autism – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

Night view of Christmas Decoration and Lights above Yarra River in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; the shot was taken on 12/07/2024.

Sensory Series: Sensory Joy and Overload at Christmas

Christmas in Australia arrives with the buzz of cicadas, the smell of sunscreen mixing with barbecue smoke, the harsh brightness of summer sun bouncing off tinsel, and the peculiar disconnect of winter imagery in forty-degree heat.

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment December 10, 2025

a group of researchers and professional staff standing and kneeling in front of a sign

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

Educational and vocational engagement Employment Impact stories

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.

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment November 25, 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 colourful tied string in the shape of an 8.

Autism perspectives Autistic Adults Family wellbeing

Autistic people aren’t looking for treatments or cures. They want a world that accepts and values them for who they are.

By Professor Dawn Adams - 2 min read. The Trump administration’s claim to have found both the cause and a treatment for autism, blaming the use of painkillers in pregnancy…

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment October 1, 2025

A little girl happily eating a slice of watermelon on a sunny day, with juice dripping down her chin

Supports and practices for daily living

The Feeding Difficulties in Young Children: A Policy and Practice Framework

The Feeding Difficulties Conceptual Framework provides a structure for multidisciplinary collaboration, supporting individualised, context-sensitive, family-centred, and inclusive care.

Alex Haschek September 24, 2025

Autism and the senses Autistic Adults Mental Health

Monotropism: Between Obsessive Joy and Overwhelm

Monotropism, an autistic-led theory of attention, may explain both the intense joys and challenges of autism by showing how narrow focus shapes experience.

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment September 19, 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