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Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

Enriching the lives of Autistic people, their families and their carers through high-quality scientific research, innovation and translation.

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Health and wellbeing

OTARC’S Health and wellbeing Resaerch Program aims to understand factors that influence the health and wellbeing of autistic people. These help to inform and enhance supports and practices across the lifespan.

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Night view of Christmas Decoration and Lights above Yarra River in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; the shot was taken on 12/07/2024.
Posted inAutism 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.
Posted by LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment December 10, 2025
A calming image with the text "It's okay to feel uncertain" over a serene background, conveying reassurance and support
Posted inHealth and wellbeing Impact stories

Suicide Response Project

The Suicide Response Project, co-designed with Autistic and LGBTQIA+ communities, delivers accessible, lived-experience-led resources to challenge stigma and save lives.
Posted by Alex Haschek October 15, 2025
a colourful tied string in the shape of an 8.
Posted inAutism perspectives Autistic Adults Family wellbeing

Autistic people aren’t looking for treatments or cures. They want a world that accepts and values them for who they are.

By Professor Dawn Adams - 2 min read. The Trump administration’s claim to have found both the cause and a treatment for autism, blaming the use of painkillers in pregnancy…
Posted by LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment October 1, 2025
Close-Up Of Hand Holding Camera
Posted inAutism 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.
Posted by LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment September 19, 2025
Woman lecturing students in a university lecture theatre
Posted inAutism perspectives Educational and vocational engagement Health and wellbeing

Authenticity in the classroom: The impact of supporting Autistic leadership

Autistic scholars like Bek Carter are transforming higher education through authentic leadership, inclusive teaching, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Posted by Alex Haschek September 18, 2025
Teen stands front the words STOP BULLYING on the purple wall.
Posted inAutism perspectives Educational and vocational engagement Health and wellbeing

At school and in danger: Why we need to end the bullying of Autistic students and how we can do it

Autistic students are not safe in Australian schools. A new submission to the Australian government calls for urgent, evidence-based action to end this crisis.
Posted by LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment August 7, 2025
Cover image for the Guidelines for healthcare and support professionals from the Flemish Suicide Prevention Strategy. White text on blue
Posted inHealth and wellbeing Impact stories Suicide prevention

Neurodiversity-affirming tools and training to support inclusive mental health care

Groundbreaking, co-designed suicide prevention tools are transforming clinical care for Autistic people, leading to more inclusive, effective, and life-saving supports.
Posted by Alex Haschek July 14, 2025
The interior of Parliament House in Canberra
Posted inHealth and wellbeing Impact stories Policy advocacy

The importance of evidence in shaping national mental health policy

The National Roadmap marks a turning point in recognising and addressing the health inequities Autistic Australians face. OTARC is proud to have contributed evidence, expertise, and lived experience to shape its autism-affirming approach.
Posted by Alex Haschek May 22, 2025
A single daisy blooms from a crack in the ground, symbolizing resilience in a harsh environment.
Posted inHealth and wellbeing Impact stories

Hope as a motivation for climate action

Hope, especially in the face of long odds, has been shown to drive meaningful support for climate action, shaping new policies that prioritise mental health and resilience.
Posted by Alex Haschek January 31, 2025
A person's head adorned with vibrant rainbow-colored paint, showcasing a creative and artistic expression
Posted inAutistic Adults Health and wellbeing Mental Health

Mental Health of Autistic Adults

Learn about the unique mental health challenges Autistic adults face, including diagnostic difficulties, co-occurring conditions, and tools like HADS, PHQ-9, Brief COPE and SAK-MI.
Posted by Alex Haschek November 21, 2024

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Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre
La Trobe University
Kingsbury Dr, Bundoora VIC 3083
e: otarc@latrobe.edu.au
w: www.latrobe.edu.au/otarc

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