Travis Saunders

Travis Saunders has a long and passionate history of advocating for improved services and inclusion for autistic Australians. He is determined to create systematic change to enable more neurodivergent people to experience the life-changing benefits of bushwalking.

Travis is a qualified bushwalking guide, accredited running coach and founder of Inclusive Trails; offering expeditions, bushwalking programs, run coaching and mentoring for neurodivergent adults.

Travis has taught in schools across Australia and in Singapore, England and NZ, supporting autistic students. He has been a regular keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, sharing strategies with schools and allied health professionals to help autistic people thrive. He has also worked as a disability support worker for more than 10 years.

Travis won Autism Spectrum Australia’s Parent/Carer of the year in 2020 in recognition of his advocacy work. In 2013, he was a finalist at the Community Achievement Awards for setting up a fundraising platform which raised more than $150,000 for autism organisations. He ran 12 marathons in 12 months to fundraise.

Travis is the father of an incredible non-speaking autistic son who requires very substantial support. Travis worked tirelessly to teach him to walk again following major leg surgery. They now hike together every weekend.

Travis has been Vice Chair of Autism Camp Australia and a member of the Australian Autism Research Council and is currently an Education and Training Committee member at Walking SA.

In 2019, Travis and his partner produced and presented The Parenting Spectrum, a podcast about autism and family life for the ABC, featuring an episode where he cycled 5600kms across America with his then seven year old autistic son. The podcast won best coverage of public service journalism at the SA Media Awards in 2020.

Travis has a Bachelor of Education (Honours) from the University of Melbourne.