AUTISTIC ADVOCATE & LIVED EXPERIENCE

I am an Autistic Advocate.

Research and education co-designed with autistic communities, families, and self-advocates. No decisions about us without us.

Lived experience at the centre.

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WHO I AM

An advocate with lived experience.

A young Kristyn — the lived experience that grounds the work.
Then
Dr Kristyn Sommer today — researcher and advocate.
Now

A researcher and advocate, grounded in the experience itself.

I'm a developmental scientist studying how autistic people learn, develop, and thrive. My research is grounded in my own autistic identity and shaped by direct collaboration with autistic communities. The most meaningful research on autism happens when autistic people are at the centre of decision-making as co-researchers, co-designers, and knowledge leaders.

I co-created the focus toolkit to support autistic adults in advocating for their own neurodiversity-affirming accommodations with the science to back it up

WHAT MATTERS TO ME

Six commitments.

The principles that shape every project, partnership, and publication.

Authenticity

Research and practice that reflects how autistic people actually are. Not how we're expected to be.

Co-Design

Autistic people lead the research questions, methods, and interpretations. No decisions about us without us.

Accessibility

Removing barriers to participation, communication, and understanding. Different ways of being are valid.

Strengths-Based

Moving beyond deficit narratives to build on what autistic people do well and how we contribute.

Systems Change

Transforming how institutions, schools, and therapies respond to neurodiversity. Not asking autistic people to change.

Rigour & Respect

Methodologically sound research that honours the time, trust, and expertise of participants.

HOW THIS WORK IS RECOGNISED

A trail of evidence.

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Research published in journals including Autism in Adulthood. Cited by clinicians, educators, and autistic self-advocates worldwide.

KEYNOTE SPEAKING

Invited to international conferences, universities, and professional organisations on autism, education and neurodiversity-affirming practice.

THE FOCUS TOOLKIT

Tools built with the people who use them.

A practical resource hub for autistic adults, families, and the educators and clinicians around them. Designed in collaboration with the communities it serves.

Live from the toolkit

A current look at The Focus Toolkit — updated automatically.

Live screenshot of The Focus Toolkit homepage

HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER

Four ways in.

I'm open to various forms of collaboration, always with autistic people and lived experience at the centre.

Research Partnership

Co-designing studies with autistic communities.

Training & Education

Keynotes and workshops for schools and organisations.

Consultation

Advisory roles on autism-related projects and initiatives.

Resource Development

Co-creating accessible tools and guides.

TAKE SOMETHING WITH YOU

"The work belongs to the people it's about."

Guides, research, tools, and training materials for autistic self-advocates, families, educators, and clinicians. Free to use, share, and adapt.

BROWSE THE FULL LIBRARY
Portrait of Dr Kristyn Sommer