Cheryl Dissanayake

Professor Cheryl Dissanayake is a prominent autism researcher and the founding director of La Trobe University’s autism research centre. With a focus on early diagnosis and understanding of autism, she has played a significant role in advancing knowledge about the condition and its social implications. Dissanayake's research emphasizes the importance of supporting children with autism, highlighting that an increase in diagnosis rates reflects improved awareness and understanding rather than a true rise in prevalence.