A Mandurah boy with autism has made his mark by suggesting a new name for a major WA non-profit.
Autism West participant Elias Joslin recommended the name, Spectrum Space, which will come into effect on October 14.
"The old Autism West provided me with a welcoming place to establish new friendships, build confidence and discover my own unique strengths," Elias said.
"And the name Spectrum Space is a great way to describe all of that - it's a space to find your place. I've been coming her for quite a few years and ever since first coming I felt everybody was very warm, welcoming and friendly.
He said he had "made tons of friends".
"I really enjoy everything I do here and we get really involved in what we do," he said.
"I think that's important for someone on the spectrum, to get that sense of 'hey, I'm alive, I feel great, this is my purpose, this is me'."
Within 15 years, Autism West has grown from a small, member-led group to an established non-profit organisation and innovative NDIS disability service provider, now with close to 2,000 members - all with their own unique strengths and capabilities.
The organisation is marking the next phase in its development and service to WA with an important name change that better represents the wide range of people finding 'a place and a space to shine' with them.
"We wanted a name that encapsulated everything we are about rather than just one aspect of our services and activities," Spectrum Space chief Louise Sheehy said.
"There are thousands of people in our community - many of whom may be undiagnosed and others who don't identify as autistic or prefer not to use labels.
"So we wanted a name that highlights an inclusive community organisation where everyone belongs and can find the resources, support and inspiration to shine in their own individual way."
In term 4, Mandurah will be getting its own Space when Spectrum West opens new social groups for ages 10-18 at the Greenfields Community Centre to better serve the local community.
To show your support, donations can be made by visiting the Spectrum Space GiveNow campaign.