Welcome to Authentically Autistic!
I am Jac, a 40 year old AuDHDer female who loves horses, wolves, reading and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
I am a teacher of 15 years in the primary sector, but after hitting autistic burnout and being diganosed with Depression, I needed to take a step back and rest.
I needed to find a new passion that was sustainable and nourished my autistic self, after many years of masking. I wanted to help other autistic individuals across the lifespan, as well as their support people.
I work part-time as a Facilitator & Trainer for Empower Autism, where I explore Life Skill programs for independence at home and within the community.
Links to articles that I have written or been involved in:
Reframing Autism Blog
Yellow Ladybugs Guest Blog
New Mentor Blog: It All Makes Sense Now: My Path to Autistic Self-Acceptance
This piece explores the journey of getting her autism diagnosis later in life, and how it gave her the clarity she’d been looking for. Jac shares what it’s been like to unmask, rebuild her self-worth, and reconnect with the things that bring her joy.
This piece has lots of gentle advice and tips for raising autistic kids with confidence and compassion. Jac’s words are both validating and useful, in regards to setting boundaries and building self-advocacy.
https://yellowladybugs.com.au/news/view?newsId=42
Education HQ Article: ‘Teacher guilt’ lives on: autistic ex-educator shares the job’s emotional grip
N2K - Cyberwire - We belong: Q&A with Jac Lai: Passionate, hopeful, and loyal
My Qualifications include:
Bachelor of Education (Primary) - Griffith University (2007)
Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies - Griffith University (2022)
Masters of Autism - Griffith University - Ongoing (expected finish 2028)
