Centred on voice, choice, and meaningful participation.
Our Services
At Different Angles, we understand that no two people, families, or situations are the same. We support autistic people and those with other developmental needs, along with their families, across different stages of life. We look at support from Different Angles, such as development, environment, relationships, and lived experience, to create thoughtful, respectful, and meaningful support that fits real life.
Early Intervention (Ages 1–6)
Play‑based sessions that help children understand others, express themselves, and communicate more clearly in everyday situations.
Developmental Educator Services & Assessments
Individualised developmental support to build emotional regulation,
independence, social understanding, and everyday life skills.
How We Work
Our support is shaped by looking at people from Different Angles.
A clear, collaborative approach shaped around each person and family.
1.
We begin by listening, taking time to understand the individual, their strengths, goals, challenges, and everyday context, and where helpful, drawing on relevant assessments and observations.
Initial Consultation
2.
Support is tailored to each person’s needs, priorities, and stage of life, drawing on neuro-affirming, evidence-based approaches.
Personalized Care Plan
3.
Regular sessions, family feedback, and progress reviews ensure steady growth.
Ongoing Support & Reflection
4.
Where helpful, we work alongside families, educators, therapists, and other professionals to support consistency, inclusion, and positive outcomes.
Collaboration & Advocacy
About Us
Dr Shabnam (Shana) Shayan
Shabnam (Shana) is a certified Early Intervention Therapist, a registered Developmental Educator, and a registered Counsellor specialised in diversity and inclusion. She holds Master of Autism from the University of Wollongong and a Diploma in counselling from IAP. She also has a PhD in Engineering from The University of Sydney, but her professional journey took a new direction when her daughter was diagnosed with autism. Since then, she has dedicated herself to supporting children and families like hers. Shabnam also worked as a clinical director in a well-known international company developing a social therapy robot using AI for autistic children, blending her engineering expertise with her work in autism.
Blending evidence-based practice with lived experience, Shabnam offers personalised, neuro-affirming support grounded in current research, empathy, and family-centred values. She understands how overwhelming systems can feel and uses a strengths-based approach to build skills, emotional well-being, and environmental fit. Shabnam brings warmth and clarity to family and school collaboration. She also mentors junior educators and advocates for inclusive, research-informed policy.
Shabnam is a:
Certified Early Intervention (ESDM) Therapist
Registered Developmental Educator (DEAI)
Registered Counsellor (Diversity & Inclusion)
Parent to an Autistic
Child
What makes Us Different
We look from Different Angles
We take time to understand the whole person, their relationships, environment, and lived experience.
Support is shaped around real life
Our focus is on what works in everyday settings, not just in therapy sessions.
Interdisciplinary thinking informs our work
Support is guided by experience across therapy, education, counselling, research, and technology.
Lived understanding matters
Professional expertise is informed by real experience navigating systems and long-term support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the right support can come with many questions. Here are clear, thoughtful answers to help you understand our services, feel confident in your decisions, and know what to expect at each step.
The best way to find out is through a free 15-minute consultation. This is a relaxed, no-obligation conversation where you can share what you’re looking for, ask questions, and explore whether my services feel like the right fit for your needs, goals, and circumstances.
I support autistic and neurodivergent children, adolescents, adults, and families, as well as individuals with other developmental or support needs. Support is shaped with the understanding that meaningful change happens when the people around an individual are supported too, whether through tailored support plans or counselling sessions that allow families to talk, reflect, and navigate challenges.
No. A formal diagnosis is not required to begin support. Many people seek support while exploring assessment pathways, awaiting reports, or simply wanting guidance, strategies, and understanding. We are here to support you at every step of this journey.
Yes. I support NDIS participants who are self-managed or plan-managed. I can also assist with NDIS access, plan reviews, and the preparation of progress and support reports, as well as advocacy to help clearly communicate needs, goals, and support priorities.
Sessions are individualised and shaped around the person and their goals. Support may include direct therapy, skill-building, parent or family support, reflection, and practical strategies that can be applied in everyday life. Sessions are flexible and responsive rather than following a fixed template.
Support may be provided in a range of settings depending on the person’s needs, preferences, and goals. This can include home, school, community settings, or online. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, the focus is on offering support in ways that feel accessible, practical, and meaningful for each individual and family.
Yes. Where helpful, I collaborate with families, educators, therapists, and other professionals to support consistency, inclusion, and positive outcomes across environments.
The initial 15-minute consultation is free. Fees are discussed openly and are tailored based on the type of support recommended, best-practice considerations, and individual circumstances. Clear information is provided before ongoing support begins.
You can book a free 15-minute consultation or get in touch directly via the contact page. From there, we’ll discuss your needs, explore suitable options, and talk through next steps together.
Explore Our Blog
Reflections, guidance, and lived experience from Different Angles
School Holidays: Why They’re Hard and How to Make Them Gentler
When Strategies Stop Working: What It Usually Means
Supporting Neurodivergent People Means Supporting the People Around Them
Get in Touch
Finding the right support can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whether you’re exploring options, navigating the NDIS, or simply wanting to talk things through, you’re welcome to get in touch. Complete the form below and I’ll be in contact to discuss how Different Angles Therapy & Inclusion may support you or your family.
Where Would You Like to Go Next?
Explore our services, get in touch with our team, or access helpful resources for families and caregivers.