Hi I'm Abby.

Hi I'm Abby.

Hi, I'm Simon. Welcome to the show In Plain Sight, a program where we highlight incredible stories from dedicated people who are doing positive things within their community and for the disability sector. And we're proud to share these interesting stories with you on a weekly basis. Thanks for joining us. We've got a really great and interesting interview lined up later on in the program. And as we were listening to this interview, I noticed several things. One is that we've had a bit of a theme lately with some of our guests, and that theme sort of revolves around neurodivergence neuro difference and things like autism and ADHD, which also coincides with a launch of a national autism strategy this week, January 2025. That is a seven year strategy to go to 2031, launched by the Australian Federal Government to help manage and better service people with autism within the Australian community, which may or may not have something to do with some of the changes in the NDIS strategy and some of the NDIS funding. Some of the critics and critics might suggest that I'm not too sure at this point in time. However, it will address some of the funding specifically designed to assist and better address some of the needs and services for people with autism and to help with the diagnosis of people with autism. Now, firstly, we should find out exactly what autism is and how many people in Australia do have autism, according to latest statistics. Now, Abby, do you have those kind of facts and figures for us? Yes, I.

Hi, I'm Simon. Welcome to the show In Plain Sight, a program where we highlight incredible stories from dedicated people who are doing positive things within their community and for the disability sector. And we're proud to share these interesting stories with you on a weekly basis. Thanks for joining us. We've got a really great and interesting interview lined up later on in the program. And as we were listening to this interview, I noticed several things. One is that we've had a bit of a theme lately with some of our guests, and that theme sort of revolves around neurodivergence neuro difference and things like autism and ADHD, which also coincides with a launch of a national autism strategy this week, January 2025. That is a seven year strategy to go to 2031, launched by the Australian Federal Government to help manage and better service people with autism within the Australian community, which may or may not have something to do with some of the changes in the NDIS strategy and some of the NDIS funding. Some of the critics and critics might suggest that I'm not too sure at this point in time. However, it will address some of the funding specifically designed to assist and better address some of the needs and services for people with autism and to help with the diagnosis of people with autism. Now, firstly, we should find out exactly what autism is and how many people in Australia do have autism, according to latest statistics. Now, Abby, do you have those kind of facts and figures for us? Yes, I.

Do so according to the World Health Organization. Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorders, ASD, are a diverse group of conditions. They are characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviors, such as difficulty with transitioning from one activity to another, a focus on details, and unusual reactions to sensations. The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require lifelong care and support. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2022, 290,900 Australians were recorded as having autism. That's 1.1% of Australians. The ABS further states that autism is more prevalent in males than females, and more common in people aged under 25 years.

Do so according to the World Health Organization. Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorders, ASD, are a diverse group of conditions. They are characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics are atypical patterns of activities and behaviors, such as difficulty with transitioning from one activity to another, a focus on details, and unusual reactions to sensations. The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require lifelong care and support. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2022, 290,900 Australians were recorded as having autism. That's 1.1% of Australians. The ABS further states that autism is more prevalent in males than females, and more common in people aged under 25 years.

Now, those facts and figures are from a very reliable source. However, socially and anecdotally we know that they could be slightly misrepresentative because traditionally females were not diagnosed early of having such neurodivergence as autism and ADHD and similar situations, and a number of people are both male and female, are getting diagnosed later in life also. Currently, a lot of the issues that hopefully this national strategy might address is actually getting the diagnosis in the first place, which is talked about in our upcoming interview with Sicily. Let's find out what the National Autism Strategy is all about from the Department of Social Services.

Now, those facts and figures are from a very reliable source. However, socially and anecdotally we know that they could be slightly misrepresentative because traditionally females were not diagnosed early of having such neurodivergence as autism and ADHD and similar situations, and a number of people are both male and female, are getting diagnosed later in life also. Currently, a lot of the issues that hopefully this national strategy might address is actually getting the diagnosis in the first place, which is talked about in our upcoming interview with Sicily. Let's find out what the National Autism Strategy is all about from the Department of Social Services.

