Special educator and Sydney mother of three Sue Larkey has won a prestigious international award for her work with children with autism spectrum disorders.
Held in Canada, the internationally recognised 2013 International Naturally Autistic People Awards (INAPA) Convention and Festival awarded Sue the Community Leadership award for her community contribution in working with families and children with autism in Australia.
Sue was recognised for her work, which includes providing education tools and strategies for parents with children with autism, against a field of 17 nominees from around the world.
“Sue provides valuable information and resources for parents and professionals dealing with the autistic children,” according to INAPA judge and journalist and documentary film maker, Adelina Sugavau.
Sue is a highly qualified special educator in mainstream and special schools. She is the author of 14 books filled with practical strategies to assist children with autism. She has travelled extensively throughout Australia and other countries providing workshops and seminars for teachers, support workers and parents of children with autism, and has gained the respect and trust of the autistic community, their families and supporters.
Sue has taught students with an autism spectrum disorder both as a primary school teacher and a special education teacher.
“As a teacher, my interest in autism began over 25 years ago when I had a boy with autism in my class. Since then I have worked with over 2,000 children and families.
"One of my favourite sayings is embrace difference to make a difference. I believe these awards are about celebrating difference.”
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