Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC)

Research Leader in Developmental Disabilities

This week, Professor Cheryl Dissanayake, OTARC's Endowed Chair, has been named a leading researcher in the field of Developmental Disabilities in The Australian's 2024 Research Magazine for the 6th consecutive year. La Trobe University was also the leading institution in this research area.

Read more about Professor Dissanayake

Creating Knowledge: Our Research Program Areas

Identification and diagnosis

Identification and diagnosis

Developing, and evaluating evidence-based approaches to identify and diagnose Autism at all ages to activate timely and personalised supports.

Supports and practices for daily living

Supports and practices for daily living

Developing and evaluating evidence-based practices and supports that enable Autistic people to live a life that is meaningful to them across the lifespan.

Educational and vocational engagement

Educational and vocational engagement

Determining and promoting the best learning and vocational pathways for Autistic people at all levels of education and in volunteer and paid employment.

Health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing

Understanding factors that influence the health and wellbeing of Autistic people to inform and enhance supports and practices across the lifespan.

Victorian Early Assessment Clinic (VEAC)

VEAC provides an affordable comprehensive needs assessment and differential diagnosis within a neurodiversity-affirming practice model to families of children under 36 months of age with a high likelihood for Autism in Victoria. Research and evaluation are a core part of the operation of the VEAC.

VEAC webpage

Training available - Supporting a neurodiverse workforce

This online training course presents current, evidence-based information, and strategies about mental health and well-being for Autistic individuals.

Training programs website

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