So the strategy announced by the government earlier this week is designed to improve services and support for autistic people and their families through a national approach. The Department of Social Services has released the following statement. The National Autism Strategy's vision is for a safe and inclusive society, where all autistic people are supported and empowered to thrive in all aspects of life. In line with international human rights, the goal of the National Autism Strategy is to improve the quality of life for all autistic people in a way that is meaningful to them. Some of these commitments include increasing accessible and sensory friendly public and online spaces, considering the feasibility and accessibility of current screening and diagnostic tools, exploring ways to make diagnosis and assessment processes more affordable, and supporting employers to hire and retain autistic employees.

So the strategy announced by the government earlier this week is designed to improve services and support for autistic people and their families through a national approach. The Department of Social Services has released the following statement. The National Autism Strategy's vision is for a safe and inclusive society, where all autistic people are supported and empowered to thrive in all aspects of life. In line with international human rights, the goal of the National Autism Strategy is to improve the quality of life for all autistic people in a way that is meaningful to them. Some of these commitments include increasing accessible and sensory friendly public and online spaces, considering the feasibility and accessibility of current screening and diagnostic tools, exploring ways to make diagnosis and assessment processes more affordable, and supporting employers to hire and retain autistic employees.

Not just interrupt there, if I could for a minute. And the affordability of the diagnosis, especially for something like autism, is one of the main topics of concern for a lot of people in our community at the moment, and hopefully that gets addressed quite promptly by this new strategy and doesn't take the full seven years, because there are people in dire straits and in need of greater assistance. And I do hope, and I'm sure there's a lot of people who have read this strategy and seen these goals and visions from the Department of Social Services and the national federal government to have these implemented as soon as possible and not just be more words on the page.

Not just interrupt there, if I could for a minute. And the affordability of the diagnosis, especially for something like autism, is one of the main topics of concern for a lot of people in our community at the moment, and hopefully that gets addressed quite promptly by this new strategy and doesn't take the full seven years, because there are people in dire straits and in need of greater assistance. And I do hope, and I'm sure there's a lot of people who have read this strategy and seen these goals and visions from the Department of Social Services and the national federal government to have these implemented as soon as possible and not just be more words on the page.

The cost is definitely a key issue and how much it costs to get diagnosed. And from some friends that I have that have been diagnosed with ADHD as well, have found that it costs hundreds just to get diagnosed. And I think it's it's a key issue in the health care system at the moment, and even especially in the mental health care system as well, something that not only for autism but a lot of other departments needs to be addressed. I think.

The cost is definitely a key issue and how much it costs to get diagnosed. And from some friends that I have that have been diagnosed with ADHD as well, have found that it costs hundreds just to get diagnosed. And I think it's it's a key issue in the health care system at the moment, and even especially in the mental health care system as well, something that not only for autism but a lot of other departments needs to be addressed. I think.

That's correct.

That's correct.

Now, in response to the National Strategy for Autism Awareness Australia, AA has welcomed the government's first National Autism Strategy, but says it must be followed by immediate action to address the significant gaps in support for autistic children who are losing their National Disability Insurance Scheme packages, also known as NDIS. Yes, so that's definitely something to think about there. Hopefully this new strategy will make a real difference for people with autism. Our guest this week is speech pathologist Cecily Binford, who speaks about her experiences working as a speech pathologist, her experiences with autism, and about the issue of ableism.

Now, in response to the National Strategy for Autism Awareness Australia, AA has welcomed the government's first National Autism Strategy, but says it must be followed by immediate action to address the significant gaps in support for autistic children who are losing their National Disability Insurance Scheme packages, also known as NDIS. Yes, so that's definitely something to think about there. Hopefully this new strategy will make a real difference for people with autism. Our guest this week is speech pathologist Cecily Binford, who speaks about her experiences working as a speech pathologist, her experiences with autism, and about the issue of ableism.

Yes, we had a wonderful conversation with Cecily, who is also a singer, a theatre performer, and a theatre theater reviewer. So we did talk to her about all those subjects as well, and got some recommendations coming up for things ahead in the theater world here in Perth. Welcome, Sicily.

Yes, we had a wonderful conversation with Cecily, who is also a singer, a theatre performer, and a theatre theater reviewer. So we did talk to her about all those subjects as well, and got some recommendations coming up for things ahead in the theater world here in Perth. Welcome, Sicily.

Thank you Simon, it's good to be here.

Thank you Simon, it's good to be here.

Now, Sicily, can you tell us, firstly, how did you get involved with speech pathology?

Now, Sicily, can you tell us, firstly, how did you get involved with speech pathology?

