(RE)FRAMED with Reframing Autism

In our very first (RE)FRAMED Review we chatted with regular guest Marshall for a Show Review of Monster High and its Autistic character- Twyla!

Marshall is a neuroqueer, disabled person. Hie is an artist, as well as a cosplayer in hiz spare time – the spare time that isn’t spent consuming pop culture movies, shows and comics. Hie is an avid toy collector, especially of doll lines from hiz youth. Marshall is a regular guest for our (RE)Framed Review bonus episodes, looking at Autistic characters in shows like Monster High and She-Ra!

In this rich conversation with Robert Charlotte Maxwell, Robert shares their experiences of growing up in Sydney’s Newtown in the 80s-90s, of always feeling like an alien but never an outsider in this diverse and once inclusive part of the world! We talk about the importance of Autistic identity and how that intersects with gender, and joyfully, we chat a bit about 1950’s brutalist architecture, a particular passion for Robert!

Robert is a nonbinary multimedia artist and archaeologist. Having always felt different in terms of their gender and neurology, Rob received an adult diagnosis of Autism in August of 2021. They made history as the first archaeologist to conduct field work in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in 2010 and in Fukushima in 2016, which led to them becoming the first Urban Explorer to be admitted as a Fellow International of The Explorers Club since its inception in 1909. Despite being diagnosed with PTSD after a plane accident in 2010, Robert continued to push boundaries in both art and cultural studies, and went on to hold their first solo art exhibition in 2019. Since then, their work has been exhibited in Australia and overseas, across a range of media including painting, installation, sound and photography. In June 2023, Robert will complete their decade-long PhD in contemporary archaeology, which is a global survey of the archaeology of abandonment relating to the 20th and 21st centuries. As D E A T H O F T H E A U T H O R, they released their first EP, 'Traces' in 2023.

Our conversation with Aether and Anthea deep dives into the complexities, joys and challenges of a multiply neurodivergent home life. And, we chat about what it was like being a part of the documentary film ‘Who I Am’ which is currently available to stream on 10Play!

Who I Am is a heartfelt coming-of-age documentary following a transgender and Autistic teen, Aether, as he learns to be himself. Who I am was directed by Naomi Ball – you can find out more about the film at whoiamfilm.com.

Aether - He/They
Aether is many things – an artist, a writer, a caring older sibling, child and grandchild, a secondary school student, an activist. He is trans, Autistic and has ADHD. As an artist, their first inspiration for art stemmed from their love of My Little Pony, which then flowed into anthropomorphic animals. He is inspired by artists online such as Katzun, Foxi Boxi, Jaiden Animations, ActuallyRea and more. He is also an advocate for trans and Autistic people and has spoken on a panel about the intersection of trans and Autistic identities for Different Journeys - an Autistic peer support group, and helped start an LGBTQIA+ group for non-profit Young Carers. They are the hero of the documentary film WHO I AM and believe in sharing their own story to help other young people like himself.
Anthea - She/Her
Anthea is an Autistic woman and a mother to three Autistic children. She was diagnosed Autistic later in life, after her children were. She also has chronic pain and migraine. Anthea is passionate about building an understanding of what it’s like navigating the world with an invisible disability like autism or fibromyalgia. She is an avid writer and has had her work published on ABC News and Amaze. She sits on the Merri Health Consumer Advisory Committee and represented them at the recent Community Health First campaign at Victorian parliament and appeared in their Carer YouTube series to promote their carer supports. She is an AutismCRC Future Leaders Alumni, has started her own support group for Autistic adults and runs an informative, neuro-affirming Facebook page to inform others

In this wonderful chat with Tammie Sinclair we talk about Fall Out Boy , albums on repeat and the challenges of high school! We talk about the difficulties of finding your way through workplace culture and how sadly, luck can play a huge part in our success or challenges – Tammie delves into the importance of making meaningful changes in workplace culture and inclusion so there is more than just luck on our side!

Tammie is a dynamic business owner, elected local government Councillor, and self-published children's author. She brings a wealth of experience in management to all her endeavors and is passionate about fostering inclusivity and accessibility for her fellow Autistic community members.

Our conversation with Chenai Mupotsa-Russell was a complete joy! Full of rich insights gained through lived experience meeting professional practice in the allied health space. We dive into intersectionality and challenges faced in a higher education setting. And, we talk a lot about rainbows!!

Chenai is the founder and co-director of Rainbow Muse, a clinic based in Naarm (Melbourne) that offers neuroaffirming art therapy, psychology, child-centered play therapy, animal-assisted therapy and yoga in an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. Through her work, Chenai works within an intersectional framework, with a social justice lens and she is currently studying her PhD.