Category Archives: Autism Videos at ACT

Language Matters: Transforming Healthcare for Neurodivergent People

Presented by Angie Ip, MHSc, MD, PhD; Mac Landerholm; Sarah McGowan, SLP

Download the toolkit (pdf)

This workshop explores the impact of language in healthcare settings around neurodivergence, neurodiversity, and disability. Following a brief lecture, participants will put their new learning to work through reflections on lived experiences shared by neurodivergent individuals and their families, and interactive learning activities. Participants will gain tools to create a more inclusive environment for their teams and the clients and families they work with.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify potentially ableist language used in their practice or organization.
  • Use neutral and strength-based language to communicate with their patients and clients.
  • Recommend and act on one change within your practice or organization to better support care for neurodivergent people and neurodiverse families.

Mac Landerholm

Mac Landerholm (she/they) is a neurodivergent research assistant facilitating the Community Advisory Board at the Anxiety Stress and Autism Program Lab. She is a UBC graduate with psychology and gender race sexuality and social justice degrees, working towards a masters in occupational therapy. Their areas of focus are introducing families to disability, neuroaffirming support, and community led research. She has worked as an autism support worker and summer camp inclusion supervisor.

Sarah McGowan, MSc, SLP

Sarah McGowan is a speech language pathologist with a specialism in supporting neurodivergent children and youth and their families. Sarah currently works on the outpatient assessment teams at Sunny Hill Health Centre, BC Children’s Hospital. Prior to joining Sunny Hill, Sarah worked in Vancouver Coastal Health’s community SLP team, in private practice and in community SLP teams within the National Health Service in the UK.

Angie Ip, MHSc, MD, PhD

Angie Ip is a family member of neurodivergent persons, a developmental pediatrician at BC Children’s Hospital, and the medical director of the BC Autism Assessment Network. As a researcher and educator, Angie is working to bring family and neurodivergent voices to the forefront to guide research priorities and mobilize system changes that promote the well-being, participation, and inclusion of neurodiverse families.

Neurodiversity 101 & Autism Acceptance

Presented by Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD (she/they)

Global advocate Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu presents on “Neurodiversity 101” & “Autism Acceptance”. These two presentations incorporate research, community-led efforts, nomenclature, and lived experiences via an intersectional lens.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify practical, inclusive strategies for communicating about autism that will aid in cultivating acceptance and empowerment
  • Learn key principles of neurological diversity, including an overview of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, the neurodiversity movement, and related concepts
  • Analyze hallmarks of autism within the neurodiversity paradigm, including strengths and challenges
  • Explore strategies for reciprocal, respectful connection across neurotypes

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD, MA (she/they)

Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is a global advocate, educator, disabled person of color, non-binary woman, and parent in a neurodiverse, multicultural, twice-exceptional serodifferent biological and adoptive family. A prolific writer and social scientist/activist whose work focuses on intersectional justice, meaningful community involvement, human rights, and inclusion, Morénike is recognized as a leader in various disability justice endeavors, including serving as founder/principal consultant of Advocacy Without Borders, a grassroots intersectional non-profit initiative offering DEIA, education, advocacy, keynotes/lectures, training, research, expert review, and related projects.

Morénike co-chairs the Equity, Justice, and Representation Advisory Committee of the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) and is also a member of several executive boards, a collaborator with various like-minded organizations, and a highly sought after public speaker, trainer, and consultant who has presented at the White House, the United Nations, and numerous peer-reviewed international conferences.

Notable publications of Morénike’s include various chapter contributions and peer-reviewed articles as well as co-editing AWN’s groundbreaking anthologies Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity and the initial edition of All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism. Morénike, who has also been featured in the NY Times, NBC’s Today Show, the BBC, NPR, and other media outlets, is the author of the forthcoming Open Access monograph A Neurodiversity and Gentle Parenting Journey…in Color.

Part 1: Autism Acceptance

The session focuses on neurodiversity and autism acceptance, emphasizing resource sharing and diverse perspectives. It highlights the importance of comfort and accessibility, discussing the five Cs of accessibility. A strength-based approach is advocated, recognizing the positive traits of neurodivergent individuals. The discussion also addresses the significance of language in identity, challenges in obtaining accommodations, and the disparities faced by disabled individuals in education and healthcare.

