Autism Strategies, Interventions & Advocacy
Real-World Autism Support and Advocacy
Led by Specialist Leigh De Silva
As the principal practitioner at Edulink Support Services, Leigh De Silva brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to every client. She offers tailored strategies and interventions that make a real impact across home, school, and community life.
Leigh specialises in supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, ODD, and PDA, using evidence-based approaches that promote growth, inclusion, and long-term wellbeing.
Specialist Expertise Backed by Research and Experience
Leigh’s expertise is supported by her academic achievements and hands-on experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Autism Studies (Research) and has conducted original research into the social experiences of girls on the autism spectrum, published through the Australian Association of Special Education. Her work is also featured in Autism Parenting Magazine, where she shares practical strategies for schools and families.
Leigh’s specialist knowledge provides a strong foundation for delivering real-world, practical support that meets complex needs with clarity and compassion.
Tailored Strategies for Every Individual
Every plan Leigh creates is designed to fit the individual.
Her support focuses on:
- Building communication and social skills.
- Promoting emotional regulation and resilience.
- Reducing behaviours of concern through Positive Behaviour Support.
- Supporting school engagement and academic success.
- Creating inclusive environments that foster confidence.
Leigh works closely with families and educators to ensure strategies are effective, practical, and easy to apply across all aspects of life.
A Strong Focus on Social Inclusion and Positive Mental Health
Through her research and practice, Leigh has developed a special interest in how social inclusion supports positive mental health outcomes. She believes true support goes beyond managing behaviours - it’s about helping young people feel accepted, connected, and understood.
Leigh advocates for acceptance as a foundation for strong mental health, helping individuals build lasting connections and a positive sense of self.
Leading the Way in Specialist Autism Support
With a rare combination of academic research, professional experience, and heartfelt commitment, Leigh De Silva continues to set the standard in autism strategies, interventions, and advocacy.
At Edulink Support Services, families find expertise and a genuine partnership on the journey toward growth, independence, and success.
All Your Autism Strategies Questions Answered
How do you support people with Autism?
We support people with Autism by supporting them to learn new skills, manage challenging behaviours and communicate effectively to assist them in their day to day lives. This can include using tools and pictures to assist with communication, helping them to understand social cues to help them make friends, daily living skills like dressing, cooking or participating in community events.
We work one on one with the person to ensure their plan is based around individual goals and strengths. While working with the person, we also work alongside their family to ensure everyone is on the same page.
What is Advocacy for People with Autism?
When working with people with Autism, we support them to make choices about school or work. We assist them to find and access services like doctors, schools and NDIS supports. We are passionate about making sure they have a voice, and that their rights are respected. At Edulink, advocacy is about listening, supporting and ensuring people meet their personal goals.
How does Edulink Support Services support people with Autism?
Edulink Support Services provides person-centred, evidence-based support for people with Autism. We work with you at your home, school, or in work environment. We can provide Positive Behaviour Support, Developmental Education, and Functional Capacity Assessments. We will work directly with families, carers and teachers to train and guide them in the strategies we are introducing. We can assist you to get the appropriate funding through NDIS and we will help you have a voice, make choices that suit you and ensure your rights are always respected.
How do you support people with ADHD?
Edulink offers parenting support for children with ADHD. This is usually done online, and at least one session includes the child.
Common areas of concern parents seek support for, include:
- physical aggression
- verbal aggression
- demands
- refusal
- attention-seeking
- poor attention in classrooms leading to poor learning outcomes.
The Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner is able to provide:
- strategies to set physical boundaries
- what the behaviours of concern show, and how to help children have their needs met in a different, positive way
- awareness of parenting style that may reinforce behaviours of concern
- simple changes to communication by teaching awareness and changes to directive language being used
- emotional boundaries
- awareness of environmental triggers
- teaching responsibility
- teaching consent
- understanding and supporting positive family culture
- reducing parent emotional workload for better relationships