Uh, well, I came over to Australia in 2007 working in the freight forwarding industry, which is something that I fell into after uni. Uh, just because I didn't know what to do with a drama degree. Um, so freight forwarding enabled me to, to get on a plane and get to Australia as soon as I could. And I wanted to find a career path that would in some way enable me to utilise my love of language and communication and also enable me to have an actual career that had good job prospects once I graduated. And so I decided that speech pathology was the answer, and not linguistics, which is what I wanted to do initially because I just love language. Um, but I thought I would be in the same boat as when I graduated with a bachelor's at drama. What do I do with this degree?

Uh, well, I came over to Australia in 2007 working in the freight forwarding industry, which is something that I fell into after uni. Uh, just because I didn't know what to do with a drama degree. Um, so freight forwarding enabled me to, to get on a plane and get to Australia as soon as I could. And I wanted to find a career path that would in some way enable me to utilise my love of language and communication and also enable me to have an actual career that had good job prospects once I graduated. And so I decided that speech pathology was the answer, and not linguistics, which is what I wanted to do initially because I just love language. Um, but I thought I would be in the same boat as when I graduated with a bachelor's at drama. What do I do with this degree?

Indeed.

Indeed.

Yeah. What is speech pathology?

Yeah. What is speech pathology?

Uh, speech pathology is an allied health profession where therapists support individuals and families who need support with speech, language, social communication, um, swallowing, meal time management, voice, and alternative and augmentative communication.

Uh, speech pathology is an allied health profession where therapists support individuals and families who need support with speech, language, social communication, um, swallowing, meal time management, voice, and alternative and augmentative communication.

Who would normally be a client of a speech pathologist? Um, being involved with the disability sector that I have been for many years, I've sort of aware of someone with a physical disability or has had a brain injury or something like that that needs retraining because their voice has been damaged or whatever, like that. So what are the type of areas would someone be seeking assistance from a speech pathologist?

Who would normally be a client of a speech pathologist? Um, being involved with the disability sector that I have been for many years, I've sort of aware of someone with a physical disability or has had a brain injury or something like that that needs retraining because their voice has been damaged or whatever, like that. So what are the type of areas would someone be seeking assistance from a speech pathologist?

So we work in just just so many different contexts and settings across the lifespan. We help, uh, kids from as little as, you know, um, infants all the way up to aged care. Um, so we help, uh, kids at school in in private clinics. We help people who are, like you said, have traumatic brain injuries and have lost language ability. We help with literacy, and we also help people who for many different reasons are unable to You talk, find alternative ways to communicate and express their needs and wishes and loves and desires and hates and all all of that. So that would come under AAC, which is all augmentative, alternative and augmentative communication. Um, and yeah, so mealtime management. So in aged care, if a senior is experiencing difficulty swallowing, um, we support them at mealtime to find the right texture, to enable them to maintain health. And um, and while still maintaining the pleasure of eating and. Yeah, just there are so many contexts that you might find a speech pathologist, um, and, you know, even even, um, you know, actors and other voice professionals who, um, may need some help with strengthening their voice or changing their voice quality, or transgender and gender diverse people who want to sound more like themselves. And they.

So we work in just just so many different contexts and settings across the lifespan. We help, uh, kids from as little as, you know, um, infants all the way up to aged care. Um, so we help, uh, kids at school in in private clinics. We help people who are, like you said, have traumatic brain injuries and have lost language ability. We help with literacy, and we also help people who for many different reasons are unable to You talk, find alternative ways to communicate and express their needs and wishes and loves and desires and hates and all all of that. So that would come under AAC, which is all augmentative, alternative and augmentative communication. Um, and yeah, so mealtime management. So in aged care, if a senior is experiencing difficulty swallowing, um, we support them at mealtime to find the right texture, to enable them to maintain health. And um, and while still maintaining the pleasure of eating and. Yeah, just there are so many contexts that you might find a speech pathologist, um, and, you know, even even, um, you know, actors and other voice professionals who, um, may need some help with strengthening their voice or changing their voice quality, or transgender and gender diverse people who want to sound more like themselves. And they.

Are.

Are.

I'm glad you mentioned that, because you talk about that on your website, which tell us again the name of your private business.

I'm glad you mentioned that, because you talk about that on your website, which tell us again the name of your private business.

