OTARC – 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

Promotional graphic for the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre Research Showcase, Insight and Impact 2026. The title appears across the top, with "2026" highlighted in red. On the left side of the image, a diverse group of people are gathered in a research showcase setting around a presentation board displaying charts and graphs. The group includes people of different ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, and body types. One person is accompanied by an assistance dog, while others are standing, walking, or seated on the floor, creating an informal and welcoming atmosphere. The right side of the graphic is mostly open space, providing a clean layout. The La Trobe University and Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre logos appear along the bottom.

Events News

Our annual Research Showcase moves online to connect more people with autism research

The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) is taking its annual Research Showcase online in 2026, making it easier than ever for Autistic people, their families, researchers, practitioners, educators, and…

J M August 5, 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

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

Preview of youtube item. Orange and blue background with wrting: a different brilliant: Autism and grief with Jennifer Lowe, autism researcher

Autism perspectives

Podcast: Autism and grief

Host Madeleine Jane Lobsey speaks with OTARC PhD candidate and autism researcher, Jennifer Lowe, about grief. Jennifer shares lived experience and research to discuss how Autistic people process grief and bereavement.

Alex Haschek April 20, 2026

Autistic Adults Impact stories Mental Health

Evidence into action: A neuro-affirming Toolkit for suicide prevention

The span.toolkit provides healthcare professionals with neuro-affirming resources to better identify and support Autistic adults at risk of suicide.

Alex Haschek April 16, 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