Parent Support for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Communities – a Global Perspective

from ACT’s 12th Annual Focus on Research

Filmed April 15th, 2016

Abstract

The empowerment of caregivers is increasingly recognized as a critical component of intervention for children with autism. The World Health Organization recommends parent skills training (PST) for management of developmental disorders. However, to date, no such programs have been widely available, especially for use in low-resource communities. Our team is currently undertaking a local adaptation and evaluation of this new evidence-based, affordable, PST program that can be delivered by non-specialist providers in a wide range of community settings. We also interlink our local evaluation with field trials in low- and middle-income countries, in support of global research in intervention design and delivery.

Presented by: Mayada Elsabbagh, PhD, McGill University

MayadaElsabbagh-2016Mayada Elsabbagh, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at McGill University. Her research focuses on understanding the root causes of autism and tracing its developmental pathways. The approach integrates innovative research with the mission of accelerating translation of scientific discoveries into community impact. Mayada’s recent contributions include the identification of very early brain function markers for autism prior to the onset of behavioral symptoms. She also supported the successful launch of collaborative research and translational networks, aimed at accelerating the pace of discovery in early autism. She has contributed to mapping knowledge translation priorities in under-resourced communities. In 2010, she was awarded the Neville Butler Memorial Prize, in recognition of the public value and social relevance of her research. In 2013, she was the recipient of the British Psychological Society Neil O’Conner Prize, awarded for her work in early autism biomarkers.

Part 1: Introduction: A Global Vision for Autism

Part 2: Spectrum of Care and Genetic Diversity

Part 3: Hot Topic: Building ‘Glocal’ Capacity

Part 4: Family Navigator Pilot

Part 5: Hot Topic: Good Outcomes

Part 6: Q&A