I have a private business that I'm sort of put on hold for now, but it's called Outspoken Therapy. Um.

I have a private business that I'm sort of put on hold for now, but it's called Outspoken Therapy. Um.

Catchy title.

Catchy title.

Yeah, because your website uses a phrase something like gender affirming speech therapy. Yes. So tell us about that.

Yeah, because your website uses a phrase something like gender affirming speech therapy. Yes. So tell us about that.

First part of gender affirming care is, um, might involve voice training to feminize or masculinize one's voice or change it in some other ways that feel more aligned with who a person is. Um, and that's just one part of gender affirming care, And it doesn't necessarily even have to be across the binary either. It can be somewhere in the middle. It's really about helping gender diverse people find their voice, and find a voice that that makes them feel good about themselves.

First part of gender affirming care is, um, might involve voice training to feminize or masculinize one's voice or change it in some other ways that feel more aligned with who a person is. Um, and that's just one part of gender affirming care, And it doesn't necessarily even have to be across the binary either. It can be somewhere in the middle. It's really about helping gender diverse people find their voice, and find a voice that that makes them feel good about themselves.

Interject there.

Interject there.

What sort of techniques do you use when you have different sorts of people coming in, when they're wanting to sound more masculine or more feminine?

What sort of techniques do you use when you have different sorts of people coming in, when they're wanting to sound more masculine or more feminine?

Well, like I said, it does encompass quite a lot of, um, I guess, exercises and a bit more technical, um, explanations. Um, but, uh, so basically we would work on exercises that help for a more masculine voice. We might use techniques that produce a darker sound. And we've kind of moved away from looking in terms of pitch because, um, pitch is quite relative and subjective. There are women who have high pitched voices and low pitched voices. There are men who have high, you know, so it's more about the voice quality and finding the right descriptors for that individual person to then be able to say, oh, okay, yes, I want to darken my voice. I want to brighten my voice. So for in terms of someone who is is wanting to use a bit more of a girl voice. Yeah. Um, is, you know, going to be working on techniques that brighten and produce forward resonance. So that's, um, basically kind of making the sound more forward in the oral cavity or more back in the oral cavity. Um, and so that's sort of the direction we go. And it's really about voice practice and self practice, much like when you go to the physio No. And you say, I've got this hip, you know. Well, here's your five exercises. Do these once a day. You know, it's that sort of thing. So it does take a lot of, of self-directed practice. But speeches are there to guide, recommend particular exercises and then ensure vocal health, which is of utmost importance. So we don't want anyone straining their muscles or abusing their vocal cords in a way that's going to cause, you know, longer term damage. So it's more about like mitigating all those other factors as well. And one thing that's really important for me to always keep in mind, and any anyone who is cisgender working in this space is to acknowledge that as cisgender people, we don't have the same understanding of voice dysphoria in terms of gender identity. And so we always need to be mindful of that and use the terminology that our clients are comfortable using, and always adjusting our practice in alignment with, with the community.

Well, like I said, it does encompass quite a lot of, um, I guess, exercises and a bit more technical, um, explanations. Um, but, uh, so basically we would work on exercises that help for a more masculine voice. We might use techniques that produce a darker sound. And we've kind of moved away from looking in terms of pitch because, um, pitch is quite relative and subjective. There are women who have high pitched voices and low pitched voices. There are men who have high, you know, so it's more about the voice quality and finding the right descriptors for that individual person to then be able to say, oh, okay, yes, I want to darken my voice. I want to brighten my voice. So for in terms of someone who is is wanting to use a bit more of a girl voice. Yeah. Um, is, you know, going to be working on techniques that brighten and produce forward resonance. So that's, um, basically kind of making the sound more forward in the oral cavity or more back in the oral cavity. Um, and so that's sort of the direction we go. And it's really about voice practice and self practice, much like when you go to the physio No. And you say, I've got this hip, you know. Well, here's your five exercises. Do these once a day. You know, it's that sort of thing. So it does take a lot of, of self-directed practice. But speeches are there to guide, recommend particular exercises and then ensure vocal health, which is of utmost importance. So we don't want anyone straining their muscles or abusing their vocal cords in a way that's going to cause, you know, longer term damage. So it's more about like mitigating all those other factors as well. And one thing that's really important for me to always keep in mind, and any anyone who is cisgender working in this space is to acknowledge that as cisgender people, we don't have the same understanding of voice dysphoria in terms of gender identity. And so we always need to be mindful of that and use the terminology that our clients are comfortable using, and always adjusting our practice in alignment with, with the community.