Resources from this presentation

Part 2: Neurodiversity 101

Neurodiversity and autism acceptance are crucial topics that emphasize personal accountability and accessibility. The five Cs—comfort, cooperation, communication, connection, and consideration—are essential for effective presentations. The discussion highlights the emotional challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and the importance of family support. It also addresses the need for inclusive education and the complexities of social interactions, particularly for parents navigating these experiences.

Resources from this presentation

Transitions to Adulthood for Neurodivergent Youth

Presented by Henry Au, Robie Brown, Kenzie Curby, Elsbeth Dodman, Javier Herrera, Damon Kirsebom, and Izabelle Stevens

This presentation shares the personal insights and experiences of autistic individuals as they navigate their transitions to adulthood. The panel offers valuable reflections on the challenges and triumphs of growing into adulthood and accessing support during this time.

This presentation was part of a free event in the North Shore Neurodivergent Working Group Series, offering free sessions for school professionals, parents, and autism specialists in the Lower Mainland.

ACT extends its gratitude to the panelists for sharing their personal experiences and expertise.

Please be advised that part 2 & 3 includes personal accounts of sexual assault, sexual conduct and mentions of suicide.

Part 1: Kenzie Curby, Izabelle Stevens, Elsbeth Dodman, & Damon Kiresbom

Part 2: Henry Au, Javier Herrera, & Robie Brown

Part 3: Question & Answer with Henry Au, Robie Brown, Javier Herrera, & Damon Kirsebom

Mental Health, Suicide, and Autism

Recordings from ACT’s 2024 Focus on Research Conference

Research practitioners, which include Autistic Adults, illustrate why we need to learn about mental health and suicide within the Autistic community. Learn the suicide risk factors and warning signs as well as practical strategies and resources to identify and support those in crisis.

Suicide is a leading cause of premature death in autistic people. Autistic individuals are significantly more likely to think about and attempt suicide than members of the general population. However, most mental health professionals do not feel confident about identifying suicide risk, particularly signs of acute risk (i.e., warning signs), and intervening when autistic individuals are in crisis.

In bringing Anne, Lisa, Rachel, Jessica, and Shari to Vancouver, our goal is to improve knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to recognizing risk factors and warning signs of suicide risk in Autistic individuals, and identifying appropriate crisis supports and resources for this population.

In these presentations, participants will learn:

  • From Autistic adults with lived experience
  • Why we need to talk about mental health and suicide in the Autistic community
  • The importance of reframing responsibilities and creating culturally safe clinical settings
  • Why school drop-out rates are high among autistic youth and what to do to address this issue
  • The functions of self-injury (i.e., the needs it fulfills, and that self-injury may be suicidal or non-suicidal)
  • About the research related to mental health needs that may be associated with suicide risk and the efficacy of adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  • About the Autism Resource “Warning Signs of Suicide: Considerations for the Autism Community“
  • Next steps as family members, Autistic community members, and professionals

Anne V. Kirby, PhD, OTR/L

Dr. Anne Kirby is an occupational therapist and researcher currently studying suicide prevention needs in the autistic community. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Utah in the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, with an adjunct role in the Department of Psychiatry and Huntsman Mental Health Institute. She is a principal investigator with the Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE). She currently leads an NIH-funded research project in partnership with autistic community members in AASPIRE about suicide prevention for the autistic community. She has also conducted studies on other needs among the autistic community and their families, as well as suicide risk and prevention in other populations.

Jessica Schwartzman, PhD

Dr. Jessica Schwartzman is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Keck School of Medicine of USC and Director of the Training and Research to Empower NeuroDiversity (TREND) Lab at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The TREND Lab investigates risks for adverse mental health outcomes in neurodivergent people and their families and partners with community members to develop treatments, with a new research line on mental health outcomes in neurodivergent Latino youth. Dr. Schwartzman is a sibling of an autistic young man with intellectual disability and passionate about participatory research that merges self-advocate, family, and provider perspectives to improve mental healthcare for neurodivergent people.

Lisa Morgan, M.Ed. CAS

Lisa Morgan is a consultant specializing in crisis supports and suicide prevention for autistic people. Lisa is founder and co-chair of the Autism and Suicide Prevention Workgroup and has led the development of several autism specific resources for communicating and supporting autistic people in crisis.  A self-advocate with a passion for strengths-based solutions, Lisa has authored several books, articles, and resources all available on her website: www.autismcrisissupport.com. She is a community council member of AASET (Autistic Adults and other Stakeholders Engaged Together) a group of autistic adults participating in research. Lisa has a master’s degree in the Art of Teaching, is a Certified Autism Specialist, a peer reviewer of the online journal, Autism in Adulthood, and owner of Lisa Morgan Consulting LLC. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree. 

