Katie Sutherland, Western Sydney University

“I’m glad you can make use of my weapons grade autism”, laughs Jonathon in the ABC TV series Employable Me. He has landed a competitive paid internship, channelling his passion for accountancy. As well as a love of numbers, he has a wicked sense of humour and a way with words. And his sentiment is in line with the theme of the series, which promotes harnessing the strengths of its participants, rather than focusing on what they cannot do.

Morra Aarons-Mele

“Why do I have to be in the office when I get more done from home?”

As an author and speaker on the modern workplace, I hear this a lot. But let me be clear: This is not a question from someone who wants to goof off, hang with their kids, or play video games in between conference calls. That is a toxic stereotype.

This question comes from a person who needs quiet, peace, different lighting, or time alone. Daily, their ambition clashes with misery created by sitting in a busy office environment for ten hours a day. Though they are great contributors and co-workers, they feel they can’t get their work done in their place of work, because the environment is antithetical to who they are.

Jody Lindbeck

When Jacob Gordon was a baby, he was a noticably poor sleeper, but as many infants are not great with nighttime routines, it was perhaps not so unusual.

However, as Jacob got older, his sleep patterns did not improve and parents Jacinta and David became increasingly concerned, especially after they began to see other issues.

Julia Gabel

DXC Technology has joined ANZ Banking Group’s Autism@Work partnership with La Trobe University.

The partnership supports research into helping autistic people succeed at work.

DXC Technology Australia & New Zealand managing director Seelan Nayagam says the research is aimed at helping people on the spectrum to obtain long-term sustainable employment and to build thriving careers.

Rachael Seow

SINGAPORE - Seventeen-year-old Choo Jian Wei is not only a first-year bioengineering student at Singapore Polytechnic, but also an accomplished member of Pathlight School's Artist Development Programme (ADP).

His "Sketch of An Eye" is one of the 10 artworks on display on board Singapore's first autism-themed MRT train and at four interchange stations.

"The eye is a window into the soul," he said when discussing the inspiration for his pencil sketch.

Liz Pellicano, Macquarie University

Autistic people have been routinely misunderstood, ignored, and excluded for decades – including from campaigns designed to promote awareness of autism itself. But this is beginning to change.

By Stephanie Dalzell and Elise Scott

At 85-years-of age, Noel Thompson did not expect to still be on duty, providing around-the-clock care to his adult son Adam — who has an intellectual disability.

For the past three decades Noel has received funding to place Adam in respite care when needed, but last year that funding was cut from the 48-year-old's NDIS plan.

FLIPSIDE Circus ensemble artist Ethan Langridge was the inspiration for a special production that sheds light on living with Asperger's syndrome.

The production, Kaleidoscope, presented by Company 2, will head to the Sydney Opera House immediately after the Lake Kawana Community Centre performances on April 13 and 14.

As a young teen, Ethan lives in a world that is a place of wonder - where everything is up for question.