Dr Ben Milbourn is Associate Professor, (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 Deputy Director 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.

The work of CARG is underpinned by a philosophy of "Nothing about you without you" with all projects either being co-lead or informed by autistic individuals themselves (Photovoice study co-produced with autistic adults).  CARG is fundamentally committed to impact and translation, frequently holding community and virtual events, informing the community of the latest evidence-based practice.

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 local (western Australia Premier Science award) national award (Business/Higher Education Round Table (BHERT) and internationally (Entrepreneurship, Engagement & Excellence in Higher Education-Triple E) for harnessing and recognising the special talents and dedication of autistic young people.

Silver Winner Access, Nurturing Wellbeing and Purpose Award for Online Mental Health Programs for University Students 'Talk to Me', Awarded by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Reimagine Education Awards, 2023

Gold Winner Access, Diversity and Inclusion Award for Empowering Neurodiverse Adolescents, Awarded by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Reimagine Education Awards, 2023

Winner Best Translation of Autism Research for Autism and Mental Health Mass Open Online Course (MOOC) Awarded by Autism CRC, 2023

Winner Exceptional Contributions in Online Teaching and Learning for the course Autism and Mental Health, Awarded by edX International,2023

Winner Triple E Entrepreneurship, Engagement & Excellence in Higher Education Awards in the Asia-Pacific category, Autism Academy (AASQA) and Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG), 2023