Autism and the senses – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

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

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

Autism and the senses Autistic Adults Mental Health

Monotropism: Between Obsessive Joy and Overwhelm

Monotropism, an autistic-led theory of attention, may explain both the intense joys and challenges of autism by showing how narrow focus shapes experience.

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment September 19, 2025

Autism and the senses Autism perspectives Events

Sensory Week 2024 roundup

https://otarc.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/making-waves-in-autism-awareness-a-review-of-the-stimming-pool/

Alex Haschek December 10, 2024

a cartoon dog wearing orange stands in a classroom

Autism and the senses Autistic Adults Camouflaging

Making waves in autism awareness: A review of The Stimming Pool

The Stimming Pool is a revolutionary film merging documentary and fiction, co-directed by UK-based Autistic artists. This article is a review of the film from a sensory-friendly screening session at the Melbourne International Film Festival 2024.

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment November 15, 2024

Rinbow infinity symbol with colorful gradient, hand painted with calligraphic ink brush, isolated on white background.

Autism and the senses Neurodiversity

Event planning for inclusion of neurodiverse students

These factsheets are suitable for university and other higher education staff planning events with an inclusive focus. Each of the factsheets contains tips and guidance for ensuring that higher education activities accommodate neurodiverse students.

Alex Haschek November 25, 2020