Advice Line Q&A - Ask Us Anything

Join us for an ‘Ask Us Anything’ Advice Line Live Q&A with Joanna Panese, Practice and Community Development Lead alongside Advice Line Community Advisors, Ross Parker and Sheila Addison, who will be live on our Facebook page on Wednesday 8th March to answer your questions, and to provide advice and signposting.

You may have questions around diagnosis, education, accessing employment or you may be a parent or professional looking for advice. You can send your questions in ahead of the event by clicking here, alternatively, you can ask your questions live on the day by using the comments box.

The Advisors

Joanna

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Joanna has 12 years’ experience in the third sector through direct practice, service development and management roles. At Scottish Autism, Joanna has worked alongside autistic people in supported living and day services, and has managed services that provide vocational and skills development opportunities.

In her current role, Joanna leads on the development of practice both internally and externally providing practice and service development support across Scottish Autism, and partner organisations. Joanna’s key interest lies in creating environments and communities that enable autistic people to flourish and that recognise their voice.

Ross

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Ross has been a Community Advisor at Scottish Autism since October 2021, previous to this he had 10 years of experience as a support worker. Ross was diagnosed as Autistic at the age of 19 and has a Master’s Degree in Autism Studies and an Undergraduate Degree in Social Sciences.

In his current role, Ross supports the Scottish Autism Advice Line, alongside providing support to families of newly diagnosed autistic young people through the Get Set 4 Autism. He also provides training to businesses and professionals via the Scottish Autism online training programme.

Ross’s key interests are in helping autistic adults navigate their place within the autistic community and using his own experiences to develop and provide training.

Sheila

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Sheila has worked in several roles within Scottish Autism over the last five years, including direct practice. Her current role as Community Advisor allows Sheila to utilise both her knowledge and compassion to help enable autistic people, and those who support them, to be heard. Sheila is particularly passionate about helping ensure the families of newly diagnosed autistic children and young people, are provided with the support and advice they require.