Sarah O'Sullivan
She/Her
Why are you nominating for the Board?
I am writing to express my genuine interest in joining the ASAN board. As an autistic woman, carer to two incredible young autistic men (14 & 20) and a dedicated professional in the disability support sector, I am deeply committed to fostering neuroaffirming practices and supporting self-advocacy within our community. I also represent and advocate strongly for recognition of co existing neurodivergence such as ADHD and PDA as someone who has both in addition to autoimmune conditions.
My lived experience as an autistic person provides me with firsthand insight into both the triumphs and challenges faced by individuals in our community. Navigating my own experiences has underscored the importance of self-advocacy, dignity, and empowerment, values that I hold close to my heart. My role as a carer for my autistic young men further amplifies my perspective, as I work to create an environment where they feel empowered to express themselves and exercise autonomy.
At my business Alyv, I have focused on promoting neuroaffirming practices throughout the organisation, recognising the critical need for respectful, individualised support that celebrates neurodiversity. This includes training our staff in autism-specific approaches, emphasising the importance of self-advocacy, and fostering environments where autistic individuals are supported in making decisions about their lives. Our commitment at Alyv to neuroaffirming support allows us to empower the people we work with, ensuring they feel seen, respected, and encouraged to live as their authentic selves. We are also an employer of choice for the ND community and while we don’t require staff to disclose their personal information to us we can safely say that at least half of our employees are autistic or in some way neurodiverse.
Joining ASAN’s board would be a privilege, allowing me to contribute to broader policy initiatives and advocacy efforts that advance the neuroaffirmative approach across Australia. My background as both a professional in disability support and a person with lived experience uniquely equips me to provide insights and strategies that resonate with the autistic community’s needs.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to ASAN’s mission of advancing rights and representation for autistic Australians.
What involvement have you had in Autistic self advocacy?
Over the past 12 months, I have had the privilege of serving as the co-chair of the Disability and Inclusion Consultative Committee for the WA Department of Education, where I work alongside other advocates to guide legislative reform on disability inclusion in education. This role has allowed me to champion the rights of autistic individuals in education policy, focusing on equitable, inclusive practices. Additionally, I serve on the department’s Disability and Inclusion Advisory Committee, where I continue to contribute to discussions on policy improvements that reflect the needs of our community.
Through my work at Alyv, I advocate directly for autistic individuals who have faced unempathetic Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans. Many of these plans are overly restrictive and do not reflect the unique needs or strengths of the individual. We collaborate with PBS practitioners and multidisciplinary teams to remove restrictive practices wherever possible, advocating for supportive, tailored strategies that eliminate the need for such restrictions.
As an advocate for both myself and my children, I am committed to ensuring that autistic voices are represented and valued in all aspects of life. I bring a personal and professional dedication to this cause, informed by lived experience and driven by a vision of a more inclusive society.
What experience on and contributions to other boards and committees have you had?
Over the past year, I have served as the co-chair of the Disability and Inclusion Consultative Committee for the WA Department of Education, where I play an active role in guiding policy and legislative reform focused on disability inclusion. In this capacity, I have contributed to meaningful discussions and decision-making that directly impact disability support in education, ensuring that autistic voices and perspectives are at the forefront of legislative improvements.
Additionally, I am a member of the Department’s Disability and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Through this role, I offer insights informed by both lived experience and professional practice, contributing to the development and review of policies aimed at fostering inclusive, neuroaffirmative practices within educational systems.
Through these committees, I’ve had the opportunity to shape policy initiatives that advocate for the rights of neurodivergent individuals, working collaboratively with other members and stakeholders to bring about systemic change.
What are your areas of expertise?
Policy and procedure, problem solving, business analysis and structure.
Which of these areas do you have strong skills in that you would apply on the ASAN-AUNZ Board?
- Governance expertise including experience on Boards and committees and/or leadership roles.
- Government or stakeholder engagement.
- Co-design facilitation and participation.
What else would you like the members of ASAN-AUNZ to know about you? (optional)
Im 39 years old, I was a late diagnosis where, as predicted, once my eldest was diagnosed at 8 I finally understood. I was informally diagnosed by a psychiatrist as 26 but with no benefit to a formal diagnosis I kept my money right up until I turned 36 and started to require supports due to burnout and other factors.
I changed careers in 2021 from corporate and residential real estate and sector management into community services and have just completed (awaiting assessment) my advanced diploma in community sector management. I am the Founder and General manager of Alyv providing support work and skill building services exclusively to the ND Community.
I look forward to becoming more involved with ASAN