MacART held its 3rd Autism Research Symposium on Friday, May 26th, 2023 at McMaster Innovation Park. The symposium theme was “Autism & Mental Health: Towards an Ecological Lifespan Approach”. Our keynote speakers were Dr. Micah Mazurek from University of Virginia, and Dr. Yona Lunsky from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), each of whom focused on this theme across the lifespan – from childhood, to youth/adolescence, to adulthood.
The day was framed with interactive and collaborative innovation activities facilitated by Lisa Lachance, Founder of Wisdom2Action. Collaborators worked together in groups to broaden the lens on mental health using an ecological framework to include child, youth, and adult well-being within families, schools, neighbourhoods, and other contexts.
We reached our attendance capacity of 110 people, filling all our available seats with folks eager for in-depth collaboration. Our attendees represented the full spectrum of Autistic self-advocates, community advocates, family members, clinicians, community organization representatives, educators, policy makers, researchers, service providers/planners, and students & trainees. We worked together to identify stakeholder priorities related to autism and mental health across the lifespan. Thank you to all who attended! With your help, we were able to generate these key priorities:
- Considering the whole person
From early childhood to late adulthood, both before and after diagnosis, the mental health and well-being of Autistic people is shaped by their everyday experiences and relationships. This includes addressing those ‘ecological rings’, including healthy and well-supported families, schools, workplaces, and communities that promote equity, inclusivity, and full participation by Autistic children, youth, and adults.
- Listening to lived experiences and marginalized voices
There is a need to integrate family, patient, and first-person voices regardless of the specific topic of conversation being discussed. The importance of incorporating knowledge of one’s specific contexts and experiences was reiterated often, such as with considerations of intersectional and tailored approaches. It is clear that there is no longer room for any ‘one-size-fits all’ models.
- Cross-sectoral collaboration and cooperation
A lack of communication between different entities – whether between professionals during the diagnostic process, or schools and healthcare providers, or child and adult services – was mentioned repeatedly. It is clear that many siloes exist and need to be broken down, often leading to difficulties (especially during transitional periods). The need for restructuring was mentioned repeatedly, to ensure focus is on the right care to meet current needs.