Sarah Vortman
She/her
Sarah is a late-diagnosed Autistic researcher, writer, and artist, as well as a parent of two Autistic children, residing on Gubbi Gubbi Country in Australia. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where her research investigates the lived experience of autism through art-making and storytelling. Her work critically examines and dismantles neuronormative discourse, integrating creative practice with scholarly inquiry and lived experience to deepen our understanding of autism and advocate for systemic change.
With over twenty years of experience in policy and research within the public sector, Sarah is also an active contributor to various disability, LGBTQ+, and home education working groups and committees. She is a dedicated advocate for inclusion and accessibility for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with intersectional identities. As the daughter of immigrant parents and a multiply disabled person, Sarah brings a unique perspective to her advocacy and research, centring the often underrepresented voices of Autistic people with diverse experiences and identities.