Autism
La Trobe University recognises that its commitment to social and environmental responsibility has a global reach, yet should commence at the local level. This commitment is strategically targeted to areas of both opportunity and need, to ensure that any activity undertaken is to the mutual benefit of both the University and the communities we seek to serve. This commitment is exemplified in the work undertaken for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
With the assistance and generosity of a number of private donors, La Trobe University established an Autism Research Centre as a joint initiative between the University and Autism Victoria.
The Centre focuses on basic and applied research. The Centre provides the vehicle for both community service provider links and links with other centres/universities involved in Autism research both in Australia and overseas. The Centre seeks funding from philanthropy, government and other financial sources.
The Centre is named The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre in recognition of the major initial donor.
The objectives of the Autism Research Centre are to:
- Facilitate large and/or ongoing research projects.
- Facilitate collaboration with other research centres both nationally and internationally.
- Foster and support a National Research Network investigating the cause and management of ASD.
- Conduct campaigns to improve the public profile of Autism research.
- Provide opportunities for student based research and mentoring programs, and
- Foster knowledge transfer to practitioners within the field.
The Centre has a governing board of academic and community specialists and works in partnership with Autism Victoria and other appropriate state bodies. While community based, it also has a national focus.
