Autism perspectives – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

Evidence into action: A neuro-affirming Toolkit for suicide prevention

The span.toolkit provides healthcare professionals with neuro-affirming resources to better identify and support Autistic adults at risk of suicide.

Alex Haschek April 16, 2026

Two young people looking at each other in a gym setting, wearing grey workout clothing.

Autism supports Autistic Adults Health and wellbeing

“Have a go – you might surprise yourself”: Supporting Autistic young people at the gym

Researchers at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) explored how a community gym program called FitSkills, supported Autistic young people to feel confident, safe and included in gym settings.

Jake Mulligan March 16, 2026

Pohutukawa blooms framing Rangitoto Island. Unrecognizable people walking on the beach. Takapuna Beach. Auckland.

Autism and the senses Autistic Adults Mental Health

Sensory Series: Cooling and Regulation Strategies for Hot Days

Words by Dr Dianne Blackwell // 1 min read. Even with preparation and sensory joy, heat and sensory load can accumulate throughout the day. Cooling and regulating the body first…

Jake Mulligan February 17, 2026

Pregnant woman using mobile app on smartphone

Autism perspectives Autistic Adults Intellectual disability and Autism

Separating Evidence from Fear: What Paracetamol Claims Really Mean for Autism

The suggestion of something ‘causing’ autism can reinforce stigma, even when the evidence ultimately shows no causal link.

Jake Mulligan January 28, 2026

Barbie doll in a pink dress on a pink background. various accessories for playing with a doll.

Autism and gender Autism and the senses News

How realistic is Mattel’s new autistic Barbie?

Autistic people are so rarely depicted in media and entertainment, it’s no wonder most people don’t really understand much about the neurotype. This article is republished from The Conversation.

Jake Mulligan January 16, 2026

a mother and her two children walk on a boardwalk in nature

Autism and the senses Autism perspectives Autistic Adults

What is autistic burnout? And what can you do about it?

Many autistic people face challenges in their daily life while navigating a world made for neurotypical people.

Jake Mulligan January 14, 2026

Autism and the senses Autism perspectives Autistic Adults

Sensory Series: Finding Cool, Calm Anchors in the Australian Summer

In summer, familiar sensory experiences need to work with the heat, not against it. Your anchors might look different from traditional imagery — and that’s perfectly okay.

Jake Mulligan January 6, 2026

Autism and the senses Autism perspectives Autistic Adults

Sensory Series: Heat, Sensory Comforts, and the Holiday Season

The Australian summer can come with its own set of sensory trials that can shape the way Christmas unfolds. Heat regulation issues, sun and brightness, outdoor sensory bombardment, etc.

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment December 23, 2025

school bod looking slightly sad in a schoolyard with blurred schoolmates in background

Academic Autism and the senses Educational and vocational engagement

Sensory Series: Which sensory elements of school environments influence Autistic students’ learning and wellbeing?

Words by Professor Dawn Adams // 3 min read time. Are sensory aspects of school environments linked to Autistic students’ learning and wellbeing? Our new systematic review says yes! We…

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment December 17, 2025

Night view of Christmas Decoration and Lights above Yarra River in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; the shot was taken on 12/07/2024.

Autism and the senses Autism perspectives Autistic Adults

Sensory Series: Sensory Joy and Overload at Christmas

Christmas in Australia arrives with the buzz of cicadas, the smell of sunscreen mixing with barbecue smoke, the harsh brightness of summer sun bouncing off tinsel, and the peculiar disconnect of winter imagery in forty-degree heat.

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment December 10, 2025