Autistic Ageing ‘The Quiet Terror’: Autistic Elders Presentation
This session presents and explores Bridgette Hamstead’s essay “No One Is Coming”: On Aging, Autism, and the Quiet Terror We Don’t Talk About. The article brings forward important insights into ageing as an Autistic person, highlighting the need for planning, support, and community connection.
Presenters Bridgette Hamstead (AuDHD community weaver, speaker & advocate) and KJ Wiseheart (AuDHD+ narrative therapist, counsellor, and Autistic Elders facilitator), will share key themes from the article and expand on their relevance for Autistic adults. Topics include:
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Preparing for changing support needs across the lifespan
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Strategies for navigating executive function and mobility changes
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Building networks of advocacy and practical support
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Ensuring continuity of healthcare and access to essential medications
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Understanding how perceptions of Autistic adults shift with age
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Creating sustainable futures through collective effort and shared resources
This presentation is designed to provide practical, forward-looking information for Autistic adults, families, and allies who want to better understand the realities of ageing and strengthen approaches to care and inclusion.
Session details
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Sponsored by Neurokindred Foundation & NobleKinnections
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Open to all participants
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Pre-read (optional): “No One Is Coming”: On Aging, Autism, and the Quiet Terror We Don’t Talk About – available here: Read the article
KJ Wiseheart
they/them
Autistic, ADHD, PDA
KJ Wiseheart (they/them) is a multiply-neurodivergent nonbinary elderqueer with a Profound Desire for Autonomy. They are an unabashed word-nerd and describe themselves as lit from within by curiosity and appreciation. KJ is a counsellor and narrative therapist, collaborative storyteller, Therapeutic Gamemaster, and game designer, who delights in exploring therapeutic applications of tabletop role-playing games. KJ runs Nerd Therapy and is also an ACA Registered Supervisor.
As a neurodivergent and neuroaffirmative counsellor, KJ is committed to respectful practice, and an approach that is integrative, person-centred and trauma-informed. They are committed to co-creating neurocosmopolitan conversations and communities, where all neurocognitive differences in experience, communication, and embodiment are appreciated and affirmed. They focus on assisting clients in reclaiming storytelling rights over their personal narratives to improve their quality of life.
KJ holds a Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Human Services from LaTrobe University, and a Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work from Melbourne University. They have presented at Reframing Autism’s Community Summit, The International Autistic Burnout Conference and published the powerful collective research document “How we deal with Autistic burnout: A living document created by Autistic Adults for Autistic Adults” .
They are available for counselling conversations either face-to-face (in Adelaide) or via zoom (anywhere!).
Nerd Therapy
Bridgette Hamstead
she/her
AuDHD
Bridgette Hamstead is a neurodiversity consultant, keynote speaker and advocate, and the founder of Fish in a Tree in New Orleans. She writes and speaks with honesty about Autistic women’s experiences, masking, radical acceptance, and neuro-affirming practice. Recognised by NEXT for AUTISM and invited as a featured keynote at major events, Bridgette brings lived experience together with deep expertise to create powerful, compassionate spaces for connection and change.