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By Kate Bonsack

1st July 2008 11:06:41 AM

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Direct approach … Dr Cheryl Dissanayake is the director of Australia’s first autism research centre, at La Trobe University.

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ONE in 167 Australian children is affected with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and despite the condition becoming more common its cause remains a mystery.

La Trobe University, however, may soon have the answer after Australia’s first autism research centre opened at the school’s Bundoora campus last Friday.

Frustrated by the lack of funding and recognition the disorder requires, a Melbourne woman, Olga Tennison, donated $500,000 to see the centre established.

In recognition of her generosity, the centre has been named the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre.

Researchers at the centre will focus on advancing knowledge about the nature and causes of autism.

“The research funding for this complex group of disorders is long overdue,” centre director Cheryl Dissanayake said.

“The establishment of the centre highlights the need for funded research and a higher profile for autism,” she said. “It is exasperating that not one autism study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council last year, despite the significant impact autism has on the nation’s young children.”

Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a group of prevalent and debilitating developmental disorders, including Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

These conditions are characterised by impairments in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction and a restricted repertoire of activities and interests.

“There’s no doubt it has a genetic component causing it,” Dr Dissanayake said.

“The centre will comprise a suite of laboratories for observational and experimental studies of children, from identifying signs of autism in infancy to genetic studies of this complex disorder.

“The centre will also study evidence-based treatment and intervention methods for supporting children and families affected by autism.”

Dr Dissanayake said she hoped the research would help lift the profile of the disorder in Australia.

“We’ve got to keep pushing for a higher profile to draw in more funding for research,” she said.

“From the research we can create community awareness and educate the community about the disorder so people can understand it.

“I hear of parents being abused in supermarkets because their autistic child is misbehaving but it is difficult for the parents to control an autistic child.

“And it’s difficult for the community to understand why the child is behaving the way they are.”

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