Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

Researchers at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre focus on both basic and applied research into the causes, nature and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as how to apply this knowledge to effective strategies for intervention. A current emphasis within the Centre is on the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders in infancy, and the use of these in the early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders within community-based services. The training of both La Trobe University students and community service providers, in the form of continuing education programs, is an important focus of OTARC. The overall aim is to build research capacity and to disseminate research findings into the community to foster evidence-based practice in understanding and treating Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Mission / Objective

The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) was established to advance knowledge of the nature and causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as to develop and study evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Services

OTARC is a research centre but does provide selected services as part of its research.

1. An Early Diagnostic Clinic

2. A Free Quarterly e-Newsletter

3. 'Ask a Researcher' service for online questions from the community

4. Some of our research is conducted at the Margot Prior Wing - the Austism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre - at La Trobe University.

Beneficiary Group

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families and carers, and the wider community.

Professionals working with individuals with ASD.

Annual Report:

Projects in Progress

The research undertaken within the Centre fall within many broad areas:

Infancy

Biological Markers

Social-Cognitive Development

Sleep

Language

Social Learning in Autism

Communication

Evidence-Based Practice

Supporting Success in Education

CEO

" sans-serif; ""> 

Staff

A/Professor Cheryl Dissanayake, Director (and Reader in the School of Psychological Science)

A/Professor Amanda Richdale, Principal Research Fellow

Dr Elfriede Ihsen, Honorary Research Fellow

Dr David Trembath, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dr Josephine Barbaro, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Dr Giacomo Vivanti, Research Fellow, ASELCC/OTARC

Dr Kristelle Hudry, Lecturer in Developmental Psychology in the School of Psychological Science

Mr Wojciech Nadachowski, Senior Projects and Operations AdvisorMs Lisbeth Wilks, Administrative Officer

Ms Carmela Germano, Laboratory Manager

Academic Adjuncts

Professor Edith Bavin, Adjunct member (School of Psychological Science)

Dr Naomi Bishop, Adjunct member (Department of Microbiology)

Dr Diane Jacobs, Adjunct member (School of Human Communication Sciences)

Research Assistants

Ms. Irene Giaprakis, Research Assistant

Ms. Emma Baker, Research Assistant

Ms. Lindsay Pamment, Research Assistant

Ms Ru Cai, Research Assistant

Ms Gladys Cheung, Research Assistant

Ms Kate Argentino, Research Assistant

Ms Teena Caithness, Research Assistant

Ms Nicola Dunn, Research Assistant

Honorary Team Members

Ms Amanda Golding, Amagol Consulting/Autism Noticeboard

Board Members

Professor Margot Prior (Chair), Adjunct Professor at La Trobe University,

University of Melbourne University, and Royal Children’s Hospital

A/Professor Cheryl Dissanayake, Centre Director, La Trobe University

Professor Tim Brown, DVC Research, La Trobe University

Professor Brian McGaw, Dean of Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering, La Trobe University

Prof David Finlay, Chair University Human Ethics Committee & Director, La Trobe University

Mr Clifford Picton, University Ombudsman, La Trobe University

Professor Robin Williams, Director of Alumni and Advancement, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University

Professor Christine Bigby, School of Social Work, La Trobe University

Dr Catherine Marraffa, Senior Paediatrician Developmental Medicine,

Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne

Ms Lia Castorini, Autism Victoria

Ms Cherie Green, PhD candidate, Student representative for OTARC, La Trobe University

Number of Employees

0

Number of Volunteers

0

This organisation has not yet provided this information. If this is your organisation you can update your organisation's online listing here or edit your organisation's contact details here.

Wills and Bequests

Wills and Bequests are most welcome.

General Donations

To fund our various activities we rely on the support of private and corporate donors.

To support our research and other activities, please go to the La Trobe University Foundation website. From there, you can make a donation online, or print a donation form if you prefer to donate by mail.

Remember to specify that your donation is for the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC).

Please note that all donations to La Trobe University are tax deductible. If you need more information, please call +61 (0)3 9479 2497 or email otarc@latrobe.edu.au

100% of your donation will support the work of the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre.

Volunteering

Many of the research projects undertaken at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre requires the support of volunteers.

If you would like to gain valuable practical experience in a clinical research setting, as well as insight into the nature of clinical research, volunteering is an effective way to do this.

If you would like to receive emails about future volunteer jobs, join our Volunteer Research Projects Register. Please email: l.wilks@latrobe.edu.au

We are also embarking on some exciting operational and marketing projects to increase ouroverall capacity. These roles include:

· volunteer co-ordinator

· copy writer

· digital graphic designer

· marketing assistant

If you have a skill in another area we welcome your offers and suggestions.

Many workplaces offer volunteer leave, which provides paid leave for those volunteering their time. Ask your employer if this scheme is available to you.  We have been fortunate that some of our supporters have been able access these schemes when volunteering.

If you would like to register your interest in helping us with these tasks, please contact w.nadachowski@latrobe.edu.au

Other support

Our Centre plans to run fundraising campaigns in the future. Your support of these activitiies, in planning and promotion, is also most welcome.

Jobs available on Pro Bono Australia

No recent jobs.