In this episode, Matthew talks to Dr Ben Milbourn. Ben is a Senior Lecturer, (teaching and research) in Occupational Therapy, Curtin School of Allied Health-Curtin University. Ben trained as an occupational therapist (OT) in the United Kingdom (UK), working in New Zealand, Australia and the UK practicing occupational therapy in mental health and disability contexts. Ben undertook a PhD at Curtin University in occupational therapy, focusing on the occupational meaning of everyday activity of people who experience severe mental illness. Ben is a member of Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG) and is interested in research with a strong community focus, working alongside autistic individuals to promote social inclusion, well-being and positive mental health. Ben is passionate about co-produced research and developing strengths-based programs in the community. Ben has been successful in public, industry and teaching research grants as well as presenting his research outputs at international and national conferences. Ben was part of the team to develop a strengths-based program for autistic adolescents. This program won a prestigious national award from the Business/Higher Education Round Table (BHERT) for harnessing and recognising the special talents and dedication of autistic young people.

https://staffportal.curtin.edu.au/staff/profile/view/ben-milbourn-52d789ef/

Talk to me Course

https://www.edx.org/course/talk-to-me-improving-mental-health

YouTube promo for the program

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FgGps8n6aY

videos below of students talking about their experiences:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbQvloQaxxg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82L6h10Pqa4&t=13s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17awfUVkXhg

An example of this Autism CRC photovoice quality of life project gallery we recently completed-short version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IWRduKW1Xg

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