Kerryn Burgoyne was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (as it was known then) at the age of 30 in 1998. For much of her early life, she navigated the world without knowing why she thought, felt, and behaved differently from others-often struggling with friendships and facing misunderstanding from those around her. Her diagnosis provided clarity, but the journey of learning how to adapt her behaviours and connect socially in meaningful ways was one she had to undertake herself, through years of resilience, trial and error, and determination.

Despite a lack of support from family and being told by medical professionals that she would never be able to learn or thrive in the outside world, Kerryn proved them wrong. Between 2005 and 2013, she undertook what she calls her “life journey”-a period of growth that helped her step away from the person she once was and emerge as the strong-headed, independent, and resilient woman she is today.

Kerryn’s story is one of overcoming barriers, including bullying, discrimination, and workplace challenges, to build a life on her own terms. During COVID, she was again tested-forced to adapt quickly to an ever-changing world and hostile work environments. Through it all, she developed the ability to communicate, socialise, and navigate “the world we all live in today” with strength and adaptability.

Today, Kerryn channels her lived experience into her work as a business owner, creating self-help courses and resources for the wider community. Her presentations offer an honest, inspirational perspective on resilience, personal growth, neurodiversity, and the power of persistence in the face of adversity.

Autism Awareness Training

A Lived Experience Perspective

Drawing on her own lived experience, Kerryn Burgoyne delivers an engaging and insightful program that explores the realities of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her training covers practical frameworks such as Dignity of Risk and Quality of Life, while breaking down complex areas like behaviour management, overload triggers, comprehension challenges, empathy differences, and the development of independent living skills. Kerryn’s personal stories bring authenticity and humanity to each module, equipping audiences with understanding, strategies, and confidence to better support autistic teens and adults.

Audience Takeaways:

• Gain a deeper understanding of autism from a lived-experience perspective, including behaviours, meltdowns, and overload triggers.
• Learn practical strategies for supporting teens and adults with ASD-at home, in education, and in the community.
• Explore frameworks such as Dignity of Risk and Quality of Life to empower, rather than limit, people on the spectrum.

Autism & Employment (Family Edition)

Individuals & employment Issues

Finding and keeping meaningful work can be one of the biggest challenges for individuals on the autism spectrum-and their families. In this practical and empowering program, Kerryn Burgoyne draws on lived experience to guide families through the key stages of employment, from preparing for work and job hunting to navigating interviews, onboarding, and long-term success in the workplace. With a focus on building independence and confidence, Kerryn provides tools, strategies, and real-world insights that help families support their loved ones through each step of the employment journey.

Audience Takeaways:

• Understand the four key stages of employment-Prepareism, Identifyism, Engageism, and Employism-and how to support autistic individuals through each.
• Learn practical strategies for job preparation, interviews, workplace onboarding, and ongoing success in employment.
• Gain confidence as a parent or carer in advocating for your child while fostering independence and long-term stability in their working life.

Autism & Employment (for Companies)

Employment issues & ASD

Hiring and supporting autistic employees brings enormous value to organisations, but many businesses are unsure how to remove barriers and create truly inclusive workplaces. Drawing on her lived experience and professional resources, Kerryn Burgoyne explores the challenges autistic individuals face when seeking and maintaining employment, and provides employers with practical tools to foster success. From understanding communication styles and managing overload to addressing bullying, stimming, and workplace discrimination, Kerryn helps companies become innovative, inclusive employers who unlock the strengths and potential of neurodiverse talent.

Audience Takeaways:

• Gain insight into the real barriers autistic individuals face in employment, and how to remove them.
• Learn practical strategies for teamwork, communication, conflict management, and creating positive, supportive workplace cultures.
• Discover how to become an innovative employer by embracing neurodiversity and leveraging the unique strengths of autistic employees.

Autism & Mental Health

Mental Health

Autism and mental health are deeply connected, yet often misunderstood. Drawing from her lived experience, Kerryn Burgoyne shares the very real challenges autistic individuals face, including anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disturbances, and burnout. Through her structured modules-Healthism, Affectism, Stablism, and Healism-she offers both awareness and practical strategies to improve wellbeing. Kerryn’s approach equips audiences with insights into how autism shapes mental health and provides tools to foster resilience, self-esteem, and positive mental health practices for everyday life.

Audience Takeaways:

• Understand how autism uniquely impacts mental health, including sleep, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
• Learn practical strategies to build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience while managing stress and daily challenges.
• Gain tools to cultivate positivity and long-term mental wellbeing for autistic individuals and those who support them.