Support our work
Our research activities rely on a combination of winning competitive grants and receiving generous donations from the public.
We focus on collaboration and applying research to support others. We are uniquely placed to provide our funders with maximum value for funds received. Our approach to research means that we guarantee your support will be rewarded with excellent results.
Donate to the Olga tennison Autism Research Centre
To support our research, please visit our secure donation site. All donations are tax deductible, and you will receive a receipt via email. If you need more information, please call 03 9479 2497 or email otarc@latrobe.edu.au.
If you’d prefer not to donate online, please contact us directly on (03) 9479 2497.
100% of your donation will support our work.
We thank you for your support.
You can support a specific project. Read more about specific opportunities below.
Supporting self-regulation in Australian classrooms
Globally, one in three students struggle with emotional and behavioral regulation, leading to mental health challenges and lower academic performance. Teachers are increasingly focused on keeping students engaged, as disruptive behavior in classrooms has risen since the COVID-19 pandemic (Gore et al., 2020; National Center for Education Statistics, 2022). Autistic students, and those who have experienced childhood trauma or attend under resourced schools are particularly vulnerable, making success more difficult (Joseph et al., 2023).
Learn about our novel, interdisciplinary, self-regulation in-school support program - the Alert Program®.
Read about our self-regulation program [PDF 1.72MB]
Enhancing social connection, fitness and wellbeing in Autistic youth
Young Autistic people have poorer health and wellbeing and are more socially isolated than their non-Autistic peers. Additionally, Autistic youth experience lower physical quality of life compared to their peers, and this appears to decline over time (Lawson et al (2020).
Learn about our world-first, evidence-based, 12- week community exercise program - FitSkills.
Read about FitSkills [PDF 2.57MB]
Transforming autism diagnosis: Early, accessible, and inclusive
Early diagnosis of autism is crucial for ensuring that children receive the support they need to thrive. Although early diagnosis, especially before age two, leads to better outcomes, fewer than 3% of Autistic children in Australia are diagnosed this early. Significant barriers include long waitlists, high costs, and a shortage of trained professionals.
Learn about the Victorian Early Assessment Clinic (VEAC).
Host an event
Please contact us if you would like to host your own fundraising event. Email our Stakeholder and Communications Manager at otarc@latrobe.edu.au.
Making regional Victorian autism assessments accessible
With a generous donation from the Greater Shepparton Foundation, the Victorian Early Assessment Clinic visited Shepparton in Victoria. We provided comprehensive assessments to two families.
Extraordinary and generous
Mrs Olga Tennsion AO has made donations to La Trobe University since 2008 to establish and continue the work of the Australia's first research centre dedicated to autism. We are named in recognition of her contribution.