Kerryn Burgoyne

CEO/Founder of 6 self-help life courses at KTalk

Abstract Title: Autism & Mental Health – how different individuals are impacted

Biography:

My name is Kerryn Burgoyne & I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 30. Prior to that, there was very little known about what is known today as autism spectrum disorder. Life was extremely difficult for me, as when I tried to gain successful employment for myself, it was difficult to do so especially when you were judged as an “outsider looking in” at others. In 2007, I started up my own business KTalk after writing my very first self-help life course book “The Goal”. I’m also an international/renowned/keynote autism speaker at major conferences globally as well as being the author of 6 self help life course materials as products of my business which I’m proud of.

Research Interest:

Statement of the Problem: Women who suffer mental health issues, because of Autism Spectrum Disorder has a significant impact on their lives, especially if they’ve suffered trauma because of the bullying/discrimination/cruel remarks & actions from other people. Autism can impact one's mental health in many ways (childlike behavior), social anxieties or overload. The impact of mental health can also be experienced when the person does not have a good quality of life for themselves (eg employment, independent living skills), or have support from family/friends/society). I will be discussing how my mental health was impacted, by not being able to gain successful employment for myself but also when I was previously employed in an organisation, I’ll also be discussing some trauma experiences that I’ve had in my life, which has caused me significant pain & suffering but has shaped me the way I am now today! But also some strategies that I’ve developed for myself to assist the recovery and positivity to my overall mental health itself!