About Us
Our Story
Project Superhero was founded by Derek Truong. He has been working with children with Autism and other developmental delays since 2009. In 2013, he was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) where he became the first mobile ESDM therapist in Australia. The underlying principles of ESDM have been instrumental in shaping his beliefs about Autism and how best to help children overcome the challenges that Autism presents.
About 5 years ago, as Derek reflected on his views on autism and it had dawned on him that he no longer saw children with autism as children with autism. He simply saw them as children. Each with their own individual profile of strengths and challenges. As we all do. The work that he was doing with them was focused mostly on helping them overcome their challenges. In other words, he was trying to help them bridge the gap between where they are and where typically developing children are. And, in a nutshell, that’s what early intervention is all about. We are playing catch up.
But what if instead of playing catch up, we aimed to play offense? One where children with autism and other developmental delays actually became proactive and helped those around them rather than needing help themselves? How would that change the way we interacted and developed these children? What kind of skills would we teach them to make this possible?
This led him to create an early intervention roadmap that is based on the differing demands on a child as they increasingly move away from the routine comforts of their own home to the unpredictability of the school and community settings.
Our Team
Empathetic. Curious. Courageous. Fun

Meet Derek
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Derek is known for his unique ability to create a deep connection with children with autism and other developmental delays. He was also the first in Australia to bring ESDM into the home and community settings.
- Background: Psychology
- Area of interest: Social skills development
Some say he has yet to grow out of childhood.

Meet Jacinta
Practice Manager
- Background: Currently completing her degree in Occupational Therapy with Honours
- Area of interest: Self-regulation abilities of children with disabilities
When given the choice between the violin and viola, she chooses the viola.

Meet Monica
- Background: Psychology
- Area of interest: Development of daily living skills.
Fun Fact: Her idea to bake cookies for children to sell as a fun way to build social engagement with community members at the local park will forever go down in folklore.

Meet Ashleigh
Ashleigh is a naturally talented therapist who can quickly connect with children regardless of their needs and motivations. Her desire to help all children build connections with others through play led her to discovering ESDM and has seamlessly adapted to the naturalistic and child-led teaching philosophy of ESDM.
- Background: Psychology
- Area of interest: Neurobiology of learning and memory
Fun Fact: She possesses the triple threat trifecta of singing, dancing and acting skills.

Meet Yanik
Yanik brings an excitement and passion for child development that allows him to build deep connections with children, empowering them to grow. Before working at Project Superhero, Yanik worked with adults with autism as a support worker, and is currently completing his degree in Psychology, as well as his certification in ESDM.
- Background: Currently completing his degree in Psychology
- Area of interest: Imagery rescripting for anxiety disorders and early naturalistic intervention for children with autism
Rated the #1 steak and other meats chef 2024 (self-rated).

Meet Josh
Before coming to Project Superhero, Josh was teaching karate to younger people, inclusive of children with Autism and ADHD. Josh has since started working as a therapist to follow his interests in child development and working with children with disabilities.
- Background: Currently completing his studies in a Bachelor of Psychology
- Area of interest: Fine motor and Gross motor coordination fun fact: If you can call it a sport, Josh will watch it.
Fun fact: If you can call it a sport, Josh will watch it.

Meet Ryan
- Background: Support worker
- Area of interest: Child/youth mental health
Definitely not one to be messed with. Having spent some time in Thailand training with the locals, Ryan is just as passionate about Muay Thai as he is with the work that he does with children and youths.

Meet Michael
Michael is highly experienced in delivering educational shows to children about recycling and sustainability. He has delivered 200 shows in the past 2 years and approaches every show with an open and inclusive mindset, allowing children to discover their own unique path to becoming “Nature Warriors”, protectors of mother nature! Michael also holds a Bachelor of Psychology and sees the combination of helping therapies and creativity as ground-breaking interventions for all children.
- Background: Psychology
- Area of interest: Environmental Awareness