About Us
Autism Solutions Incorporated is a not-for-profit organisation formed to provide support for families with children within the Autism Spectrum.
Compared with many other disabilities, Autism is relatively invisible in society and attracts very little attention. This is despite the fact that it affects so many children. Lack of knowledge and understanding of Autism within the community makes it even harder for families trying to cope with a child on the Autism Spectrum.
Introducing AuS Founder Leanne Count and her daughter Bronte
Leanne's personal reasons for starting Autism Solutions Incorporated is that
she had qualifications as a dance teacher with the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing and a Member of the British Ballet Organisation.
She had been dancing for nearly 37 years including some professional dancing
here and overseas and had been teaching dance in various schools,
including
her own, JazLea Dancers, for 21 years.
Leanne's daughter Bronte was born in 1999 and was diagnosed with Autism in April 2003. Bronte was non-verbal and her social behaviour was non-existent. After early intervention, Bronte proceeded to surprise everyone. This was only achieved by the help and support Leanne and her husband Peter received from various different sources. The problem was, those sources are very difficult to find. Achieving what Bronte did was and still is reliant on support of other families and the community. Bronte is now in mainstream schooling and achieving at a high standard.
Having started dancing at the age of two, of course Leanne wanted her little girl to dance also. Bronte attended a “normal” dance class, until it became apparent
to Leanne that Bronte didn’t understand and wasn’t understood in most circumstances. So,
Leanne decided there was a need for someone to allow our children to participate in fun activities without unnecessary judgment.
This class is not therapy, although in some ways it’s a form of therapy.
We hope to achieve only simple things, like the love of dance, participation, feeling and most import
antly smiles. Dancing
was Leanne's life, but only through choice and although she realised that sometimes our kids need a push, as
she did when things didn’t go her way, she want them to love and enjoy what
she had, nothing more.
So that was Leanne's main reason for JazLea Dancers to begin again but with the specific focus of the children being on the Autism Spectrum. Siblings were always welcomed too as they also need special support. And then came Autism Solutions Incorporated. It was a very difficult time for Leanne and her family with a child with Autism and she and her family and friends wanted to have the opportunity to support others with the same needs.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are very special, but families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders often feel isolated and will be very appreciative of any support given.
Contact Details
- Del Smith - click to email.
- ABN 39 632 947 559
Share your stories
We'd love to hear your stories. Please use this opportunity to share your experiences and photographs with each other on this website. Email us.
Last updated 25th September 2008