Neurodiversity – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

Sensory Series: Heat, Sensory Comforts, and the Holiday Season

The Australian summer can come with its own set of sensory trials that can shape the way Christmas unfolds. Heat regulation issues, sun and brightness, outdoor sensory bombardment, etc.

LTU Digital Engagement and Recruitment December 23, 2025

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

Autism and the senses Autism perspectives Autistic Adults

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

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 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

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

A woman with red hair and glasses stands in front of lush green trees, smiling softly at the camera

Academic Neurodiversity

Spotlighting the work of Dr Dianne Blackwell

Meet Dr Dianne Blackwell, a researcher with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) whose work bridges clinical expertise and lived experience.

Jake Mulligan August 4, 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