About Us
Globally established in 2008, Early Autism Services Australia partners with families to support autistic and neurodivergent children and adolescents, navigate through their developmental milestones to adulthood.
Our experienced, multidisciplinary team is committed to delivering high quality support services, respectful therapies and educational strategies which are tailored to each child.
At the highest level, Early Autism Services is guided by diverse individuals with lived experience, to ensure that we live by the principles of ‘nothing about us, without us’..
We respect and value each child’s unique personality, interests, and way of interacting with the world.
We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with neurodivergent children and their families in a culturally-sensitive manner.
We aim to promote your child’s wellbeing and protect their rights, while helping them participate in their community, make their own choices, and develop meaningful relationships
At Early Autism services, we celebrate every individual for who they are.
Our Vision
To provide holistic services to autistic and other neurodivergent individuals and their families, and education that leaves people more informed.
Our Mission
To support our staff, clients and their families to achieve their goals through the development of capabilities and personal growth.
Our Values
- Exceptional
- Accountable
- Support
- Achieve
- Unity
Our Values and Behaviours
Our Team
Ben Wessels
Founder of Early Autism Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Renowned for his unwavering commitment to advancing international ABA therapy and Allied Health companies, Ben Wessels has expanded his passion into a powerful force for global change. His expertise is now dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs across the globe, facilitating impactful transformations and advocating for childhood development on an international scale.
With a remarkable journey spanning six continents, Ben collaborates seamlessly with exceptional clinical teams, consistently establishing new connections and fostering invaluable partnerships.
Whether immersed in Australia, the United States, India, Indonesia, Brazil, witnessing team members present to clinicians in Ireland, or absorbing insights from a provider in Uganda, one enduring truth is clear: EAS’s values resonate globally, creating a profound impact through transformative care for young individuals and their families.
Vincent Scarlata
Chief Financial Officer and Director
Vince, embarked on his journey with EAS America, nearly a decade ago. Over the years, he has not only mastered the intricacies of financial management across a global organisation but has also become a driving force behind our commitment to providing outstanding care to children worldwide. He is deeply passionate about ensuring that this care is delivered sustainably, reflecting his dedication to both excellence and long-term impact.
His expertise lies in the realms of forecasting, budgeting, and modelling — skills that are not only crucial for financial management but also instrumental in laying the foundation for a thriving and successful global organisation.
Vince’s strategic acumen and financial foresight have played a pivotal role in shaping EAS’s trajectory, aligning financial practices with a goal of supporting EAS to make a profound difference for young people and their families to access quality care globally.
Sara Donoghue
Executive Director Clinical Services
Sara is a highly experienced Speech Pathologist and exceptional leader with 20 years’ experience in the disability sector. Sara graduated from Latrobe University (Melbourne) with a Bachelor in Speech Pathology in 2002 and has since gained clinical and leadership experience in Australia and international contexts, including 10 years in the UK and Ireland.
Sara has a passion for growth and lifelong learning and has completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Sensory Integration at Ulster University and is currently studying a Specialist Certificate in Clinical Leadership at Melbourne University.
As a Speech Pathologist, Sara has worked extensively within multidisciplinary teams across a broad range of ages and diagnoses. Her clinical experience has included supporting children and adults with moderate and severe-profound intellectual disabilities and/or autism and her leadership experience includes leading multidisciplinary teams as well as management of a large multi-site Speech Pathology team while in Ireland.
Prior to joining EAS, Sara was the Senior Autism Practitioner at a registered NDIS Provider for several years and has therefore gained an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the provision of clinical services within a NDIS framework, including high-risk areas such as incident management and restrictive practices.
Sara is passionate about enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families and providing person and family-centered practice. As a non-executive director with Early Childhood Intervention Australia (ECIA) Vic/Tas, and in an executive role at EAS, Sara hopes to have a positive impact on promoting inclusion and participation for all and raising not just awareness, but acceptance of neurodiversity within the community.
Robert Blight
Executive Director of Operations
Robert (Robbi) Blight, GCBA, has over 15 years of leadership experience within the allied health/disability sector, working with children, young people, and adults with a disability, and in particular, people diagnosed with autism.
Throughout his career Robbi has held several roles ranging from intake worker, administration management, client liaison, practice manager and business manager which has helped him develop superior knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, customer service, and employee management.
Being provided the opportunity to work alongside some of the sector’s more accomplished leaders, Robbi understands how to implement and streamline new structures and roles to increase efficiency whilst supporting rapidly shifting business demands and successfully managing teams to achieve organisational goals that are effective, functional, and innovative.
With his strong working knowledge of industry regulations and proven ability to develop solutions that lead to increased productivity, paired with his enthusiastic communication and leadership skills, Robbi is passionately advocates for our families to achieve better access to funding to support our clients service needs.
Orla Murphy
Executive Director of People, Culture and Partnerships
With 18 years of experience in the not-for-profit and disability sector and 10 years working in Corporate, Orla brings a wealth of expertise, with a dedicated focus on supporting autistic children and their families. Orla has also worked in the aged care sector.
Throughout her diverse career spanning community services, education, marketing and events, and HR, Orla has accumulated 15 years of management experience, with eight of those at the Executive level. Demonstrating a proven track record, she has excelled in establishing robust relationships within the disability sector and fostering connections with various levels of government.
Orla’s passion lies in collaborating with communities to instigate positive changes in people’s lives. Her primary emphasis is on the health and wellbeing of children and their families, coupled with fostering community understanding and awareness. At EAS, she is dedicated to expanding Australian services, reducing waiting times for access to crucial therapies, and facilitating access to clinic-based and community-based services, providing clients and their families with choice and control.
Devoted to EAS’s focus of delivering evidence-informed services with a best practice approach, Orla is passionate about supporting the business to continue to align with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards framework. She is eagerly looking forward to EAS’s registration within the NDIS, ensuring an unwavering commitment maintaining registration. Orla’s enthusiasm and dedication highlight her pivotal role in advancing EAS’s global goal, to improve the accessibility and quality of behavioural therapy and Allied Health Services for children and their families.
Jenna White
Behaviour Services State Manager
Stephanie
Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist and Team Leader
Stephanie is a skilled Team Leader and Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, bringing over 8 years of diverse experience across early years settings, school, and non-profit sectors. Her clinical ability is palpable in providing evidence-informed and neurodiversity-affirming assessments, tailoring individual and group interventions to meet the distinctive needs of children, adolescents, and adults requiring substantial support.
Stephanie’s unwavering commitment ensures that her practice is consistently aligned with values, respect and support for each person’s unique personality, passions, and life preferences. As the Team Leader of Allied Health professionals, Stephanie is extremely dedicated to offering support and supervision to speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and allied health assistants across Melbourne, ensuring a steadfast focus on evidence-informed practices.
Stephanie has played a pivotal role in shaping various programs at EAS, including the Allied Health Assistant program and diverse therapy initiatives, extending her impact beyond direct client care. Actively engaging with the wider community, she collaborates with professionals, and individuals with lived experiences, she also presents at educational workshops nationally.