Our history

OTARC was established in 2008 as a joint initiative of La Trobe University and Autism Victoria (now trading as Amaze).

The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre was established in 2008 with the incredible generosity of the late Mrs Olga Tennison AO. These were matched with funds from La Trobe University. The centre is named in recognition of her contribution. Professor Cheryl Dissanayake AM is the inaugural Director of the Centre.

Professor Dawn Adams joined us in 2025 as the Endowed Chair on Autism Research. Professor Alison Lane is our Director.

OTARC has been involved in Federal and State government projects

EARLY DAYS WORKSHOPS

2014-2022

The Early Days program delivered 320 Early Days workshops to 3,297 participants in Victoria alone.

RAISING CHILDREN NETWORK - AUTISM

Providing parents and carers with free, reliable, evidence-based information about autism.

VICTORIAN AUTISM SPECIFIC EARLY LEARNING AND CARE CENTRE (MARGOT PRIOR WING)

Providing inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming, and evidence-based supports for Autistic children in naturalistic everyday settings.

VICTORIAN EARLY ASSESSMENT CLINIC (VEAC)

The VEAC specialises in providing infants and toddlers with an affordable, comprehensive needs assessment and differential diagnosis.

Explore

Celebrating our staff

STAFF AND STUDENT PROFILES

Read about the people who make our research possible.

The OTARC blog

MEET OUR EARLY CARRER WOMEN

Read about our 2025 International Women's Day social media campaign.