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Warrnambool resident, autism researcher, advocate and author Wenn Lawson has been announced the 2027 Senior Australian of the year for Victoria.
Associate Professor Wenn Lawson, 74, is an autistic autism researcher, British educational psychologist and Australian social worker who has made an important contribution to society’s understanding of autism and neurodivergence.
Misdiagnosed with schizophrenia in his teenage years, Wenn spent decades in and out of mental health institutions until he was correctly diagnosed with autism at 42.
For more than 30 years his lived experience has fuelled his research and advocacy work. Having presented at numerous conferences and published 30 books – as well as three children’s books – Wenn's contribution to society’s understanding of autism is both nationally and internationally acclaimed.
Wenn has developed guides for autism in Australia and in Europe and created multiple short courses in autism, as well as a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). He has a special interest in exploring the untold histories of older autistic people and is considered a key theorist on autism and monotropism.
Other Victorian award recipients included:
Australian of the Year (Victoria): Cherie Dear, pancreatic cancer research advocate
Young Australian of the Year (Victoria): Ryan Brigham, founder Health in Focus at 21, a charity delivering healthcare initiatives and education programs in Australia and overseas to ensure everybody has access to basic healthcare support and information.
Local Hero: Gavin ‘Bear’ Hynam, 65, is helping young people gain independence and mobility through his Cars 4 Youth gifting program and mentorship of learner drivers.