About Us

A message from the founder

Welcome to Think Autism. I’m Alana, the founder and principal Occupational Therapist of this private mobile practice servicing the southern suburbs of Perth,  and I am thrilled to have you here. 

I started this journey in 2021 with a clear vision: to reshape how we understand and support Autistic children. My passion for neurodiversity-affirming therapy and education led me to create Think Autism, filling a gap I saw in our community for more inclusive and effective support. 

Navigating a diagnosis, especially in the early years, can be a uniquely challenging time. That’s why I’m dedicated to ensuring that families receive the right guidance and support from day one. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many families and have seen how a compassionate and collaborative approach can make a world of difference.  

Here at Think Autism, we believe that the best support happens in your child’s natural environments - whether at home, school or in the community. This way,  everyone involved in your child’s life can actively participate, ask questions and be part of a team approach where we all work together to help your child grow and thrive. 

Our mission is all about building strong, inclusive and connected relationships with families and schools. I look forward to sharing your journey and to support you in creating a better, more inclusive future for your child. 

Our Values

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They describe what matters to us.  They show how everyone here at Think Autism acts and makes decisions as individuals and as one team.  

  • Autonomy 

  • Connection 

  • Compassion 

  • Inclusion 

  • Collaboration 

  • Respect

Working within the neurodiversity paradigm and movement, Think Autism  provides both support and education. We believe in creating environments where  Autistic individuals can live authentically and thrive. Our goal is to build the 

capacity of families, allies and Autistic individuals themselves to become leaders  and agents of change in their communities.

Modality of Practice

- Neurodiversity-affirming 

- Child-led, play-based therapy 

- Trauma-informed 

- Grounded in the Social Model of Disability (Medical Model used where needed  for funding and reports) 

- Culturally sensitive practice 

- Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) Model 

- Inspired by the works of Ross Greene, Mona Delahooke, Dr Stephen Porges,  Winnie Dunn, Dr. Daniel Siegel and Marsha Dunn Klein as well as the stories of individual clients and those with lived experiences whose unique journeys shape and inform our practice.

Our Guiding Principles

Presuming competence: We presume that all individuals have the capacity to learn and contribute, rather than assuming limitations.  

Depathologising Autism: We view Autism as a natural variation of the human experience, not a deficit. We reject the notion of Autism as a tragedy and focus on understanding and acceptance rather than seeking causes or cures.  

Human rights: It is the right of every person to be offered equity, and to experience acceptance, authenticity, autonomy, and dignity. We are committed to upholding these fundamental rights for all.  

Inclusion: True inclusion means embracing and valuing people as their authentic selves. We affirm that every person, irrespective of their needs or identity, is complete and whole as they are.  

Amplifying Autistic Voices: Autistic individuals are the experts on their own experiences. Their voices must be central in conversations about Autism. We stand by the principle: “Nothing about us without us”.  

Using respectful language and symbols: We are dedicated to using terminology and symbols that align with the preferences of the majority of the Autistic community.