ask a researcher – Page 2 – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

A woman sits on a bed comforting a child wearing a purple hoodie closed over their face.

Ask an Autism Researcher Teaching and learning with Autism

Meltdowns after school

After-school meltdowns can be tough, especially with multiple children on the autism spectrum. While research is limited, this post offers practical tips, like addressing hunger, frustration, and using distraction or quiet time, to help ease the transition from school to home.

mdenham August 17, 2017

A person speaking, with a visual representation of sound waves emanating from it

Ask an Autism Researcher Autism, speech & language

Echolalia and Autism

Echolalia isn't exclusive to autism. Discover the facts.

mdenham March 29, 2017

Autism and sleep Autistic Adults Health and wellbeing

The nature of sleep difficulties in Autistic adults

Emma Baker, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, OTARC Alumni, on the types and causes of sleep problems in Autistic adults

mdenham October 5, 2016

Speech therapist sitting on a couch with a client with one hand on the jay explaining a movement

Ask an Autism Researcher Autism supports Supports and practices for daily living

Supporting speech development in minimally-verbal Autistic adults

Can Autistic adults learn to speak? The answer isn't clear due to limited research. While some may develop speech, outcomes vary. A speech pathologist can assess both verbal and non-verbal communication, increasing the chances of success.

mdenham June 22, 2016

Autism supports News

New Autism research demonstrates positive impact of early suports

A new research study at the Victorian Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC) based at La Trobe University’s Children’s Centre, in collaboration with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC), has been published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

mdenham May 5, 2016

Silhouette of a man's head with a speech bubble, suggesting communication or dialogue

Ask an Autism Researcher Autism perspectives Autism, speech & language

The inner voice

Explore how inner speech influences cognitive tasks in both Autistic and non-Autistic individuals, its role in memory and planning.

mdenham March 17, 2016

Autism supports Study summary Supports and practices for daily living

Imitation Difficulties Among Children with a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Social Motivation or Motor-Execution Problem?

OTARC honours student, Lacey Chetcuti, describes her research where she asked preschool Autistic children and 20 children without developmental difficulties to imitate a simple and a more complex action demonstrated on an Apple® iPad® by either a socially engaging and a neutral model.

mdenham December 11, 2015

Ask an Autism Researcher Family wellbeing Health and wellbeing

When to tell a child

My four year-old child has just been diagnosed with high functioning autism. She knows that something is happening (doctor visits, tests, etc). How and when should she be told about her ASD?

mdenham October 8, 2015

A close-up of a person's eye, showcasing a vivid reflection of the world in the iris

Ask an Autism Researcher Autism and the senses Autism perspectives

Using an eye tracker in Autism Research

How do Autistic individuals perceive and engage with the social world? This blog post explores groundbreaking research using eye-tracking technology and a conversation with a 12-year-old Autistic boy named Ludwig. Discover how autism influences social understanding and why simple interactions, like a guessing game, reveal deeper insights into the unique ways Autistic individuals process social information.

mdenham August 4, 2015

A woman gently cradles a child in her arms, showcasing a tender moment of care and affection

Family wellbeing Health and wellbeing Study summary

Wellbeing in mothers after their child’s recent autism diagnosis

Honours student, Jackie Maya, asked mothers to complete questionnaires evaluating their levels of stress, anxiety and depression and the coping strategy types they use.

mdenham March 26, 2015