A practicing speech–language pathologist since 1983, Ms Anita Russell subsequently undertook higher training in Autism, specifically in the areas of cognition, language and social interaction, parent training / coaching, and diagnosis and treatment in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Ms Russell has worked with adults, adolescents, and children with autism throughout her career in various clinical, school and community settings.

From 1996 to 2002, Anita developed and directed the multi-disciplinary Anita Russell Communication Therapy Centre that specialized in the provision of individual, group, and classroom communication and social interaction intervention programmes for children on the autism spectrum.

Her current role at the Autism Resource Centre includes the review and development of ‘best practice’ autism intervention programs, provision of specialist autism training & coaching of carers and professionals as well as research & development initiatives for pre-school and primary school students on the autism spectrum.