News – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

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

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

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

Professor Alison Lane sitting in an office

Director's Report News

Director’s Statement 2026

Words by Professor Alison Lane / 2 min read. As we settle into 2026, I hope everyone in our community enjoyed a restorative break and found moments of rest and…

J M February 25, 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

two people seated in chairs having a conversation in a therapist office

Health and wellbeing News

World-first toolkit puts Autistic lens on suicide prevention

Researchers from La Trobe University have launched a world-leading toolkit for healthcare professionals to better identify and support Autistic adults at risk of suicide.

Alex Haschek February 13, 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

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.

J M 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.

J M 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.

J M January 6, 2026