Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) Research Showcase - 2025
Event description
On behalf of the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at La Trobe University, we would be honoured if you would save the date for our annual research showcase.
This showcase presents a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the next wave of evidence-based programs and assessment tools that are set to create meaningful, system-wide change for Autistic Australians and their families.
You will hear from our leading researchers on pioneering projects that are ready for real-world implementation, focusing on three key themes:
Making a Difference in Schools: Discover innovative, scalable programs designed to create genuinely inclusive educational environments.
Delivering a Direct Impact: Explore community-focused initiatives, from mental health and suicide prevention to physical well-being, that are delivering immediate and tangible outcomes.
A Better Approach to Autism Assessment: Learn about our neurodiversity-affirming assessment models that are reshaping the diagnostic landscape to be more respectful, accurate, and family-focused.
This is more than a presentation of research; it is an invitation to see how your support translates into life-changing impact and to engage with the researchers who are paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Event Details:
Event: Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre - Research Showcase
Date: 4th September 2025
Time: 12:00PM - 04:00PM
Location: La Trobe University, City Campus.
This is an in-person event. A recording will be available after the event.
Schedule:
Time | Session | Speakers |
Midday – 12:30pm | Refreshments |
|
12:30 – 12:45 | Welcome | Shane Huntington |
12:45pm – 1:30pm | Session 1: Making a difference in schools
| 1. Prof Dawn Adams (OTARC Endowed Chair) - LEANS in Australia schools 2. Prof Alison Lane (OTARC Director) – Sensible Approach 3. Dr Anne Southall (School of Education) - Self-sense |
1:30pm – 1:45pm | Short Break |
|
1:45pm – 2:30pm | Session 2: Delivering a direct impact | 1. Dr Claire Brown – National Suicide Prevention resource hub 2. Dr Kathryn Ambrose – Bloom 3. Prof Nora Shields - Fitskills |
2:30pm – 3:00pm | Break/Afternoon Tea |
|
3:00pm – 3:45pm | Session 3: A better approach to autism assessment
| 1. A/Prof Josephine Barbaro – VEAC – A neuro-affirming approach 2. The Bouverie Centre – The whole family 3. Rob Anderson – VEAC into the next 5 years |
3:45pm – 4:00pm | Open Q&A | An open Q&A if you have questions for any of our panelists or questions for OTARC |
We sincerely hope you will be able to join us for this important event.
Warm regards,
The Team at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre La Trobe University
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