Our Origin Story …
When we Began there were Just a few of Us
There are now so many wonderful advocates and organisations working to support the Autistic and autism communities in a multitude of neuroaffirming and Autistic-led ways. We are proud to continue to have a place in this community!
For more than 20 years we, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network of Australia and New Zealand, have been the leading organisation for Autistic advocacy in Australia, and later New Zealand. We emerged as a rights based, grassroots, systemic advocacy group which centred the voices of Autistic adults.
In 2008, Katharine contacted Ari Ne’eman, who founded The Autistic Self Advocacy Network in the USA (ASAN USA), and the decision was made to affiliate with ASAN USA. Katharine was then able to negotiate funding for members of the ANSA committee to attend the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC) 2013 in Adelaide, and to meet with Ari from ASAN USA. From there, ANSA evolved into ASAN AUNZ and became an incorporated advocacy association.
Building on the work of our founders, we continue to be run by Autistic people, for Autistic people. Aligning with the disability rights and neurodiversity movements and continuing ASAN AUNZ’s legacy, we work from these powerful, stated intentions …
and, stronger together!