Based on an article by Chris Morris: Otago Daily Times 24/3/09
Dunedin based company "Innovative Learning", headed by Dr Mike Reid, is joining forces with two international partners in a $3m deal to help fight the spreading "epidemic" of autism. Two new certificate programmes will be launched this year as the result of a partnership between Innovative Learning and Antioch University in Santa Barbara, USA; and will also be distributed by Ludlow Street Healthcare in the UK.
The programmes aimed to improve the care given to those diagnosed with a range of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by upskilling those who came into contact with them - including teachers, carers, GPs and other health professionals.
The certificates offer a combination of online learning and practical community-based exercises, and will be available worldwide with the first programme being rolled out in May 2009. Fees are yet to be finalised but is expected to earn the company about $3m in the first year, rising as the number of enrolments increases.
Innovative Learning was founded in 2006 and is one of the companies receiving support from Dunedin's Upstart Business Incubator Programme. The company employs two staff in Dunedin and nine in Santa Ynez, California. Dr Reid now divides his time between USA and Dunedin.