Posted inDirector's Report
OTARC Director’s report February 2024
A fresh year has begun and the second year of our re-imagined OTARC! I hope you were all able to have at least a little down time over the holiday period.
Posted inAutism and sleep Impact stories
Improving insomnia symptoms for Autistic adults with co-developed supports
Co-developed with Autistic adults, the SLEAPI program shows promising results in improving sleep and reducing anxiety through a supportive, tailored therapeutic approach.
Posted inNews
Vale Dr Sylvia Walton AO (1941 – 2024)
The La Trobe University community has lost one of its most steadfast contributors – former La Trobe University Chancellor and long-serving Council member – Dr Sylvia Walton AO, who died on Saturday 27 January 2024.
Sylvia’s time at La Trobe University spanned many years: she completed her Bachelor of Education in the 1970s, joined the Council in 1993, was elected Deputy Chancellor in 1997, and succeeded Professor Nancy Millis as Chancellor in 2006. She was also Chair of the Equity, Access and Personal Welfare Committee for a long period.
Down Syndrome Victoria FitSkills: Exercising made easier with social support
DSV FitSkills is an inclusive, community-based gym program that empowers young people with Down syndrome through fitness, friendship, and tailored support.
Posted inDirector's Report
OTARC Director’s report December 2023
A Heartfelt Thank You as We Bid Farewell to 2023.
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey OTARC has travelled this year. As the director of the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, I am filled with gratitude and awe for what has been accomplished.
Posted inEvents
OTARC @ #ASfAR 2023
The Australasian Society for Autism Research 2023 in-person conference was hosted by the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand from 6-7 December.
Posted inIdentification and diagnosis News
Australia’s rates of autism should be celebrated -but real-life impact, not diagnosis, should determine NDIS support
Nancy Sadka, La Trobe University and Josephine Barbaro, La Trobe University
Ahead of the release of the government’s review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the topic taking centre stage is the diagnosis of autism. Over one third of people accessing the scheme list it as a primary disability.
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has flagged changes to NDIS access, shifting the emphasis from diagnosis to the real-world impact of autism on learning or participation in society. He’s called for education and health systems to step up and be part of a broader ecosystem of supports.
“We just want to move away from diagnosis writing you into the scheme,” the minister said this week. “Because what [then] happens is everyone gets the diagnosis.”
Is autism “over diagnosed” in Australia due to the NDIS, or is it being better identified?
Posted inIdentification and diagnosis News SACS
Autism prevalence in Australia: What we know so far
There have been no systematic studies on the prevalence of Autism in Australia. Accurate prevalence data allows for planning necessary services and supports, and also helps to build community understanding for Autistic Australians. We know that Autistic individuals make up approximately 30% of people accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), however without accurate prevalence data, it is difficult to know what proportion of Autistic individuals are receiving funding.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of our research that aims to understand the prevalence of Autism in Australia. OTARC researchers have conducted four studies that have created a clearer picture of the situation and highlighted areas where more attention and support may be needed.
Posted inImpact stories
Contributing to international inclusive care systems and policy guidance
Children with developmental disabilities face systemic barriers, but recent global research and advocacy highlight inclusive, strengths-based approaches to transform care and policy.
Posted inDirector's Report
OTARC Director’s Report September 2023
It appears that Spring has sprung! And with it some warmer weather, some sunshine, and a new family of very cute ducklings on La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus. At OTARC, Spring has brought us international visitors and an opportunity to meet members of the community at our Research Showcase in what we hope will become a regular event. This event, held on September 7th at La Trobe University’s Melbourne city campus, was an opportunity to showcase a sampling of our current and proposed research projects across our four program areas; Identification and Diagnosis, Supports and Practices for Daily Living, Vocational Engagement and Health and Wellbeing. We heard from our senior and junior researchers in rapid-fire 10-minute talks. Members of the audience were able to ask questions of the researchers which led to lively discussion. Even as Director, I learnt new things about the work that our researchers are doing and further appreciated the breadth and reach of OTARC’s research. It was wonderful to see so many members of the community in attendance and we will look to further refine the format for future events.