Autistic Adults – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

Hands, therapist and talk to person for counseling session, medical advice and assessment notes. Patient, listen and psychologist with guidance, evaluation chat and information for recovery treatment

Building A More Confident, Neuro-affirming Practice

A stronger understanding of autism can enrich every psychologist’s practice. The Working With Autistic Clients (WWAC) course provides practical knowledge and skills to build your confidence and strengthen your clinical practice...

J M September 16, 2026

A smiling woman wearing glasses, colourful dangling earrings, a black top and jeans stands outdoors on a grassy lawn surrounded by eucalyptus trees and buildings.

Academic Autistic Adults Family wellbeing

Staff Spotlight: Dr Mel Heyworth

Dr Mel Heyworth has recently joined the Centre as Deputy Director (Community & Co-Design) of the Australian Autism Knowledge Hub. Her work is grounded in a strong interest in Autistic wellbeing and flourishing...

J M August 31, 2026

Three people sit around a table in a bright study space, writing in notebooks and talking. A woman wearing a hijab is seated in the centre, smiling as she speaks with another person.

Autistic Adults Educational and vocational engagement Employment

Lived experience is often dismissed – but we should recognise it as a form of expertise

Republished from The Conversation. Research, professional training and technical knowledge continue to sit at the top of institutional hierarchies. Lived experience may be listened to, but it is rarely granted the same level of authority...

J M August 18, 2026

student standing on University lawn wearing sunglasses and a long block-patterned coat

Autism and gender Autistic Adults Employment

Bill Richdale Senior PhD Research Grant awarded to support neuroqueering workplace research

Myfan’s PhD project, Neuroqueering the Australian Workplace, will investigate how workplace cultures can better support Autistic and ADHD adults by centring lived experience, psychological safety and diverse ways of knowing.

J M June 30, 2026

Detail of yellow ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) on a green leaf.

Autism and gender Autism, speech & language Autistic Adults

Reflecting on the Yellow Ladybugs Conference 2026: lived experience, neuroaffirming practice and inclusion

Staff and researchers from our Centre recently attended the Yellow Ladybugs Conference, a neuroinclusive event celebrating Autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people while bringing together researchers, professionals, educators, families and community members.

J M June 16, 2026

a strainer or net with a purple and blue ear below it

Autism and the senses Autistic Adults Neurodiversity

Understanding Sound Intolerance Through Neurodivergent Experience

For many Autistic and neurodivergent people, sound intolerance is not simply about volume. Experiences such as sensory overwhelm, hyperacusis, and misophonia can be shaped by attention, context, stress, predictability, and environment.

J M June 2, 2026

Autistic Adults Impact stories Mental Health

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.

J M 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…

J M 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.

J M January 28, 2026