection between the front part of the brain, and nerves in the brainstem, that control movement—namely, muscles for producing songs in birds and speech in humans,” Erich says.

Erich (who, before deciding on a career in science, was invited to audition for the prestigious Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in Harlem) graduated from Hunter College in New York City with a bachelor's degree in Biology and Mathematics and later earned his Ph.D. Neurobiology and Animal Behavior from Rockefeller University.

Erich is the recipient of key awards and honors for his achievements, including: One of the highest awards given by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) -- the NIH Director's Pioneer Award, and one of the highest given by the National Science Foundation (NSF) -- the NSF Alan T. Waterman Award. He is also a research investigator of the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

URL for the laboratory: https://www.rockefeller.edu/our-scientists/heads-of-laboratories/1159-erich-d-jarvis/

Dr. Wenn, (Phd) AFBPsS MAPS AASW, autistic, a family man with autistic offspring and autistic grandchildren, a lecturer, psychologist, researcher, advocate, writer and poet, has shared his experiences, writings and resources for over 3 decades. Wenn is an Associate Researcher with Curtin University (WA), & Macquarie University (NSW) & Tutor Practitioner with the University of Birmingham’s (UK) Masters Autism course, a member of the autism Co-operative Research Centre (ACRC), Co-Chair of the Autism Research Council, Australia, Ambassador for ‘I CAN’, Australia, and on the Editorial Board ‘Autism in Adulthood’. Dr. Wenn is a member of The ND Co. Australia. In 2008 he won 4th. place as Victorian Australian of The Year & in 2017 he presented to the United Nations on matters of Autism and ageing.

Clem is a screenwriter, author, autism advocate and award-winning cultural critic* and semi-retired journalist. Clem was 36 when her autism was identified, and now with the clarity of a diagnosis, Clem sees her entire life through a prism of understanding and has never felt more comfortable being themself.

Hannah is a comedian and a budding film maker, and proudly autistic. Hannah will share their thoughts growing up including navigating his autism through the intersection of his gender and sexual diversities.

Shadia is the proud owner, and founder of Autism Actually, and enjoys presenting and consultancy. Shadia is committed to empowering fellow Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals and helping them reach their true potential. Shadia is currently studying Bachelor of Speech Pathology with the hope of providing client centred animal assisted therapy for Neurodivergent individuals. Shadia was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder at the age of 14. Shadia came out as non-binary in early 2018 and loves talking about Autism and gender issues. Shadia benefited from numerous early supports such as speech therapy and occupational therapy. Shadia is very passionate about sharing information about what being Autistic is like.

Ginny is a proud late-diagnosed Autistic woman. She is passionate about Autistic and mental health advocacy and has written several wide-reaching articles on her experiences of mental illness. Ginny currently works as Communications Manager of an Autistic-led not-for-profit organisation that provides support and education to families of Autistic people. She previously volunteered as Yellow Ladybugs' New South Wales Chapter Head, coordinating Sydney-based events for Autistic girls and gender diverse individuals.

Amelia will share her mental health and autism journey, in particular her her experience with complex anxiety and biopolar disorders. At 20 years of age, Amelia will unpack the struggles, what it was like being picked on and ostracised throughout her schooling and in sports teams but ultimately share her coping strategies so other autistic girls know that this is not the end of the road for them. Amelia is studying a Bachelor of Archaeology, and loves to read, play soccer and dance ballet, and her favourite colour is green!

Amanda is a psychologist with substantial clinical and life experience, mother to two differently neurodivergent teens. Being late-identified as Autistic herself, Amanda has a unique set of knowledge, skills and insights that will be a huge asset to this panel. Amanda has over 20 years’ experience working with neurodivergent children, teens, parents and families in school settings. During the lockdown of 2020, she made the decision to unmask and work authentically as an openly autistic and neurodivergent psychologist in private practice.

Livia is 20 years old and officially had her autism officially recognised at 17 years old. Livia loves her family and in particular her super cute Maltese x chihuahua Luna, who has been her biggest motivator to recover from my depression and anxiety. Livia is fully bilingual in English and Italian, and is also learning Auslan to be able to communicate more inclusively with her friends (who are deaf). Her special interests include Rubik's cubes, her dog Luna and Pokémon, and her favourite colour is green! Livia has plans to begin a Cert 4 in Mental Health at TAFE purpose is to help others with their mental health journey.

Gilly McKeown is an autistic woman who will share her experiences (as an undiagnosed autistic woman) at high school. She wants to talk about bullying, self harm, trying to fit in and exam pressure. She will share how a special interest can actually save you and change your life in a really positive way and encourage girls to find that space where they really belong. Gilly-Elle is currently undertaking a PhD at the Faculty of Education, University of Tasmania. Gilly-Elle is studying autism and physical activity.

