Kerryn Burgoyne

Kerryn Burgoyne was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (as it was known then) at the age of 30 in 1998. For much of her early life, she navigated the world without knowing why she thought, felt, and behaved differently from others-often struggling with friendships and facing misunderstanding from those around her. Her diagnosis provided clarity, but the journey of learning how to adapt her behaviours and connect socially in meaningful ways was one she had to undertake herself, through years of resilience, trial and error, and determination.

Despite a lack of support from family and being told by medical professionals that she would never be able to learn or thrive in the outside world, Kerryn proved them wrong. Between 2005 and 2013, she undertook what she calls her “life journey”-a period of growth that helped her step away from the person she once was and emerge as the strong-headed, independent, and resilient woman she is today.

Kerryn’s story is one of overcoming barriers, including bullying, discrimination, and workplace challenges, to build a life on her own terms. During COVID, she was again tested-forced to adapt quickly to an ever-changing world and hostile work environments. Through it all, she developed the ability to communicate, socialise, and navigate “the world we all live in today” with strength and adaptability.

Today, Kerryn channels her lived experience into her work as a business owner, creating self-help courses and resources for the wider community. Her presentations offer an honest, inspirational perspective on resilience, personal growth, neurodiversity, and the power of persistence in the face of adversity. Kerryn is the founder and owner of K-Talk, an innovational autism training & education agency in Australia.