Neurodiversity – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

student standing on University lawn wearing sunglasses and a long block-patterned coat

Bill Richdale Senior PhD Research Grant awarded to support neuroqueering workplace research

Myfan’s PhD project, Neuroqueering the Australian Workplace, will investigate how workplace cultures can better support Autistic and ADHD adults by centring lived experience, psychological safety and diverse ways of knowing.

J M June 30, 2026

Three women in business dress smiling at the camera. A lush Australian garden in the background

News

Autism hub turns research into real-world support

La Trobe University will establish a new national autism research and knowledge translation hub aimed to improve the lives of Autistic people across Australia. Read more about the Hub and hear from our academic leads about what the hub is, what it will do and how we will work with community.

Alex Haschek June 25, 2026

Radio broadcasting station desk, microphone

Educational and vocational engagement Employment

World of Work podcast: Rethinking recruitment

Listen to OTARC researchers Associate Professor Jennifer Spoor and PhD candidate Lyndel Kennedy discussing what the evidence tells us about barriers in recruitment for neurodivergent candidates, and what employers can do differently to attract and retain Autistic talent.

Alex Haschek June 16, 2026

Detail of yellow ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) on a green leaf.

Autism and gender Autism, speech & language Autistic Adults

Reflecting on the Yellow Ladybugs Conference 2026: lived experience, neuroaffirming practice and inclusion

Staff and researchers from our Centre recently attended the Yellow Ladybugs Conference, a neuroinclusive event celebrating Autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people while bringing together researchers, professionals, educators, families and community members.

J M June 16, 2026

a strainer or net with a purple and blue ear below it

Autism and the senses Autistic Adults Neurodiversity

Understanding Sound Intolerance Through Neurodivergent Experience

For many Autistic and neurodivergent people, sound intolerance is not simply about volume. Experiences such as sensory overwhelm, hyperacusis, and misophonia can be shaped by attention, context, stress, predictability, and environment.

J M June 2, 2026

Stratford, UK, April 8, 2017: People are strolling next to the birth house of William Shakespeare in Stratford upon Avon, England

Educational and vocational engagement Family wellbeing Health and wellbeing

Expanding Our Early Autism Identification Training Across the UK

Read time 2 mins. The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) have continued our long-standing collaboration with the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom to support early autism identification…

J M April 22, 2026

Two young people looking at each other in a gym setting, wearing grey workout clothing.

Autism supports Autistic Adults Health and wellbeing

“Have a go – you might surprise yourself”: Supporting Autistic young people at the gym

Researchers at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) explored how a community gym program called FitSkills, supported Autistic young people to feel confident, safe and included in gym settings.

J M March 16, 2026

Little toddler boy picking up red apples in apple garden put them into wooden box. Harvesting fruit. Autumn season lifestyle. Homegrown organic vegan food

Educational and vocational engagement Identification and diagnosis SACS

Tassie Strengthening Autism Screening Across the State

Early autism screening across Tasmania is expanding as a number of key services implement training in the Social Attention & Communication Surveillance (SACS) tool developed by the Olga Tennison Autism…

J M February 24, 2026

Radial Pattern of Navy Blue Metallic Lines with Subtle Light Reflection

Studies Recruiting

Together, we can be the change

Identify supports and remove barriers to enable Autistic employees to thrive at work.

J M February 20, 2026

A baby sits with a mother who looks lovingly into their eyes

Studies Recruiting

Early Childhood Paths study

All babies develop differently – sometimes this is noticeable in the way they play, communicate, or interact with you or their environment. We are looking for families in Victoria and…

J M February 20, 2026