Impact stories – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

In-Person Training Boosts Autism Support in Darling Downs

Darling Downs Health (DDH) has taken an important step in strengthening early autism-screening supports for young children across the region by hosting in-person training for their staff in the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance (SACS) tool, developed by the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at La Trobe University.

Jake Mulligan November 25, 2025

Several students in matching school uniforms gathered together, smiling and interacting in a schoolyard setting

Educational and vocational engagement Impact stories Policy advocacy

How our team’s research informed the new National Standard on Bullying in Australian Schools

The new National Standard is a step toward tackling bullying in schools. Here’s how we played a part in shaping it.

Alex Haschek November 6, 2025

a desk with a brochure, hands, and an audio recording device

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

A calming image with the text "It's okay to feel uncertain" over a serene background, conveying reassurance and support

Health 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.

Alex Haschek October 15, 2025

People walking through a vast white field under a matching white sky, creating a serene and minimalist landscape

Impact stories News

Impact stories 2025

As part of our Research Showcase 2025, the Centre produced a document highlighting some of our most important and influential impact stories for the year. You can download read about…

Mick Leahy September 18, 2025

Woman lecturing students in a university lecture theatre

Autism 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.

Alex Haschek September 18, 2025

Cover image for the Guidelines for healthcare and support professionals from the Flemish Suicide Prevention Strategy. White text on blue

Health 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.

Alex Haschek July 14, 2025

The interior of Parliament House in Canberra

Health 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.

Alex Haschek May 22, 2025

A group of diverse colleagues smiling and posing together for a photo in a modern office setting

Impact stories Neurodiversity News

Beyond the interview: Building neuroinclusive recruitment that works

We are transforming our recruitment practices by breaking down barriers that exclude Autistic and other neurodivergent talent. Our neuroinclusive approach creates a fairer, more supportive workplace.

Alex Haschek May 18, 2025

A group of people poses beside a large cow statue in an outdoor setting, smiling and enjoying the moment together

Impact stories VEAC

The Victorian Early Assessment Clinic (VEAC)

The Victorian Early Assessment Clinic is transforming autism diagnosis by providing timely, affordable, neurodiversity-affirming assessments for young children.

Alex Haschek March 1, 2025