Helping families with autism

Autism Advisory & Support Service
Passionate. Dedicated. Gutsy.

During her working day and after hours, special education teacher Myrna Dominguez tries to improve the quality of life of families living with autism.

Myrna has been working in the disability field for over 20 years and has been with the Autism Advisory & Support Service for 4.5 years. She has achieved several wins in that time.

She uses her knowledge and experience as a teacher to deliver behavioural support and social skills programs to primary and high school students.

Myrna also works with teachers to develop specific learning plans for students with autism and provides mentoring and training to carers, educators and disability staff.

Out of work hours, she supports overwhelmed parents, making phone calls to arrange access to much-needed funding and services.

“I have worked with families who were so desperate for support that the only option for them was to give up care of the children to the state, she says.

Myrna’s passion comes from her own experiences as the mother of a child with autism. She fought hard for an educational package to support her son during his entire school journey, and he now leads a happy and fulfilled life. He is currently studying a Diploma in Music Performance and enjoys making music with his friends.

“The passion that I have for supporting families, carers and individuals comes from having a lived experience of how wonderful and difficult the autism journey can be,” she says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation.The Autism & Advisory Support Service will create a sensory room to provide a calm, relaxing space for children and adults with autism.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here