OTARC – Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

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

“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.

Jake Mulligan 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…

Jake Mulligan February 24, 2026

Pohutukawa blooms framing Rangitoto Island. Unrecognizable people walking on the beach. Takapuna Beach. Auckland.

Autism and the senses Autistic Adults Mental Health

Sensory Series: Cooling and Regulation Strategies for Hot Days

Words by Dr Dianne Blackwell // 1 min read. Even with preparation and sensory joy, heat and sensory load can accumulate throughout the day. Cooling and regulating the body first…

Jake Mulligan February 17, 2026

two people seated in chairs having a conversation in a therapist office

Health and wellbeing News

World-first toolkit puts Autistic lens on suicide prevention

Researchers from La Trobe University have launched a world-leading toolkit for healthcare professionals to better identify and support Autistic adults at risk of suicide.

Alex Haschek February 13, 2026

Pregnant woman using mobile app on smartphone

Autism perspectives Autistic Adults Intellectual disability and Autism

Separating Evidence from Fear: What Paracetamol Claims Really Mean for Autism

The suggestion of something ‘causing’ autism can reinforce stigma, even when the evidence ultimately shows no causal link.

Jake Mulligan January 28, 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

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