Josie Santomauro - Author on Autism

12/01/2026

This is exciting for the Autism community. Autistic Barbie.

Company says doll is the latest expansion of its commitment to representation and inclusion

04/03/2025

My son was diagnosed at age 5 with Autism, we were told he'd never marry, get a job nor leave home. 30 yrs later he is now an Asst. Professor, married w/2 children & his hope is...."that my work will lead to real change, supporting others on the autism spectrum who face the same challenges I encountered". Please read his personal account in the international online Think Global Health bulletin.

A personal account describes the challenges many people on the autism spectrum face and the need for better support

27/09/2024

6 years ago I started Prof. Tony Attwood's biography & after today's zoom we are on the home stretch! One more 'get ya teeth into it' edit to go before we are open to publishers.

17/09/2024

Such important research topic led by my son Dr. Damian Santomauro. There were several alarming findings in this study, including the fact people on the autism spectrum but without intellectual disability were more than 5 times more likely to die by su***de compared to people not on the autism spectrum.

UQ-led research has found people on the autism spectrum are almost 3 times more likely to die by su***de compared to non-autistic people.

29/08/2024

Had opportunity to visit new premises of Empower Autism, joined by former long-term president Stefanie Evans, and gladly donated resources to their library. Once upon a time I also reigned as president😁

03/07/2024

My 'After the Diagnosis' series available at the following links:-

This series offers a fun and accessible introduction to Asperger Syndrome (AS) for everyone affected by a child's diagnosis. Intended as a support tool in th...

10/06/2024

*Update: gifted to Asperger Services Australia* Would any colleagues or educators be interested in this box of journals on autism (or may know of someone/someplace) Up to 30 journals & 20 yrs old.

11/11/2023

Autistic character in this Christmas movie. Can't wait!!

A new movie featuring an Autistic boy who's trying to break a world record on Christmas Eve is set to premiere Nov.16th. Looks wonderful!

16/05/2023

Autism and dance - a special connection.

21/04/2023

Meet Bruno, the Autistic character on Thomas The Tank Engine

What better time than for the first appearance of a new character on Thomas the Tank Engine! Bruno, Thomas' friend with , will appear in the ABC Kids Special 'Thomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountain' and in Season 26 of the 'Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go' series. Kidspot

https://buff.ly/3o8d9vO

14/04/2023

A powerful poem of being autistic by Ava.

A powerful Description of being autistic by This beautiful little Girl♥️

Congratulations to 12-year-old Ava who has won a national poetry competition with her entry about living with autism 📝

You can read her winning ‘Power of Poetry’ entry below:

“Take a seat and sit with me

I want to talk about ASD

If you don't mind I'd like to explain

A little thing called autism and how it affects my brain

It can make me anxious, angry and afraid

But this stays in my head, on my face it's not displayed

I may seem heartless and question your meanings

But it takes me a little longer to process the feelings

Take a seat and sit with me I want to show you ASD

A girl sitting quietly is all you see

But inside my mind I am far from free

My thoughts collide, my senses take over

I become overwhelmed by the smallest sound

Clicking pens, ticking clocks

That boy's chair and the way it rocks

All different smells attacking me

The perfumes, the coffee, the teacher's tea

Take a seat and sit with me

But not too close, I have ASD

I try to be social, I try to fit in

I come across rude, I can never win

I am very literal and straight to the point

If you want the truth I won't disappoint

When my brain is overloaded I sometimes lash out

My control fades, I scream and shout

I get confused and it all spills out

Intense emotions all trapped inside

Finally have nowhere to hide

Take a seat and sit with me I want to tell you about ASD

Please understand I am not to blame I've just got an atypical brain

But it's not all doom and gloom

I'm often the sportiest girl in the room

I'm quirky, unique, kind and caring

I'm loyal, protective and always sharing

I'm obsessed with frogs and all things green

I'm the youngest trendsetter you've ever seen

Take a seat and sit with me

I am Ava, I am me

I'm not just my label of ASD.”

♥️