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April 26, 2024

Autism and Neurodevelopment centre opens in Tweed Heads

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Brock and Nicky Shanks. Brock has an autism diagnosis and has using the type of treatments offered at AusCan with astounding results. AusCan aims to provide broader access to its services so more children can benefit. Photo supplied.
Brock and Nicky Shanks. Brock has an autism diagnosis and has using the type of treatments offered at AusCan with astounding results. AusCan aims to provide broader access to its services so more children can benefit. Photo supplied..

Tweed Heads has recently seen the opening of the first Australian Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment (AusCan). Recognising that there is a growing demand for streamlined autism and related services an experienced team of psychology and neuroscience experts have come together to provide a range of complementary services that address a child’s brain development from the early stages of an autism or neurodevelopmental diagnosis.

The centre draws on both established and emerging practices that are backed by a substantial bed of evidence-based research. Its approach of bringing neurodevelopment and behavioural therapies together is an Australian first and enables families to isolate and target areas of concern from a multi-disciplinary capacity.

AusCan Clinical Director, Ms Nerida Saunders, said the centre offers a welcoming and supportive environment for families facing the challenges of a diagnosis.

‘We assess each individual on their specific needs and introduce families to a range of therapy options with guidance and direction from qualified professionals in the area of neurodevelopment and psychology.

‘Our environment is inclusive and supportive. It is filled with like-minded families and inspirational stories that help create a positive pathway for parents and caregivers. We are driven by the belief that a diagnosis is not a life sentence, and we’ve seen first hand at how effective our therapies can be.’

Brock Shanks has been using some of the therapies for 6 years with effective results. 

Using a range of different techniques including game play, movies and audio training they have been able to re-train the brain. AusCan uses a range of therapies such as neurofeedback, auditory training, Transcranial Direct Stimulation (tDCS) and psychology and counselling services.

‘The brain is an amazing and flexible tool and there is literally no limitations on what can be achieved. This belief is central to our work and we continue to work with universities and international research to source proven and relevant therapies,’ Ms Saunders continued.

AusCan is NDIS approved. For more information click here.  


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3 COMMENTS

  1. Great that this facility is available.
    Interesting though, the growing number of autistic children. Could it have anything to do with the numerous vaccination injections?

  2. Brock is an amazing young man, highly intelligent and now able to access that intelligence.. He has been receiving treatment for blocks of a few weeks over a 6 month period, not 6 years, with AusCan. The change has been profound for Brock. Even his auditory and fine motor skills have improved.

  3. I am Brock’s Mum , AusCan has facilitated incredible change for Brock.
    I truly believe his life trajectory is infinitely more positive as a direct result of the therapies he is receiving at the clinic. The therapies are individualised and specific to the clients needs.
    AusCan has an amazing team that have shown genuine care and support for Brock and myself on every step of our journey with them.
    I highly recommend AusCan to anyone at any stage of their diagnosis.

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