About the Academy
What the Academy does, its history and its autistic-led governance.
Alumni network
The Academy's alumni are a diverse network who bring varied skills, experiences and perspectives across industries, communities and sectors, contributing in many ways through their personal, professional and community lives.
Graduate stories
Ruby
I learned that the traits I thought I had to overcome were actually qualities that make me special, loved and worthy.
Being part of Future Leaders showed Ruby that being autistic was something to celebrate. Ruby harnessed their confidence, knowledge and sense of ownership to become a prolific systemic advocate and advisor. Ensuring a better future for LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities, Ruby gained employment as Project Coordinator of Disability Inclusion at Thorne Harbour Health, LGBTIQ+ Project Officer at Your Community Health, and serves as Vice President of the Melbourne Bisexual Network.
Richard
I had spent a lifetime trying to find out where I fit in, and through the program I learnt I could be myself.
Richard has completed a PhD in Youth Mental Health at Southern Cross University, with research focused on online gaming, motivation, and youth mental health. He is also on the board of directors of the sex chromosomal variation charity AXYS.
Haley
I was disconnected between my authentic self, and who I thought the world wanted me to be… that separated me from the best parts of myself.
Haley gained paid jobs as a TAFE lecturer and co-facilitator in occupational therapy groups within six months of completing the program.
Zoe
I don't usually take risks, but through the program I could try new things in a supported way.
Zoe designed and ran an inclusion day program at her local Surf Lifesaving Club. The program was the winner of the Outstanding Achievement for the Lifesaving Victoria Awards of Excellence.
Kirk
I learned a lot about myself in the program, it helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses and what areas to focus on.
Kirk completed User Experience and Web Design studies and continues to advocate through design.
Trudy
Being part of Future Leaders changed my life by showing me it is ok to be exactly who I am.
Trudy presented to over 800 staff and students about neurodiversity and is now in a leadership position in the Special Education Department.
Lydia
Future Leaders basically changed my whole outlook on life.
Lydia advocates for better mental health services for autistic people and was selected to attend the One Young World conference in Munich.
Tammy
When I applied to Future Leaders, I didn't understand the impact it would have on the way I view myself and my own autistic identity.
Tammy joined a disability organisation's co-design group and won a position on a national disability advisory group.
Rochelle
One of the biggest impacts of being a part of the program was finding my tribe in real life… it validated that I was not broken, I was different.
Rochelle gained full-time employment at one of Australia's largest banks and now influences change creating more opportunities for the autistic community.