And it must be so rewarding to be working with people and helping them to be able to realize themselves and sound how they want to sound.

And it must be so rewarding to be working with people and helping them to be able to realize themselves and sound how they want to sound.

Yeah, yeah, it's definitely something that is it really energizes me when I'm working in in that space, because it sort of incorporates a lot of what I know from being a singer my whole life and being really tuned in to people's voices and, and voice quality and, um, yeah, just the different aspects of voice. So it really kind of combines my own personal passions with sort of a clinical area that, that I also feel good about.

Yeah, yeah, it's definitely something that is it really energizes me when I'm working in in that space, because it sort of incorporates a lot of what I know from being a singer my whole life and being really tuned in to people's voices and, and voice quality and, um, yeah, just the different aspects of voice. So it really kind of combines my own personal passions with sort of a clinical area that, that I also feel good about.

One of your other specialties is working within the neurodiverse area and helping people within that arena. Can you tell us a little bit about that? Yeah.

One of your other specialties is working within the neurodiverse area and helping people within that arena. Can you tell us a little bit about that? Yeah.

Neuro-diverse affirming care is something I'm extremely passionate about because I myself am neurodivergent. I am autistic and ADHD. That always that terminology always sounds funny to me. I am autistic and I have ADHD referred to in writing ADHD, so yeah. Um, yeah. So I'm a late diagnosed autistic person and so I am continually, um, fascinated and engrossed by anything to do with, yes, issues for neurodivergent.

Neuro-diverse affirming care is something I'm extremely passionate about because I myself am neurodivergent. I am autistic and ADHD. That always that terminology always sounds funny to me. I am autistic and I have ADHD referred to in writing ADHD, so yeah. Um, yeah. So I'm a late diagnosed autistic person and so I am continually, um, fascinated and engrossed by anything to do with, yes, issues for neurodivergent.

So when.

So when.

You say late, how old were.

You say late, how old were.

You?

You?

When I was diagnosed, I was diagnosed in autistic in 2023 and with ADHD in 2020.

When I was diagnosed, I was diagnosed in autistic in 2023 and with ADHD in 2020.

Gosh. Yeah. Okay.

Gosh. Yeah. Okay.

Now, Sicily, can I ask you a personal question, then? You just mentioned that you were diagnosed just relatively recently. What led you to seek diagnosis?

Now, Sicily, can I ask you a personal question, then? You just mentioned that you were diagnosed just relatively recently. What led you to seek diagnosis?

It's something that I've suspected for a long time, actually since my 20s, which was, I guess. Late 90s, early 2000, when I sort of understood more about Asperger's, which is what, um, quote unquote, high functioning autism used to be labeled as in the, in the DSM four. And has since been subsumed into the overall autism autism spectrum disorder in the DSM five. And so that's something that I suspected for a long time, but never was able to actually go there because it's very scary. You don't want to be anyone to see see Under the mask. Basically, you want to be normal. You want to be like everybody else. So you try so hard to, uh, to be like everyone else and fit in and, you know, um, seek friendships and maintain friendships and all of that stuff. So it wasn't until going back to school, back to uni for my, um, master's degree, um, that I was really like, okay, the whole social aspect of being back at uni is incredibly difficult. Um, so meeting a whole heap of new people, um, getting involved in group activities and, um, trying to trying to fit in all over again, it was just so difficult. And I, um, I really struggled with my mental health around that. I went to the GP and I said, you know, look, I, I'm really having trouble. I think I might be autistic. And the doctor said, well, you don't seem autistic, but you might have ADHD. So I got the ADHD diagnosis, which then I got medication and was able to function a bit better at uni and got through it and all that, all that kind of stuff. But the social aspect was really still difficult. And then I went through a period of what I would consider, um, autistic burnout. And I said, you know what? I this this is, this is I'm doing this because, um, an autism diagnosis takes a long time and it's expensive. So whether or not you actually have the, um, it takes a long time because there's the wait lists are extremely long. Um, and so.

