Encourages students to think outside the box.
Helps students see the joy in learning.
Encourages students to ask questions.
Challenges students to grow and excel.
Great Professor!
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).
Key publications include 'The Association Between Maternal Asthma and Child Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis' (Autism Research, 2025), 'Effect of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)-based asthma management during pregnancy versus usual care on infant development, temperament, sensory function and autism signs' (European Journal of Pediatrics, 2024), 'Autism likelihood in infants born to mothers with asthma is associated with blood inflammatory gene biomarkers in pregnancy' (Brain, Behavior, & Immunity-Health, 2024), and 'Parenting stress in mothers with asthma during the postpartum period' (Journal of Asthma, 2022). In teaching, Dr. Whalen coordinates PSYC1200 Foundations of Psychological Practice and has advanced Indigenising the undergraduate psychology curriculum to foster culturally responsive professionals. As an academic with disability, she prioritizes accessibility, co-developing the University of Newcastle's Disability Confidence Training and Accessibility Champions Network. In 2024, she was awarded Fellowship of the Advance HE Higher Education Academy, recognizing her educational excellence. She supervises PhD projects on late-diagnosed autistic women, autistic identities in pregnancy and childhood, and neurodivergent children with respiratory diseases.
University of Newcastle research calls for explicit, co-designed sex education to empower autistic women and youth, addressing vulnerabilities and health risks in Australia.
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