Applications for Community Advisory Board
We welcome neurodivergent individuals to express interest in joining our community advisory board, where your lived experiences and insights will directly guide the direction and implementation of this research.
Community Advisory Board
The Community Advisory Board is an integral part of our research project, ensuring that neurodivergent voices and perspectives are at the forefront of our work. This diverse group of people bring valuable lived experience and community insights to guide our research on mental health support for neurodivergent individuals.
Board members collaborate with our research team to shape study designs, review materials, and ensure our work remains relevant and respectful to the neurodivergent community. Community board members expertise helps us address the real needs and priorities of neurodivergent adults in mental healthcare settings.
We are grateful for the time, energy, and unique perspectives each board member contributes to this important research.
Together, we are working to enhance accessibility to mental healthcare support for neurodivergent adults.
Meet our dedicated Community Advisory Board members below:
Kyle
My name is Kyle, and I am an Exercise Physiologist based in Adelaide. I was inspired to enter this field in my mid-20s due to the extensive range of populations we engage with and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people and their health journeys.
My professional experience spans a diverse array of client presentations, with a particular focus on individuals with ADHD, autism, mental health challenges, and lower back pain. I am deeply committed to advancing their well-being through tailored interventions and support.
Beyond my clinical work, I am passionate about staying active and embracing the outdoors. My pursuits include running, hiking, gym workouts, camping, exploring South Australia, and immersing myself in nature. Additionally, I am somewhat of a sports tragic, and may become a little too emotionally invested in the teams I follow – none who have pleased me with much success in my time!
I am both honoured and excited to be part of this board. I look forward to leveraging my personal and professional experiences, along with my passion and education, to contribute meaningfully to this crucial community project.
Kristi
I'm Kristi, a single mom to a lively little boy, thriving in the beautiful sunshine of Queensland.
I'm currently pursuing my passion for psychology, with a particular interest in developmental psychology. My thesis explores the complexities of parental burnout, a topic close to my heart.
Beyond my studies, I find solace and creativity in painting and crocheting, and I'm always on the lookout for fun ways to promote emotional regulation in our neurodivergent home.
I'm excited to bring my personal experiences, academic knowledge, and genuine desire to support others to this community advisory board.
See below for more information.
Vacant
About the Project
We are seeking neurodivergent adults to join a Community Advisory Board for a co-produced, community-led research project investigating mental healthcare support needs, preferences, and experiences of neurodivergent adults.
This project aims to centre neurodivergent voices and perspectives throughout the entire research process.
Position Overview
As a board member, you will provide valuable lived experience expertise to help guide and inform all aspects of the research, from question development through dissemination of findings. We are committed to ensuring that your input has a meaningful impact on the study's direction and outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Attend advisory board meetings (approximately 2 hours each, with breaks)
Collaborate with researchers on developing research questions, methods, and materials
Provide guidance on study design and implementation
Review and provide feedback on all aspects of the research process
Share insights on the mental health support needs and preferences of neurodivergent adults
Identify potential issues or concerns from a community perspective
Suggest strategies for effective community engagement and research dissemination
Advocate for the priorities of the neurodivergent community in the research process
Qualifications
Identifies as neurodivergent (either, autistic or/andADHD)
Age 18 or older
Lived experience accessing mental health support services (preferred but not required)
Interest in mental health research and improving support for neurodivergent adults
Willingness to work collaboratively and engage in respectful dialogue
Time Commitment and Expectations
Initial 1-year term, with the option to extend up to 3 years (pending ethics approval for each stage of the project)
6-8 meetings per year (approximately every 6-8 weeks)
Estimated 2-3 hours per month, including meeting attendance and review of materials
Flexibility in attendance - we understand that life happens, and consistent attendance at every meeting may not always be possible
Meeting Format and Accessibility
All meetings will be held via Zoom to accommodate board members from different locations
Meetings will typically be scheduled in the evening (7-9 PM AEST) to accommodate members who work during the day
Live closed captioning will be provided
Alternative communication methods (e.g., chat function) will be available during meetings
Meeting materials will be provided in advance in accessible formats
We are committed to making any additional accommodations needed to ensure full participation
Compensation
A $60 honorarium will be provided for each meeting attended, recognising your expertise and the time committed to reviewing materials and participating
Formal Agreement and Ethics
Initially, we will operate under a formal working agreement that outlines roles, responsibilities, and compensation
Once the methodology for Study 1 is finalised, we will submit an ethics application
Upon ethics approval, we will establish a more comprehensive formal agreement
How to Apply
We offer multiple ways to express your interest:
Written statement (300-500 words), using the form below.
Video submission (3-5 minutes), emailed.
Audio recording (3-5 minutes), emailed.
Email us to make a time to discuss and apply over Zoom.
In your application, please address:
Any relevant experience with mental health services or advocacy
Why you're interested in joining this advisory board
Questions or Accommodations
If you have any questions about the position or need any accommodations in the application process, please contact Michelle at hello@neurodiversityaffirmingmentalhealthcareresearch.space. I am happy to discuss and address any concerns you may have.
We look forward to collaborating with you to improve mental health support for the neurodivergent community!