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. Autism Victoria plays a key role in supporting and promoting the work of OTARC, and provides the valuable link to families and individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, and to services and service providers.
An Advisory Committee oversees the operation of OTARC and provides valuable input to ensure a sustainable future. Committee members include:
- Professor Margot Prior (Chair)
- Dr Cheryl Dissanayake (Director OTARC)
- Mr Murray Dawson-Smith, CEO Autism Victoria
- Dr Catherine Maraffa (Senior Paediatrician; Royal Children's Hospital)
- Dr Amanda Richdale (Associate Professor; RMIT University)
- Dr Cliff Picton (La Trobe University Ombudsman)
- Dr Christine Bigby (School of Social Work and Social Policy)
- Ms Liza Bolton (Corporate Nominee; Cracked Pepper Communications)