Rachel Mosely, PhD

Dr Rachel Moseley completed her PhD in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, UK, and is now Principle Academic in Psychology at Bournemouth University. While her early work focused on brain function and connectivity, her research now centres on issues facing autistic adults, most notably mental ill-health and suicidality. Dr Moseley is herself autistic, and is passionate about participatory research, positive representation of neurodivergent people, and public engagement to increase acceptance and kindness around neurodiversity. 

Shari Jager-Hyman, PhD

Shari Jager-Hyman, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Broadly, Dr. Jager-Hyman studies the development and implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for suicide prevention. In particular, Dr. Jager-Hyman focuses on tailored approaches to suicide prevention for autistic individuals developed in collaboration with autistic partners.

Virtual Panelists for Day 1, Session 5

Bobbi Duncan-Ishcomer

Bobbi Duncan-Ishcomer (they/them) is a queer, two-spirit, Autistic Mental Health Peer Specialist living in Austin, TX. In addition to their work as an MHPS, Bobbi is also currently serving as a Community Partner with AASPIRE, and loves being a part of ongoing research. Bobbi has a degree in Linguistics and Russian Language from The University of Texas at Austin and did their thesis work on Language and Identity in Disability and LGBTQ+ communities. When not working to dismantle systems of oppression, Bobbi loves hammock camping with their wife and dogs, turning lumber into furniture, memorizing esoteric geography facts, and playing sorcerers Dungeons & Dragons. 

Alex Jacobs

Alex Jacobs is an autistic self-advocate and researcher. She was a speaker on the Vanderbilt Ethics Grand Round panel on the inclusion of autistic self-advocates in research and has been featured as a ‘Hotline Hero’ for her work on the US National Suicide Prevention Hotline. During her free time, Alex practices self-care by playing board games and cooking. 

Rachel Kripke-Ludwig

Rachel Kripke-Ludwig (she/hers) is a nonspeaking, autistic advocate who will attend Arizona State University in the Fall. She attends Open Mind School in Menlo Park. She is a Community Partner in the AASPIRE Community Based Participatory Research Group. She is also on the Community Advisory Council of CommunicationFIRST, the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of people who cannot rely on speech to communicate. She is a frequent speaker on neurodiversity and the rights of nonspeaking autistics. To learn more please see, Rachel Tells It All. 

Izabelle Stevens

Izabelle Stevens is an autistic, neurodiverse advocate and certified Social Support Worker. Her strong sense of justice and passion for the betterment of services and treatment for the disabled and neurodiverse community has led her to become the Youth Representative on the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Minister’s Advisory Council for Children and Youth with Support Needs; and a board member for the Family Support Insititute of British Columbia. Izabelle’s experience with ACT includes being a member of the Self-Injurious Behaviour Committee. Izabelle uses her lived experience to advocate in her community and is also a member of the SD46 Accessibility Committee. 

Moderators

April 4: Grace Iarocci, PhD

Grace Iarocci, PhD is a Professor of Psychology at Simon Fraser University, and the Director of the Autism and Developmental Disorders Lab. A registered psychologist, Dr. Iarocci works closely with government and community agencies in BC to disseminate research information on ASD and influence policy on ASD and other developmental disabilities. Grace has a particular interest in researching quality of life issues among families living with ASD.

April 5: Elina Birmingham, PhD

Elina Birmingham, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Educational Psychology area of the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU). She completed her PhD in Cognitive Psychology at the University of British Columbia in 2008, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at the California Institute of Technology, and Simon Fraser University. The overarching goal of her research is to better understand and support children, youth and adults on the Autism Spectrum.

