Our History

Introducing AuS Founder Leanne Count and her daughter Bronte

Autism Solutions Incorporated Founder, Leanne Count had qualifications as a dance teacher with the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing and a Member of the British Ballet Organisation. She had been dancing for nearly 37 years including some professional dancing here and overseas and had been teaching dance in various schools, including her own, JazLea Dancers, for 21 years.

Leanne's daughter Bronte was born in 1999 and was diagnosed with Autism in April 2003. Bronte was non-verbal and her social behaviour was non-existent. After early intervention, Bronte proceeded to surprise everyone. This was only achieved by the help and support Leanne and her husband Peter received from various sources. The problem was, those sources were very difficult to find. Achieving what Bronte did was and still is reliant on support of other families and the community. Bronte is now in mainstream schooling and achieving at a high standard.

Having started dancing at the age of two, of course Leanne wanted her little girl to dance also. Bronte attended a "normal" dance class, until it became apparent to Leanne that Bronte didn't understand and wasn't understood in most circumstances. So, Leanne decided there was a need for someone to allow our children to participate in fun activities without unnecessary judgment. This class is not therapy, although in some ways it's a form of therapy. We hope to achieve only simple things, like the love of dance, participation, feeling and most importantly smiles. Dancing was Leanne's life, but only through choice and although she realised that sometimes our kids need a push, as she did when things didn't go her way, she want them to love and enjoy what she had, nothing more.

So that was Leanne's main reason for JazLea Dancers to begin again but with the specific focus of the children being on the Autism Spectrum. Siblings were always welcomed too as they also need special support. And then came Autism Solutions Incorporated. It was a very difficult time for Leanne and her family with a child with Autism and she and her family and friends wanted to have the opportunity to support others with the same needs. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are very special, but families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders often feel isolated and will be very appreciative of any support given.

In 2007, after a period of being unwell and many doctors visits and tests, Leanne was diagnosed with End Stage Liver Disease. She received ongoing treatment and had several serious hospital admissions. She was strong and determined to be well enough to receive a donor liver. Tragically this was not to be the case and on Wednesday 20th August 2008 Leanne passed away peacefully at the age of just 41 surrounded by her family. Throughout this whole time until close to her passing, Leanne continued to run Autism Solutions Incorporated and look after her daughter Bronte. Autism Solutions Incorporated was a passion for Leanne and it will live a long and strong life in her honour.