It's something that I've suspected for a long time, actually since my 20s, which was, I guess. Late 90s, early 2000, when I sort of understood more about Asperger's, which is what, um, quote unquote, high functioning autism used to be labeled as in the, in the DSM four. And has since been subsumed into the overall autism autism spectrum disorder in the DSM five. And so that's something that I suspected for a long time, but never was able to actually go there because it's very scary. You don't want to be anyone to see see Under the mask. Basically, you want to be normal. You want to be like everybody else. So you try so hard to, uh, to be like everyone else and fit in and, you know, um, seek friendships and maintain friendships and all of that stuff. So it wasn't until going back to school, back to uni for my, um, master's degree, um, that I was really like, okay, the whole social aspect of being back at uni is incredibly difficult. Um, so meeting a whole heap of new people, um, getting involved in group activities and, um, trying to trying to fit in all over again, it was just so difficult. And I, um, I really struggled with my mental health around that. I went to the GP and I said, you know, look, I, I'm really having trouble. I think I might be autistic. And the doctor said, well, you don't seem autistic, but you might have ADHD. So I got the ADHD diagnosis, which then I got medication and was able to function a bit better at uni and got through it and all that, all that kind of stuff. But the social aspect was really still difficult. And then I went through a period of what I would consider, um, autistic burnout. And I said, you know what? I this this is, this is I'm doing this because, um, an autism diagnosis takes a long time and it's expensive. So whether or not you actually have the, um, it takes a long time because there's the wait lists are extremely long. Um, and so.

And high demand. Yes.

And high demand. Yes.

In high demand. So. And there is no financial support for, for getting like going through the assessment process. But I finally got to a point where I could manage that and said, all right, I'm going to go and get my suspicions confirmed.

In high demand. So. And there is no financial support for, for getting like going through the assessment process. But I finally got to a point where I could manage that and said, all right, I'm going to go and get my suspicions confirmed.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Thanks for sharing that. And I really do appreciate that. Sicily, that, um, I know it takes some courage to talk about such personal things, and we do really love that, and we really appreciate that. And we also like to acknowledge that. Now moving on to a slightly more lighter subject. You've mentioned that you've done drama and singing in the past. Now, it might also be linked to what you were saying before about feeling different.

Thanks for sharing that. And I really do appreciate that. Sicily, that, um, I know it takes some courage to talk about such personal things, and we do really love that, and we really appreciate that. And we also like to acknowledge that. Now moving on to a slightly more lighter subject. You've mentioned that you've done drama and singing in the past. Now, it might also be linked to what you were saying before about feeling different.

Um.

Um.

I hear a lot of people in, in theater and movies and rock bands and everything like that. That's why or how they drift towards that type of thing. Tell us how you got involved with drama and singing.

I hear a lot of people in, in theater and movies and rock bands and everything like that. That's why or how they drift towards that type of thing. Tell us how you got involved with drama and singing.

Yeah, so I've been singing since I was a little teeny tiny baby. I'm pretty sure I came out singing, I don't know. Okay. But, uh, so I got involved in theater in, I guess in school and then musical theater. Musical theater? Yes. Also just regular old theater. Just as many aspects of it as I can get my hands on. Mhm. Um, but yeah. So I, um, it's something that I absolutely is related to that feeling of wanting to find a place where I belong, where I can also step into a mask that's comfortable rather than the masking that I do on a day to day basis. Sure. And to have to play around in that and, and take on a different persona, a different personality, a different characteristics and, and and it's fun as opposed to the, the daily grind of being of of being this outward version of myself. And I think you're right, I think it's a common thing for a lot of artistic, not autistic people. Autistic. Autistic. Um, but a bit.

Yeah, so I've been singing since I was a little teeny tiny baby. I'm pretty sure I came out singing, I don't know. Okay. But, uh, so I got involved in theater in, I guess in school and then musical theater. Musical theater? Yes. Also just regular old theater. Just as many aspects of it as I can get my hands on. Mhm. Um, but yeah. So I, um, it's something that I absolutely is related to that feeling of wanting to find a place where I belong, where I can also step into a mask that's comfortable rather than the masking that I do on a day to day basis. Sure. And to have to play around in that and, and take on a different persona, a different personality, a different characteristics and, and and it's fun as opposed to the, the daily grind of being of of being this outward version of myself. And I think you're right, I think it's a common thing for a lot of artistic, not autistic people. Autistic. Autistic. Um, but a bit.

Of an Aussie accent. Yeah, exactly.

