History
The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) was established in 2008 as a joint initiative of La Trobe University and Autism Victoria. The establishment of OTARC was made possible with private donations from Mrs Olga Tennison and matching funds from La Trobe University. The Centre is named in acknowledgement of Mrs Tennison’s generosity.
OTARC was formally launched in June 2008 with Associate Professor Cheryl Dissanayake as the inaugural Director. With her vision and enthusiasm the Centre has grown in only a few years from her own lab numbering eight individuals to a current total of 44 staff and students. In addition we have several honorary members and research adjuncts, both in Australia and overseas.
OTARC is situated in the School of Psychological Science within the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering (FSTE) at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, and our research is conducted in a child and family friendly, purpose-built research facility within the School, as well as at other locations convenient for our participants.
The Centre provides a vehicle for research activities, evidence-based intervention programs, training opportunities and collaboration between community services and research centres/universities involved in autism research both in Australia and overseas.
An Advisory Committee, chaired by Professor Margot Prior, AO, oversees the operation of OTARC, and provides valuable input and advice to ensure a sustainable future.
Professor David de Kretser of Monash University and ex-Governor of Victoria (2006-2011) is Patron of OTARC.
OTARC was instrumental in the establishment of the Victorian Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC) at La Trobe University. This is one of six ASELCCs funded by the Federal Government under the Helping Children with Autism Package. The centre, named The Margot Prior Wing, was formally opened on 19 July, 2010 and provides early learning programs and specific support for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aged 0-6 years within a long day care setting. OTARC continues to work closely with ASELCC staff and families on research and other projects.
In July 2011, OTARC opened the Early Diagnostic Clinic for Autism Spectrum Disorders which specialises in the early assessment and diagnosis of children up to 36 months of age. This clinic is funded by philanthropic organisations. OTARC staff are involved in the assessment of children and in research projects associated with the clinic.
In April 2009 OTARC hosted an initial research workshop bringing together leading Australasian autism researchers to identify current research strengths, develop and plan future research directions, and to strengthen and forge autism research collaborations in the region. This collaboration was formalised in the establishment of the Australasian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR) in 2011. ASfAR is a member-based organisation devoted to advancing knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorders through research and scholarship. The first conference was held in December 2012.
