J.F. Walker Lecture Series Returns: Advancing Neurodiversity in SLP Practice


By: Jessica Boafo

On June 13, students, faculty, and staff of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology came together, both virtually and in person at the Health Sciences Building, for the much-anticipated return of the biennial J.F. Walker Lecture Series.

Sponsored by the Alumni Executive, this signature event honours the legacy of Professor Jean Walker, one of the department’s first clinical teachers, faculty members, and eventual Chair and Director. Her visionary leadership helped shape and establish the Master of Health Science (MHSc) program in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto.

Each lecture in the series highlights a topic of broad relevance to Speech-Language Pathologists and professionals working in the fields of communication and swallowing disorders. This year’s theme, Expanding Understanding of Neurodiversity, aimed to:

  1. Explore historical, current, and emerging approaches to neurodiversity in practice.
  2. Build confidence in applying neurodiversity-affirming strategies in clinical settings.
  3. Educate on the shift from compliance-based to strengths-based, lived-experience-informed practices.
  4. Enhance awareness of how certain practices may unintentionally harm or marginalize neurodivergent communities.

In addition to serving as a key part of the MHSc SLP curriculum, with mandatory in-person attendance for students, the event also fosters meaningful connections between students and alumni. The day began with the Alumni Welcome Breakfast, offering opportunities for networking and dialogue that exemplify the department’s commitment to integrating students into the profession through hands-on learning and thought-provoking discussion.

This year’s engaging and dynamic speakers included:

  • Amanda Binns (PhD, SLP-CCC, Reg. CASLPO)A scientist and speech-language pathologist with nearly 20 years of experience, and project lead of SLP MAPs. Her research focuses on improving pediatric speech-language services for autistic children through community-engaged, lived-experience-informed approaches.

  • Karen Ann Timm (Consultant & International Autistic Advocate)An author, consultant, researcher, educational leader, and global autistic advocate. Founder of the Neurodivergent Infinity Network of Educators, the Neurodivergent Leadership Collective, the AUsome Carers’ Network, and the AUsome Human Club, she champions neuro-affirmative, human-rights-based practice by challenging neuronormativity, fostering innovative collaborations, and amplifying neurodivergent voices.

Like previous years, the J.F. Walker Lecture Series proved to be a resounding success, sparking inspiration, critical reflection, and innovation in the field of communication sciences.

The Department extends sincere thanks to the Alumni Executive, co-presidents Michelle Simmons and Faiza Ali, as well as the student volunteers, faculty, staff, and all attendees for making this year’s event such a memorable and impactful experience.