Of an Aussie accent. Yeah, exactly.

I've been practicing for 15 years. Wow. Um, so. But like we were discussing before we came up, David Bowie.

I've been practicing for 15 years. Wow. Um, so. But like we were discussing before we came up, David Bowie.

Um.

Um.

He's my he's my hero in terms of what?

He's my he's my hero in terms of what?

He literally did wear a mask.

He literally did wear a mask.

He he very much adopted a persona which helped him explode his career. And he was always playing different personas and characters.

He he very much adopted a persona which helped him explode his career. And he was always playing different personas and characters.

It's interesting those those roles we play within ourselves. Now, I also read, um, on your website. It's kind of. Scared me a bit. We're not taking on this role that you helped. You help train people, like in theaters and on podcasts and people who are professional speakers. Uh, as part of your role as a speech pathologist. Tell us a little bit about that.

It's interesting those those roles we play within ourselves. Now, I also read, um, on your website. It's kind of. Scared me a bit. We're not taking on this role that you helped. You help train people, like in theaters and on podcasts and people who are professional speakers. Uh, as part of your role as a speech pathologist. Tell us a little bit about that.

Yeah, that definitely.

Yeah, that definitely.

Is within my scope of practice. However, I haven't done that as my main focus since graduating.

Is within my scope of practice. However, I haven't done that as my main focus since graduating.

But okay.

But okay.

Yeah, definitely accent modification and um, support for people who are, you know, public speaking or, or really in, in terms of voice. It's about vocal health, I guess is is where I would mainly focus first and foremost. So if you've if there's an educator or someone who is struggling to maintain their voice over a run of shows or, you know, um, if a teacher has lost their voice by the end of term one and things like this, like that's definitely an area that I would be really keen to support. In fact, someone who's coming to fringe, uh, contacted me. He said he had googled me because and he wanted he wanted me to come to his show and review it because he saw that I was a speech pathologist and he's been seeing a speech pathologist because of muscle tension dysphonia. He's, you know, struggles to maintain his voice over the over the run of his shows. And so, yeah, he thought that would be a good way to market his show.

Yeah, definitely accent modification and um, support for people who are, you know, public speaking or, or really in, in terms of voice. It's about vocal health, I guess is is where I would mainly focus first and foremost. So if you've if there's an educator or someone who is struggling to maintain their voice over a run of shows or, you know, um, if a teacher has lost their voice by the end of term one and things like this, like that's definitely an area that I would be really keen to support. In fact, someone who's coming to fringe, uh, contacted me. He said he had googled me because and he wanted he wanted me to come to his show and review it because he saw that I was a speech pathologist and he's been seeing a speech pathologist because of muscle tension dysphonia. He's, you know, struggles to maintain his voice over the over the run of his shows. And so, yeah, he thought that would be a good way to market his show.

To me, which it.

To me, which it.

Was. I'm like totally keen to.

Was. I'm like totally keen to.

Go and see it. We didn't.

Go and see it. We didn't.

Mention that. But you are a theatre reviewer.

Mention that. But you are a theatre reviewer.

Yes. Sorry. No. That's okay. And I love.

Yes. Sorry. No. That's okay. And I love.

That. Um, unfortunately, we're we're running out of time now, Sicily. And it's been a fun and lovely conversation. It's been wonderful to meet you. I'll just ask one more question. Why would someone seek out a speech pathologist? And how does someone go about it?

That. Um, unfortunately, we're we're running out of time now, Sicily. And it's been a fun and lovely conversation. It's been wonderful to meet you. I'll just ask one more question. Why would someone seek out a speech pathologist? And how does someone go about it?

So you could visit a Speech Pathology Australia's website. I believe there's a practitioner search. Pasqua, I believe here locally. And find a practitioner.

So you could visit a Speech Pathology Australia's website. I believe there's a practitioner search. Pasqua, I believe here locally. And find a practitioner.

Do you need medical referral and all that.

Do you need medical referral and all that.

Type of thing? No, you.

Type of thing? No, you.

Don't need a medical referral. You can self-refer. Um, there are different ways of different ways of, of of paying for speech pathology services. Um, there's private there's Medicare. Um, so with Medicare, you can you can get five sessions rebated for certain chronic conditions or and then there's NDIS funding available for those who are participants.

