Caroline Mills

Dr. Caroline Mills is a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at Western Sydney University's School of Science and Health, with dual expertise in clinical practice and autism research. She maintains an active role as an Aspect Practice Specialist at Autism Spectrum Australia, appointed in 2016 for her leadership in sensory processing research. Her work bridges academic scholarship and frontline clinical experience spanning 13 years across Australia, the UK, and China.

Her educational foundation includes:

• PhD from The University of Sydney (thesis: "Classroom based sensory processing intervention for children with autism")
• Master of Applied Linguistics from Macquarie University
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) from The University of Sydney (2003)

Dr. Mills' research program centers on evidence-based interventions for children with autism and intellectual disabilities, with particular emphasis on sensory processing in school environments. She has presented at major international forums including the Singapore Autism Congress and Asia Pacific Autism Conference, translating clinical insights into practical educational frameworks through peer-reviewed publications.

Key recognitions include:

• Aspect Elizabeth Hoyles Fellowship (2013) for research excellence
• School of Science and Health Research Impact Competition Winner (2019)
• Aspect Practice Specialist appointment (2016)

Her career trajectory reflects deep integration between clinical service and academic scholarship, beginning with her pioneering role as the first occupational therapist at The Shenzhen Autism Society (2008-2009) through current leadership in evidence-based practice. Dr. Mills maintains active connections with professional communities through conference presentations and collaborative research initiatives focused on improving outcomes for neurodiverse children.