Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre
About the Centre
The "Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre" was established as a joint initiative of La Trobe University and Autism Victoria. The establishment of OTARC was made possible with a private donation by Mrs Olga Tennison in 2007 and the Centre is named after her to acknowledge her generosity. Since then other donations have been received and all donors are gratefully acknowledged.
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.
It is situated in the School of Psychological Science within the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering (FSTE) at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. The Director is Dr Cheryl Dissanayake.
Our research is conducted in a child-friendly, purpose-built research facility in the School of Psychological Science. It allows for studies in all our areas of expertise including studies of social, emotional, language and cognitive development well as studies of physical growth, sleep patterns and biological markers.
An Advisory Committee oversees the operation of OTARC and provides valuable input to ensure a sustainable future.
