From the Future Leaders Program
![](https://www.autismcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/sra/case-studies/headshots/SRA_case_studies_Haley_50.jpg)
Haley
Being part of the Future Leaders Program gave her direction and purpose. She says before the program “I was disconnected between my authentic self, and who I thought the world wanted me to be... that separated me from the best parts of myself”.
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Kirk
“I learned a lot about myself in the program, it helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses and what areas to focus on. Before, I felt like I was adrift.”
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Zoe
“I don’t usually take risks, but through the program I could try new things in a supported way. Participating in Future Leaders enabled me to see how much I can achieve.”
![](https://www.autismcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/sra/case-studies/headshots/SRA_case_studies_Ruby_50.jpg)
Ruby
“I learned that the traits I thought I had to overcome were actually qualities that make me special, loved and worthy. It gave me the skills to recognise what I need to thrive and the confidence to self-advocate for that.”
![](https://www.autismcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/sra/case-studies/headshots/SRA_case_studies_Trudy_50.jpg)
Trudy
“Being part of Future Leaders changed my life by showing me it is ok to be exactly who I am, how I can embrace my autistic traits in my work life and now as a result I can positively change the lives of autistic students in the school environment.”
![](https://www.autismcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/sra/case-studies/headshots/SRA_case_studies_Lydia_50.jpg)
Lydia
“Future Leaders basically changed my whole outlook on life. I was in a pretty bad space before the Program. I learned that it’s okay to be autistic and I am now doing things I never thought I could do before.”
![](https://www.autismcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/sra/case-studies/headshots/SRA_case_studies_Tammy_50.jpg)
Tammy
“When I applied to Future Leaders, I didn’t understand the impact it would have on the way I view myself and my own autistic identity. I have struggled with feeling isolated and that I’m different than other people, because I did not regularly connect with people who identify as autistic.”
From the Research Program
![](https://www.autismcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/sra/case-studies/headshots/SRA_case_studies_Rochelle_50.jpg)
Rochelle
“One of the biggest impacts of being a part of the program was finding my tribe in real life…. it validated that I was not broken, I was different. I emerged from the workshop with confidence that I was okay - that I actually have things to say that are valued by others within my community and the professional community.”
![](https://www.autismcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/sra/case-studies/headshots/SRA_case_studies_Richard_50.jpg)
Richard
“I had spent a lifetime trying to find out where I fit in, and through the program I learnt I could be myself.”