Part 1: Lisa’s Story

Presented by Lisa Morgan and Anne Kirby

Part 2: Autism & Suicide: From Epidemiology to Personal Accounts

Presented by Jessica Schwartzman and Anne Kirby

Part 3: Suicide and social connectedness: Changing our perspective on suicide in autistic people

Presented by Lisa Morgan & Rachel Moseley

Part 4: A Tailored Approach to Suicide Prevention for Autistic Youth

Presented by Shari Jager-Hyman

Part 5: Autistic Perspectives on Mental Health

Presented by panelists Bobbi Duncan-Ishcomer, Alex Jacobs, Rachel Kripke-Ludwig, and Izabelle Stevens

Part 6: Self-injury and its relationship with suicide

Presented by Rachel Moseley

Part 7: Treating depression in autistic youth: Partnering with autistic people in clinical research and service

Presented by Jessica Schwartzman

Part 8: Overview of Resources on Autism and Suicide Prevention

Presented by Jessica Schwartzman, Anne Kirby, Lisa Morgan, and Shari Jager-Hyman

Part 9:  Warning Signs of Suicide for Autistic People

Presented by Lisa Morgan and Jessica Schwartzman

Part 10:  Future of Research

Presented by panelists: Lisa Morgan, Shari Jager-Hyman, Anne Kirby, Rachel Mosely, and Jessica Schwartzman

Additional Resources

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Autism, Sexual Health, and Safety: Empowering Community

Presented by Amy Gravino, Landa Fox, and Jessica Cauchi

Accessible sexual health education is an essential part of learning. In this nine part workshop, sexual health educators present on educational approaches and resources to support age-appropriate, accessible sexual health education for autistic individuals.

Part 1: Lived Experience Part 1 presented by Amy Gravino

In this workshop, participants learn about:

  • The safety risks posed by a lack of information and empowerment, and the corresponding importance of accessible sexual health education.
  • Developmental norms for sexual behaviors and knowledge, including how to adapt lessons for different ages and goals.
  • Identification of knowledge and skills that may need to be explicitly taught to autistic learners, including consent, body autonomy, and privacy.
  • Common barriers faced by parents, teachers, and support staff, including tips for increasing comfort with sexual health and safety topics.
  • Approaches for assessment and treatment of contextually inappropriate sexual behaviors.
  • Personal insights and lessons learned from lived experience as an autistic woman.

Amy Gravino, MA, is an autism sexuality advocate and Relationship Coach in the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University. She is also the President of A.S.C.O.T Consulting, which offers autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services for organizations, schools, individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Amy is an international speaker who has given TED talks, spoken twice at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day, and presented worldwide to audiences on a variety of topics related to autism, with a dedicated special focus and research on the subject of autism and sexuality.

Ms. Gravino obtained her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University in 2010 and currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Yes She Can, Inc. and the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City, as well as the Scientific Advisory Board of Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK). She is an award-winning writer who has co-authored a chapter on autism and sexuality in the Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and her work has been featured in Spectrum, the leading online news source for autism research, and other outlets. Visit www.amygravino.com to learn more.

Landa Fox is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and Certified Sexual Health Educator living and working in lək̓ʷəŋən Territory (Victoria, British Columbia). She has worked in the field of autism and disability support since 2003. Currently, her work focuses on sexual health, relationship, and safety education for autistic and other neurodivergent people. She also teaches sexual health education in schools around Victoria.

Her work often centers around creating and modifying existing sexual health and relationship education to be meaningful, accessible, and inclusive. She also works to create behavior support plans to address contextually inappropriate sexual behavior. Her work is client-centered, values-led, rights-based, and grounded in harm reduction principles.

She also trains caregivers, teachers, staff, and communities about sexual health development and inclusive sex education. Her special interests within the area of sexual health education include how to promote a culture of consent and body autonomy for autistic children and youth; developing affirming and rights-based sex education; and advocating for access to sexuality and sexual health for everyone. Visit www.positiveconnections.ca to learn more.

Dr. Cauchi is a behavior analyst that has worked with people on the autism spectrum for over 20 years. She resides in Ontario, Canada. Jessica received her PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Endicott College and is a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Certified Progressive Behavior Analyst – Autism Professional. Dr. Cauchi is interested in research and clinical practice in curriculum development and effective teaching practices in sexuality skills for persons on the autism spectrum, meaningful programming, rapport and assent, and progressive ABA. She has published work in these areas, as well as presented on these topics across Canada and internationally.

Part 2: Safety and Skills presented by Jessica Cauchi

Part 3: The Behavior of Sexuality presented by Jessica Cauchi

Part 4: Accessible Sexual Health and Safety Education presented by Landa Fox

Part 5: Panel Discussion

Part 6: Lived Experience part 2 presented by Amy Gravino

Part 7: I Want To, but Where Do I Start? presented by Landa Fox

Part 8: Questions & Answers with Amy Gravino and Landa Fox

Part 9:  Assessing and Addressing Contextually Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour presented by Landa Fox