Joel Biddle
Founder & Lead Software Engineer
With a background in Chemical Engineering and Software Engineering for both large enterprise projects and startups, Joel brings the latest tech directly to neurodivergent youth and young adults. Currently navigating his own formal ADHD and ASD diagnosis, he deeply understands the systemic roadblocks traditional classrooms create for differently wired minds.
He founded Coast Tech Labs to teach real, industry-standard engineering and creative technologies as a way for neurodivergent minds to enhance their superpowers and improve their executive functioning. Knowing that complex problem-solving requires proper regulation, Joel builds dedicated sensory escapes into his programs. By prioritizing sensory safety, he empowers young creators to manage their cognitive load and turn their natural hyper-focus into professional digital skills.
Lauren Bezuidenhout
AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapist | Sunshine Coast
Lauren is an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting young people to better understand themselves and build confidence in their everyday lives. She creates a calm and supportive environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered to grow at their own pace while developing practical skills for everyday independence.
She supports the development of these skills through personalised strategies that reflect each individual’s unique strengths and interests. With a particular focus on executive functioning, she helps young people build skills in ways that feel achievable and relevant to their daily lives.
Lauren has extensive clinical experience working with individuals with ASD, ADHD, psychosocial disabilities, learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities, sensory processing and motor coordination challenges.
Program Oversight & Capacity Building
Lauren hyper-tailors environments to sensory needs, designs strategies for cognitive load, and measures improvements in executive functioning as participants progress through our tech curriculums.
Mentors & Support
Colleen Brookhouse
Eloise Larsen
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT THERAPIST
SUPPORT WORKER
Colleen provides specialised support to children and teenagers with ADHD and autism during our workshops. As the mother of an autistic son, she brings invaluable lived experience, patience and genuine compassion to her role. Her warm, understanding approach helps participants feel comfortable, supported and engaged while developing new skills.
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With a professional background in travel and product development, Colleen brings strong organisational skills, creativity and extensive experience in planning engaging activities and experiences. An avid outdoorswoman with a love of nature, she is also a wonderful asset to our outdoor programs.
Eloise brings nearly four years of dedicated mental health support experience and a Psychology background to the Coast Tech Labs team. Based in Mooloolaba, she has extensive experience supporting individuals with ASD, anxiety, and diverse psychosocial needs. Eloise is a creative powerhouse, skilled in painting, music, and pottery, and a massive advocate for the outdoors. She thrives on integrating movement and nature into her support, ensuring every student feels socially and emotionally supported to reach their full potential.
Join the Coast Tech Labs Team
We’re actively expanding our creative tech capacity-building programs designed specifically for autistic children & teens on the Sunshine Coast & Noosa Region, Gold Coast & Northern NSW, Central Coast & Sydney, and remote anywhere in Australia!
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We are looking for AHPRA-registered occupational therapists and experienced independent support workers and who have a passion for helping autistic children.
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Join us in making a real difference in the lives of autistic kids.