autistic children – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

A smiling woman wearing glasses, colourful dangling earrings, a black top and jeans stands outdoors on a grassy lawn surrounded by eucalyptus trees and buildings.

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

A stylised illustration of a presenter standing beside a projected slide titled “What do we know about autism?” during a classroom presentation at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University. The slide describes autism as a neurodevelopmental, lifelong and pervasive condition. Audience members are seated facing the presenter.

Educational and vocational engagement Family wellbeing News

Supporting Autistic parents at Woi-wurrung-yagila-wulumperi, Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre

Supporting families means recognising that every parent brings their own strengths, needs and ways of experiencing the world. For practitioners at Woi-wurrung-yagila-wulumperi, Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre (WEPC)...

J M August 20, 2026

Barbie doll in a pink dress on a pink background. various accessories for playing with a doll.

Autism and gender Autism and the senses News

How realistic is Mattel’s new Autistic Barbie?

Autistic people are so rarely depicted in media and entertainment, it’s no wonder most people don’t really understand much about the neurotype. This article is republished from The Conversation.

J M January 16, 2026

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