Andrew Vern-Barnett
Encyclopedia
Andrew Elgar Vern-Barnett MBE AM (30 March 192315 July 2011) was the pioneer in Australia of the care and treatment of autistic children.
Andrew Elgar Vern-Barnett was born in Sydney on 30 March 1923. He was the son of George Vern Barnett
, organist and choir master, and his wife Doris Kathleen (née Gartrell). Andrew was educated at North Sydney Boys High School and studied dentistry at the University of Sydney
, graduating BDS in 1944.
He returned to study at the same institution gaining a masters degree in dentistry in 1955 and a doctorate in dental science in 1959. Vern-Barnett enlisted in the Australian Army on 12 December 1944 and served as a Captain in 2MD Dental Unit until his discharge on 15 April 1947.
He married Margaret Mary Cust on 16 February 1946 at St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Macquarie Street, Sydney. The youngest of their four children, Susan, was diagnosed with autism. In 1966 Andrew and Margaret joined with five other families to form the Autistic Children’s Association of NSW. By 1969 the Association had raised $200,000 to establish the first school to provide autism-specific education programmes, now known as the Aspect Vern Barnett School.
Vern-Barnett chaired the board of the Autistic Children’s Association from its beginning in 1966 until 1981, and then came back for a second stint in the mid 1980s. The organisation, now renamed Autism Spectrum Australia, is in contact with 10,000 people with autism and their families each year, operates in 58 locations across NSW, ACT and Victoria, has over 600 staff, and claims to be the largest single autism specific school system in the world with 800 students.
In 1973 Andrew and Margaret were both appointed members of the Order of the British Empire
(MBE). In 1985 Andrew was appointed a member of the Order of Australia
(AM) while in 1993 Margaret was awarded a medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Margaret Vern-Barnett died in November 2005 and Andrew died on 15 July 2011.
Andrew Elgar Vern-Barnett was born in Sydney on 30 March 1923. He was the son of George Vern Barnett
George Vern Barnett
George Vern Barnett was an Australian organist, choir master and accompanist. He was an important figure in the musical and cultural life of Sydney for many years in the early twentieth century.-Early life and career:...
, organist and choir master, and his wife Doris Kathleen (née Gartrell). Andrew was educated at North Sydney Boys High School and studied dentistry at the University of Sydney
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
, graduating BDS in 1944.
He returned to study at the same institution gaining a masters degree in dentistry in 1955 and a doctorate in dental science in 1959. Vern-Barnett enlisted in the Australian Army on 12 December 1944 and served as a Captain in 2MD Dental Unit until his discharge on 15 April 1947.
He married Margaret Mary Cust on 16 February 1946 at St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Macquarie Street, Sydney. The youngest of their four children, Susan, was diagnosed with autism. In 1966 Andrew and Margaret joined with five other families to form the Autistic Children’s Association of NSW. By 1969 the Association had raised $200,000 to establish the first school to provide autism-specific education programmes, now known as the Aspect Vern Barnett School.
Vern-Barnett chaired the board of the Autistic Children’s Association from its beginning in 1966 until 1981, and then came back for a second stint in the mid 1980s. The organisation, now renamed Autism Spectrum Australia, is in contact with 10,000 people with autism and their families each year, operates in 58 locations across NSW, ACT and Victoria, has over 600 staff, and claims to be the largest single autism specific school system in the world with 800 students.
In 1973 Andrew and Margaret were both appointed members of the Order of the British Empire
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(MBE). In 1985 Andrew was appointed a member of the Order of Australia
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
(AM) while in 1993 Margaret was awarded a medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Margaret Vern-Barnett died in November 2005 and Andrew died on 15 July 2011.
External links
- Autism Spectrum Australia http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/a2i1i1l445l487/welcome.htm
- 'Dedicated campaigner worked tirelessly for autistic children' http://www.smh.com.au/national/obituaries/dedicated-campaigner-worked-tirelessly-for-autistic-children-20111019-1m7y3.html