Rate My Professor Olivia Whalen

Dr. Olivia Whalen is a Lecturer in the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She earned a Bachelor of Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Newcastle, completing her PhD in 2020. As a developmental researcher experienced in psychological assessment of children, adolescents, and parents, her work centers on developmental outcomes in vulnerable cohorts of children, with a particular emphasis on the mental health of autistic children. Dr. Whalen collaborates directly with autistic and neurodivergent individuals to ensure her research is safe, helpful, and aligned with community needs. She leads Neuroadvisory Newcastle, the first neurodivergent advisory group in the Newcastle region, which guides neuro-affirming research and teaching initiatives. Her research interests encompass neurodiversity, autism, child and adolescent development, clinical psychology, applied and developmental psychology, the coexistence of asthma and other physical health issues with autism, parenting experiences of autistic individuals, and sensory processing. Previously involved in asthma in pregnancy studies through collaborations with the Hunter Medical Research Institute, she has contributed to publications included in the Asthma in Pregnancy Toolkit. Since 2020, she has published 13 journal articles and secured over $300,000 in competitive funding. Her research supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).