Author
Kate Foster is an autistic children’s author writing about friends, family, and often dogs. Originally from a small town in the southeast of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via a positive approach and representation in both her books as well as her presentations and talks.
Her books have been bestsellers, shortlisted for several awards, and published internationally. They include PAWS, The Bravest Word, Harriet Hound and The Unlikely Heroes Club. Kate is an experienced presenter and speaker having appeared at many festivals and conferences, and enjoys talking candidly and positively about autism to both children and adults, regularly providing personal development sessions for educators.
Kate is an active member of the children’s literature community in Queensland, as well as Australia and internationally as well. In 2023 she created The ASLA Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Award to celebrate diverse voices and stories. Along with author Dee White she also founded Author Pen Pals, an initiative that connects book creators with students in rural, regional, and disadvantaged schools across Australia using good old-fashioned snail mail!
Student Sessions
With a focus on PAWS and The Unlikely Heroes Club, Kate talks openly about when she was a child and a teen and what it’s like to be an autistic person, as well as about her family and how she came to write the books she does today. Using her favourite animal (DOGS!) she will delve into what makes an interesting character and how appearance can be deceptive. Students will go away from the session realizing their stories and the stories they want to tell are unique, important, and as interesting as anyone else’s!