I never dreamt this could happen to me...

In 2024, I became the first Autistic nonspeaking individual to address South Australia’s Parliament via letterboard, proposing an Autism and Neurodiversity Academy of Excellence to revolutionise teacher training through lived experience. My ideas earned me a $10,000 scholarship, influenced the National Autism Strategy, and led to meetings with key political leaders and changemakers including the South Australian Minister for Autism - Emily Bourke MLC, South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer MP and the Director of Inclusive Teaching and Learning for the Department for Education, South Australia, Perry Rush. My work equips educators with neuroaffirming strategies and supports inclusive environments for Autistic students.

How did I spend the winning $10,000?

I travelled to Virginia, USA and attended the world's largest conference for nonspeakers who spell to communicate using a letterboard or keyboard. So many people attended including 181 nonspeakers. I learned so many new things and made new friends from all over the world. It was life changing and enabling. 

What opportunities did winning Teen Parliament open for me?

There have been so many opportunities created since winning Teen Parliament. I am currently working on building a business enterprise, collaborating with leaders, fiercely advocating for other nonspeakers globally for their human rights and dreaming of becoming the first nonspeaking hiking guide in the world. 

A list of some of my achievements over the last 12 months 

• Awarded a $10,000 education scholarship for my Teen presentation in Parliament about autism and education.

• Member of the SA State Government Disability Ministers Advisory Council - youngest ever and first nonspeaking Autistic person. 

• Finalist for the Ch7 Young Achiever Awards - Create Change Award category.

• Member of SA Teen Parliament Minister for Education Council

• Regular Reframing Autism content creator

• International and Australian presenter (including SA Government Department for Education)

• Appeared on the ABC BTN TV program about my life and nonspeaking autism.

• Interviewed on ABC Radio several times

• Attended the World’s largest Nonspeaking Autism Conference in Virginia, USA in 2025

• Contributed to various advisory groups including Children with Young People and Disability - Inclusive Education Focus group and Reframing Autism Affirming Futures Project. 

• Hiked the Triple Crown on the Appalachian Trail with two nonspeakers from Massachusetts, USA 

• Content Contributor for Autism From The Inside - 25 Autistic Speakers Series, 2025

• Became a volunteer for National Parks SA, Department for Environment and Water, 2025

• Became a Walking SA Ambassador, 2025

• Continued developing content for www.thestoryspeller.com (an advocacy blog about nonspeaking autism)

• Started an Instagram account: www.instagram.com/iamthestoryspeller/

• Hiked Australia's Premier Hiking Trail: The Overland Track, Tasmania (65 kms - Grade 4 trail), 2025

• Started working at Co-Art as an emerging artist developing education content for my enterprise.

• Started an Instagram campaign highlighting 100 ways to support Autistic nonspeakers.

  
  

How has my life changed since winning Teen Parliament?

My life has dramatically shifted in the last 12 months. I am about to launch a business to educate people globally about Autistic nonspeakers and what's possible when you presume competence. This was made possible when I won Teen Parliament and people saw me differently, as a human who is capable. If you are interested in following my progress, collaborating on something or seeing the launch of my business enterprise please subscribe to my mailing list on my website www.thestoryspeller.com. 

What advice would I give to students applying this year?

I never dreamt I would win Teen Parliament. Applying means you are already a winner. The experience alone is life changing. If you have an idea that you believe will make South Australia better - pitch it. You never know you might just win! 

Apply here: The Advertiser Teen Parliament 2026 - Parliament of South Australia

Thanks

Patrick Saunders