Ashton Bartz

Ashton joined Autism CRC in mid-2019. They have played an integral role in developing and delivering the 2019 Governance Program, the 2020 Research Program, the Self-Advocacy@Work project, and the 2023 Autistic Identity and Connection Program as part of the Sylvia Rodger Academy initiative.

With two qualifications in Youth Work and a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies from Griffith University, Ashton has volunteered and worked in the Youth Work industry since 2008. Ashton was acknowledged for their achievements as a finalist in the 2011 WA Youth Awards’ Most Outstanding Youth Worker category.

Prior to joining Autism CRC, Ashton has worked for the WA AIDS Council, the Youth Affairs Council of WA, the City of Swan and the City of Melville with a focus on program development, program delivery and volunteer coordination. In addition, they are a passionate advocate and have consulted on a range of topics including autism and disability inclusion, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, and domestic, family and sexual violence.

Ashton was formally diagnosed as autistic in 2013, which helped provide context for their experiences.

"I am proud to be a part of Autism CRC, who work tirelessly to improve outcomes for autistic people across the lifespan. My goal in working at Autism CRC is to make leading research and change accessible for any autistic person with the dream and the drive to get involved.”