Our Objective
Autism Explained was launched in March 2019 with the aim of empowering parents and teachers to create safe supportive environments for autistic children.We wanted to create a peer reviewed course that provided information about autism, sensory, developmental and cognitive differences and how to explain and advocate for your child. We made the course cost less than the price of one specialist appointment, so that parents could begin to understand common autistic traits and behaviours. Parents, families, teachers and supporters can help build self esteem, understanding, and self acceptance in someone they love.
This can begin before a diagnosis, and during the wait period for NDIS, and specialist services and assessments.
It is also our objective to promote a positive, inclusive, and balanced approach to autistic strengths, abilities and challenges. We want to start a movement that shares what autism is, and feels like, by providing free printable resources and videos that are autistically created.
Who We Are
We are Shannan Lea, and Paul Micallef. We are passionate about creating a more autistically inclusive, supportive, and positive world. We have created an amazing course for parents, friends, family, and teachers and this is the primary financial source of support for our Autism Explained Project. Our videos, and free printable material have all been made voluntarily, because we believe in what we do. We appreciate your support!
Paul Micallef
Paul discovered he was on the Autism Spectrum 4 year sago.
Since then he has worked with countless autistic adults and children, as well as teaching parents teachersand students about Autism.
He is also an aerospace engineer with a passion for teaching and Emotional Intelligence.
Shannan Lea
Shannan has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Australian National University and is completing a Masters Degree in Autism Studies at Griffith University.
She has worked with national and multinational companies in the areas of business and process development, corporate training and mentoring over the past 15 years and was inspired to complete postgraduate study after her son was diagnosed with autism just prior to his 3rd birthday.
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Shannan is a full-time parent, carer, student and advocate, focusing on supporting parents, teachers and families in understanding and celebrating the diversity, skills, and talents of children on the autism spectrum.