How I Work (Neurodivergently) - Wenn Lawson

Name: Wenn B. Lawson

Location: Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia

Current gig(s): Ongoing presentations around Australia with Maree Crabbe for PINN (see: https://www.ioe.org.au/porn-is-not-the-norm/ ) Also various autism presentations and research conferences in Sweden (INSAR, May3-6, 2023) & Portugal, May 18. 2023) Plus Social Workers PD in Brighton, UK, May 30, 2023.

One word that best describes how you work: Neurodivergently

First of all, tell us a little about your work background and how you got to where you are today.

My work background is in Psychology and Research based around Autism and ADHD. I am one of 3 theorists who developed the autism theory of Monotropism (See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOe1fliDs0I ). I studied at universities in Australia and the UK to gain my psychology and social work degrees, graduating Monash University with first class Honours in Social Work and from Deakin University with a PhD in Psychology. Currently I’m a member of CARG (Curtin Autism Research Group) and an adjunct Associate Professor with Curtin University, WA.

What are your job responsibilities?

I work as a Tutor Practitioner with Birmingham University (UK) on their Master’s Inclusion Program. I also work as a researcher with Curtin and Macquarie Universities (WA & NSW’s) as well as being a free-range researcher. I’m on the editorial board for Autism in Adulthood (journal) and the US Autism Association. I’m on the Autism Research Council of Australasia and I work as a Peer Mentor for Monash Health (Victoria). I’m an author of a variety of books (autism related) and continue to furnish my YouTube channel with animated information related to being neuro-divergent, see: Wenn Lawson - YouTube .

Take us through a typical workday.

A typical workday includes checking and responding to email from Australia & around the world. I also attend a variety of meetings (usually over ZOOM or TEAMS) and am constantly writing new material or updating previous writings (chapters for books or a new Manuscript/book). I write and travel to deliver training to agencies that request this (so I am contributing to writing the training with my colleague Maree Crabbe for PINN). I am involved with peer mentoring with Monash Health (Victoria) and supervision for PhD and Master’s students. Also, during my day I aim to eat and hug my wife.

What’s your workspace setup like?

My work-space includes my office which has a desk, printer & phone. It also has a couch and pin board with various certificates and notices.

What apps, gadgets, or tools can’t you live without?

I can’t imagine life without my smartwatch, Headphones, iPhone, my Windows Laptop, my Printer and my Alexa device. I also use a variety of Apps that include Google, Facebook and Booking.com

Do you stim? If so, how and when?

Stimming for me includes sucking the roof of my mouth, a variety of fidget toys, occasional rocking and finger flapping. These are activities I employ, often when I am on my own, trying to go to sleep or if I am stressed and need to minimise noise and/or demand.

How do you align your neurodivergence with your work environment?

My neurodivergence is all of who I am. I am fortunate that my work is mostly with neurodivergent people, their supporters and other professionals in the area. So, sharing with others what accommodations I need when working in a team situation has been very well accommodated (e.g. longer processing time for accessing information; wearing of headphones and/or ear plugs in noisy surroundings; choosing quieter locations to meet as I’m not great in pubs, clubs & cafes etc).

Are there any challenges or misconceptions that you've faced in your work? How have you addressed them?

Yes, there have been many! I am challenged often by internal ‘ableism’.. and self-doubt about my abilities. I cannot process conversations and demands very quickly so I need to stop and write things down. My short-term memory is not good, so I am forgetful and can double book etc. I aim to manage these by using my smart phone, iPhone and itinerary on my computer. I’m not so good with Outlook calendar but I do depend upon it letting me know the timing of my next meeting.

What’s your favourite shortcut or hack?

I don’t think I have one.

How do you keep track of what you have to do?

I depend upon my itinerary that I update each day. I look at it frequently as I can’t hold onto the information. I also use my Smartphone and iPhone for reminders. I make other lists too which I keep on the kitchen table and tick off the actions once I’ve completed them.

How do you recharge or take a break?

I recharge by watching Science Fiction and other episodes of stuff I’m interested in on Netflix, or from reading such material on my iPhone/kindle. I love to walk out in the Bush and spot birds or along the sea front near my home. If walking is a problem for me I use my mobility Scooter!

What’s your favourite passion/interest/side project?

My favourite interest includes all things to do with birds and animals. I also love to read and write fiction or educational pieces for my YouTube channel, and I love being in ‘nature’.

What are you currently reading/listening to, or what do you recommend?

There are so many ‘shows’ that interest me! I recommend ‘His Dark Materials’ both in book form and in the series of episodes on BINGE. I love the Outlander series and eagerly await season 7’s availability here in Australia. I read and follow the author, JC Andrijeski, with her books on ‘Angels’, ‘Wolf shifters’, Seers and the Vampire Detective series. I watch often ‘The Twilight Series’ and other shows such as Sherlock, CSI and other detective type stuff! I’m a Star Wars & Star Trek fan and absolutely love ‘Avatar’ and sequel.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I have received so much advice over my life, but one of the best things was learning the ‘Oh well’! So when I mess up, things don’t go according to plan, or something I’m anticipating fails to happen, I say ‘Oh well’ and move on. This is so much better than ruminating over things that I get wrong, or don’t happen and so on. Learning to have the courage to change the things I can and let go of things I can’t!

Anything else you'd like to tell us?

Being neurodivergent, living, loving and working in this space has given me a take on life that is nurturing, satisfying and fulfilling. I feel honoured and privileged to be me.

Thanks so much Wenn for your insights and time! You can find out more about Wenn and their work at https://www.buildsomethingpositive.com/wenn/