About OTARC

John Dewar, Cheryl Dissanayake, Olga Tennison, and Alan Watkinson (left to right, 2013)

We are Australia's first centre dedicated to autism research.

Established in 2008 with the incredible generosity of the late Mrs Olga Tennison AO, OTARC is Australia's first Centre dedicated to autism research. It provides a platform for collaborative research activities and research-to-practice initiatives, including evidence-based support programs, training opportunities, and partnerships with multiple stakeholders and collaborators in Australia and overseas.

Our research aims to support Autistic people and their families to actively participate in their community, education, and employment, find enjoyment in life, and make meaningful contributions based on their goals.

With a focus across the lifespan, research at OTARC encompasses four research program areas: Identification and Diagnosis, Supports and Practices for Daily Living, Educational and Vocational Engagement, and Health and Wellbeing. We have a strong focus on research translation through the development of evidence-based tools and collaborate with other autism research centres and institutes both in Australia and internationally.

Read more about OTARC by clicking on the links below.

OUR HISTORY

OUR HISTORY

NEWSLETTERS

NEWSLETTERS

OLGA TENNISON AO

OLGA TENNISON AO

VISION, MISSION, GOALS

VISION, MISSION, GOALS

GOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE

CONTACT US

CONTACT US

STAFF

STAFF

OUR FACILITIES

OUR FACILITIES

SUPPORT OUR WORK

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Vale Dr Sylvia Walton AO (1941 - 2024)

The La Trobe University community has lost one of its most steadfast contributors - former La Trobe University Chancellor and long-serving Council member – Dr Sylvia Walton AO, who died on Saturday 27 January 2024.

Read our tribute on the OTARC Blog


Working with us

Available positions are usually advertised via La Trobe jobs.