About Us

Located at La Trobe University, the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre is Australia’s first centre dedicated to autism research, established in 2008. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the late Mrs Olga Tennison AO, our core operating funding is assured in perpetuity.

We work together with the Autistic and autism communities to produce research and to translate our research into practice. Examples of our research translation initiatives include evidence-based support programs, training for health professionals, and best-practice early autism assessment.

Our researchers collaborate with autism advocacy organisations and with autism research centres in Australia and overseas. The majority of our staff are neurodivergent, and we also support two Autistic PhD students with scholarships. Our hiring practices and workplace environment are neurodiversity-affirming.

Our research aims to support Autistic people and their families in actively participating in their community, education, and employment, finding enjoyment in life, and making meaningful contributions aligned with their goals.

With a focus across the lifespan, our research encompasses four research program areas:

• Identification and diagnosis
• Supports and practices for daily living
• Educational and vocational engagement
• Health and wellbeing.