Academic – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

Ideas, Insights and Exchange: Recapping Our 2026 Research Showcase

Held online for the first time, the event made it possible for people across Australia and beyond to participate in conversations about research, inclusion and evidence-informed practice.

J M September 23, 2026

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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

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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

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Academic Autism perspectives Autistic Adults

OTARC at APAC 2025: Connections, Insights and Regional Collaboration

A small group from the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) attended the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC) 2025 in Perth/Boorloo. Several of our researchers and affiliates presented across the…

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment November 28, 2025

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Academic Events Impact stories

Empowering Parents: Autism Detection App Launches in Poland

In a step toward improving access to early autism identification, A/Prof Josephine Barbaro has led the Polish launch of ASDetect, a free mobile app designed to help parents and caregivers track their child’s development and identify early signs of autism.

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment October 29, 2025

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Academic Neurodiversity

Spotlighting the work of Dr Dianne Blackwell

Meet Dr Dianne Blackwell, a researcher with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) whose work bridges clinical expertise and lived experience.

J M August 4, 2025

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Academic Autism perspectives

Dr Melissa Gilbert, researcher

Dr Melissa Gilbert is a researcher at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre whose work is helping to shift long-standing assumptions about autism and gender.

J M June 24, 2025

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Academic

Endowed Chair Professor Dawn Adams

Dawn previously worked at the Autism Centre of Excellence at Griffith University, where her work won several awards. Her research focuses on autistic mental health and wellbeing.

J M June 10, 2025

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Academic Neurodiversity

Dr Patrick Dwyer, OTARC Research Fellow

Explore Dr Patrick Dwyer's groundbreaking work on the interplay of attention and sensory experiences in Autistic individuals, centered on the understudied monotropism theory. Learn about Patrick's commitment to advancing neurodiversity, his insights on the diversity within autism, and his personal interests in alternate histories.

J M July 1, 2024