Dani is a 43 year old mother of 3 and a teacher. She has a lot to say about raising and teaching neurodivergent children, but the child she wants to talk about is her. Chasing acceptance she became the high achiever, and learnt to comply and people please to suppress any distress or overwhelm she was experiencing. In high school she chased brilliance, until it started unravelling. She couldn’t manage friendships - it was all so intense. Family disappointment, pressure and isolation made her crumble. Dani decided life was just too hard and her mental health spiralled. Without receiving help, she continued chasing brilliance, which came at a cost - she became bulimic and lost friendships and ultimately ended up in autistic burnout. With her new diagnosis and self understanding, Dani is disentangling herself from this conflict and in learning how to be who she is, she is working out how to help all those children, including her own, whose story can be different through understanding, compassion and radical acceptance.

Madeleine Ryan is an Australian writer, director and author. Her articles and essays have appeared in SBS, The Daily Telegraph, The Sydney Morning Herald, Vice, Bustle, Lenny Letter, and the New York Times, and she is currently working on the screen adaptation of A Room Called Earth. Madeleine lives in rural Victoria.

Jess is a qualified speech and language pathologist, researcher and gamer who diagnosed with both autism and ADHD as an adult. She has a particular interest in working with autistic girls and women, and using digital games-based intervention to build on strengths to support neurodiverse children. In her spare time, Jess can be found at her sewing machine, playing video games, and spoiling her dog, Snickers.

Summer Farrelly, is 14 year -old ; Autistic Advocate, Public Speaker, Animal Assisted Learning Program Creator, K9 Assistance Australia Junior Handler, Animal Therapies Ltd Junior Ambassador and A List Ambassador

Chloe is an autistic woman & has ADHD. She works as a passionate advocate, is an actor, YouTube artist, horse rider, Tiktoker, singer & is an award winning international public speaker. As a Yellow Ladybugs ambassador, she is excited to be joining the panel, and will talk through her lived experience and the intersection of autism and eating disorders.

Katie is our conference host and the passionate creator and CEO of Yellow Ladybugs – an autistic led charity dedicated to supporting autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals. Being part of a neurodivergent family, and accessing a range of mental health services, Katie will share both her lived experience and represent the wider community, in order to deliver much needed change in this space. Katie has presented at many conferences, been nominated for Australian of the Year for her advocacy, and worked hard to create systemic change with the state and federal government to better support neurodivergent individuals. Her career has been a windy road of discovery, like many fellow ADHDers can relate to, including professional roles as accountant and tax advisor, marketing and events manager, HR and recruitment advisor and even a university teacher! But her favourite role has been working alongside her neurodivergent team and helping YLB grow to make as big of an impact in the community and for her community as possible. She is also passionately obsessed with cat and kittens, anything that sparkles and Golden Girls.

Danielle Wilson has so much to offer our community. She is passionate about preparing teachers and parents with a better understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent culture how ND culture benefits our communities. Being a neurodivergent parent to neurodivergent children, she is also hoping to share her thoughts on expectations and boundaries, the CPS method and other alternative paths to parenting. Danielle is a self confessed gamer, nerd, autistic advocate and keeper of the sensory toys, Cub Scout Leader, Uni Student and Amateur Photographer!

Ebony Birch-Hanger is a Special Education Teacher, Teacher of the Deaf, Neurodevelopmental Therapist, Education Consultant, Public Speaker and Kodaly Music Specialist. Ebony relates to her clients through recollections of the obstacles that being on the Spectrum has brought her. Her number one belief is that people are only limited by the limitations placed on them by others. Ebony has been a popular speaker at previous events because of her combined lived and professional experience - offering practical and insightful strategies to support autistic individuals.

Amanda is a psychologist with substantial clinical and life experience, mother to two differently neurodivergent teens. Being late-identified as Autistic herself, Amanda has a unique set of knowledge, skills and insights that will be a huge asset to this panel. Amanda has over 20 years’ experience working with neurodivergent children, teens, parents and families in school settings. During the lockdown of 2020, she made the decision to unmask and work authentically as an openly autistic and neurodivergent psychologist in private practice.

Also known as “The Lost Girl”, Jessie is a former producer for both 3AW Radio and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. After her diagnosis of Autism last year at the age of 34, she dedicated herself to finding more Lost girls and women so they could better understand themselves and see their Autism as something hugely positive. Since then, Jessie has set up her own business supporting women who suspect they could be on the spectrum. She also produces and presents her own radio program for Autistic adults. Jessie is a natural story teller and adores engaging with people from all walks of life via her program, social media and day to day. She is known for her warmth, her thoughtful perceptions of people and her incessant questions.

Mandar is a Melbourne-based illustrator and designer whose deep and insatiable curiosity is rivalled only by the torment of a toddler who has recently learned the word ‘why’. Innovative and irreverent, she’s equally likely to let loose a little bit of alliteration, weird a personalised patois patched together from predominantly pop culture, and to use big words good. Third generation autistic/adhd, and raising two members of the next to be even louder and prouder of it, Mandar’s vivacity brings all the peeps to her yard, without ever having to make milkshakes. It’s this joy de vivre that makes her an engaging speaker who revels in sharing her wide spectrum of experience from a wild, colourful ride of a life. With a deeply personal understanding of how important positive self identity is, Mandar is passionate about creating resources to help inspire and empower others to embrace their place in the neurodiverse universe.