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Canadian Public Health Association

National Autism Conference

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Join us for the 2024 National Autism Conference hosted by the Public Health Agency of Canada on Tuesday 27 August 2024. This free, virtual event will build on previous engagement that took place during the development of the Framework for Autism in Canada and the draft Autism Strategy. Autistic people, families, caregivers, academics, service providers, and government representatives will discuss the Framework’s five priority areas and the actions needed to advance them:

  1. Screening, Diagnosis and Services
  2. Economic Inclusion
  3. Data Collection, Public Health Surveillance and Research
  4. Public Awareness, Understanding and Acceptance
  5. Tools and Resources

Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on these priority areas. A variety of supports will be available to allow everyone to participate. The Public Health Agency of Canada will collect feedback from participants during these conversations to inform the implementation of the Framework for Autism in Canada and finalize Canada’s Autism Strategy.

The objectives of this conference are to:

  • Close the loop: Demonstrate how feedback obtained through extensive engagement is being reflected in the Framework for Autism in Canada
  • Outline actions: Review how the federal government plans to address the Framework priorities
  • Discuss next steps: Explore considerations for implementing the Framework

Let’s work together to create a Canada where Autistic people and their families are safe, included, accepted and supported.

Register FOR THE CONFERENCE

AGENDA

  • Session details subject to change
  • All times are Eastern Time
  • Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English, French, American Sign Language and Langue des signes québécoise.
  • Biographies
11:00

Opening

  • Facilitator welcomes participants.
  • Elder/Knowledge Keeper opens conference.
  • Welcome remarks from federal government (PS Yasir Naqvi)
  • Facilitator provides overview of event, restates objectives, reviews technical details. 
11:30

Session #1 – Screening, Diagnosis and Services

Panelists

  • Sally Scott (Executive Director, Centre for Health Promotion, Public Health Agency of Canada)
  • Dr. Amanda Evans (Autistic person with lived experience, Community Pediatrician) 
  • Suzi DeBlois (Autism Coordination Project Lead, Department of Education and Early Years, Prince Edward Island)
     

Panelists will consider the following questions in their panel discussion:

  • What are the government’s plans to enhance screening and diagnosis for autism across the lifespan? What opportunities exist for implementing national guidelines across jurisdictions?
  • What plans or initiatives are in place to improve services for autism across the lifespan?
  • What is being planned to improve human resource capacity in healthcare and allied health professions delivering autism services? 
12:20 Break
12:35

Session #2 – Economic Inclusion

Panelists

  • Mark Nafekh (Director, Centre for Health Promotion, Public Health Agency of Canada)
  • Sharon McCarry (Parent, Co-chair of the Disability Advisory Committee at Canada Revenue Agency)
  • Frank Fagan (Assistant National Director- Ready, Willing and Able)
  • Erin Hetherington (Director – Program Policy, Canada Student Financial Assistance Program at Employment and Social Development Canada)

Panelists will consider the following questions in their panel discussion:

  • What are the government’s plans to increase employment rates, participation, and representation of Autistic people in the workforce?
  • What are the government’s plans to improve access to and completion of post-secondary education for Autistic people?
  • In what ways do the current measures support Autistic people, their families, and caregivers, and what additional supports might be needed?
13:25 Break
13:40

Session #3 – Data Collection, Public Health Surveillance and Research

Panelists

    • Claudia Lagacé (A/Director- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada)
    • Dr Jackie Ryan (Autistic person, parent, University of Alberta researcher)
    • Lonnie Zwaigenbaum (Professor/Researcher, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Assessment on Autism)


    Panelists will consider the following questions in their panel discussion:

    • What steps is the government taking to strengthen data collection, public health surveillance, and research around autism?
    • What partnerships or collaborations are in place, could be created or improved to support research around autism?
    • How are we leveraging the use of research to improve standards of care and evidence-based supports?
    14:30 Break
    14:45

    Session #4 – Public Awareness, Understanding and Acceptance

    Panelists

    • Marie-Claude Lang (A/Manager National Autism Strategy Secretariat, Public Health Agency of Canada)
    • Grant Bruno (Indigenous researcher, parent)
    • Lori Neustaedter (Executive Director, Disability Policy, Program and Legislation Division, Manitoba)

      Panelists will consider the following questions in their panel discussion:

      • What are the government’s strategies to improve understanding and acceptance for Autistic people across key sectors? Which sectors should be prioritized?
      • How can we improve engagement and support for Indigenous Autistic people, while accounting for intersectionality, to foster inclusivity?
      • What are the government’s plans to improve the engagement and inclusion of Autistic people in decision-making processes?
      15:35 Break
      15:50

      Session #5 – Tools and Resources

      Panelists

      • Michael Collins (Vice-president, Centre for Health Promotion, Public Health Agency of Canada)
      • Tanya McLeod (President of the Sinneave Foundation)
      • Mallorie Divert (Manager Disability Administrative Support Section at Canada Revenue Agency)

      Panelists will consider the following questions in their panel discussion:

      • What resources, tools, and information is the government providing to support Autistic people, their families, and caregivers? How can we improve access to those tools, resources, and information?
      • What plans are in place to improve collaboration between different governments, organizations, and the Autistic community?
      • What resources or supports are planned or in place for health care service providers in order to improve outcomes for Autistic people? 
      16:40

      Closing

      • Facilitator thanks all participants and provides closing remarks.
      • The conference will be closed by an Algonquin Knowledge Keeper.

       

       

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