Don't need a medical referral. You can self-refer. Um, there are different ways of different ways of, of of paying for speech pathology services. Um, there's private there's Medicare. Um, so with Medicare, you can you can get five sessions rebated for certain chronic conditions or and then there's NDIS funding available for those who are participants.

In private health and.

In private health and.

Private health cover.

Private health cover.

Yes, very much so. Alrighty. Well, we'll finish on this.

Yes, very much so. Alrighty. Well, we'll finish on this.

You just mentioned fringe coming up here.

You just mentioned fringe coming up here.

In Perth.

In Perth.

Because we are a nationally broadcast program, but we are based here in Perth, Western Australia, and we've got the fringe coming up soon and then the Perth festival. Yes. What should we be looking out for from your point of view shows to go to infringe here in Perth?

Because we are a nationally broadcast program, but we are based here in Perth, Western Australia, and we've got the fringe coming up soon and then the Perth festival. Yes. What should we be looking out for from your point of view shows to go to infringe here in Perth?

Well, you're definitely not going to go wrong with your big headliners like, uh, Bernie Dieter's Club Cabaret. I went last year and it was fantastic. Um, and you know what? The thing with fringe is that it is just so chock a block with everything under the sun and all over the city. And you know what? You can take a chance on something that you might not normally go and see. But the prices are generally, you know, not prohibitive.

Well, you're definitely not going to go wrong with your big headliners like, uh, Bernie Dieter's Club Cabaret. I went last year and it was fantastic. Um, and you know what? The thing with fringe is that it is just so chock a block with everything under the sun and all over the city. And you know what? You can take a chance on something that you might not normally go and see. But the prices are generally, you know, not prohibitive.

So and I do like how.

So and I do like how.

They've branched out, not just focused in Northbridge now.

They've branched out, not just focused in Northbridge now.

Yeah. State of play at the State Theatre Centre. That's a sort of a capsule kind of curated part of fringe world that has really a great variety of things on offer. Some of my friends at the Big Hoo Ha are doing a show there.

Yeah. State of play at the State Theatre Centre. That's a sort of a capsule kind of curated part of fringe world that has really a great variety of things on offer. Some of my friends at the Big Hoo Ha are doing a show there.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah. They have their their adult one and then their kids version and there's just a huge range like dance, contemporary dance, children's comedy, theatre, all sorts. Always a great sort of curated part of of fringe world as well.

Yeah, yeah. They have their their adult one and then their kids version and there's just a huge range like dance, contemporary dance, children's comedy, theatre, all sorts. Always a great sort of curated part of of fringe world as well.

That's excellent. Well, we'll wind up our fun and interesting conversation there, in Sicily. It's been a real delight to meet you. You're really.

That's excellent. Well, we'll wind up our fun and interesting conversation there, in Sicily. It's been a real delight to meet you. You're really.

Fun and.

Fun and.

Bright person to to be alongside and we really learnt a lot and really appreciated you coming into the studio here and Vision Australia in Perth and thanks a lot. Hope to speak to you again sometime.

Bright person to to be alongside and we really learnt a lot and really appreciated you coming into the studio here and Vision Australia in Perth and thanks a lot. Hope to speak to you again sometime.

Yeah, that'd be great.

Yeah, that'd be great.

I'd love to speak to you again too. Thank you so much for having me. It's been really nice.

I'd love to speak to you again too. Thank you so much for having me. It's been really nice.

It's been lovely.

It's been lovely.

To meet you.

To meet you.

Thank you. Thanks.

Thank you. Thanks.

Thanks very much for listening to the show this week on In Plain Sight. We're here on Vision Australia. Radio can be found on the Am dial here in Perth, 990 Am or whatever station you happen to be near. Wherever you are, look up your guide for that or on demand via radio.org and any of the major platforms for podcasts. Look Up in Plain Sight by Vision Australia Radio on your favorite podcast platform, and hope to join you again sometime soon. Bye for now.

Thanks very much for listening to the show this week on In Plain Sight. We're here on Vision Australia. Radio can be found on the Am dial here in Perth, 990 Am or whatever station you happen to be near. Wherever you are, look up your guide for that or on demand via radio.org and any of the major platforms for podcasts. Look Up in Plain Sight by Vision Australia Radio on your favorite podcast platform, and hope to join you again sometime soon. Bye for now.

Bye for now.

Bye for now.