Welcome to the discussion

On November 15-16, 2022, Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) will host the National Autism Conference. This virtual event is free and open to the public. Click HERE to register.

This is what PHAC call another 'element' in the development of a national autism strategy. I've posted before about the CAHS assessment on autism which was an earlier 'element'. To produce that there were surveys, submissions, zoom sessions, etc and now they're moving on to a conference.

Adults and seniors need to be represented at this conference. I've already seen information describing the outcomes of the strategy with nothing for autistic adults/seniors who do not live with their parents, like this:

"For Example...

• More programs that help autistic kids in school

• Making it easier for families with autistic people"

While I think these are both valid and important results from the strategy they need to also consider having programs and services for adults and seniors who are on their own either voluntarily or as a result of losing their family/supports.

So Registration is now open for the conference and I really really hope people will consider attending even for part of it. When I attended the zoom meetings in July 2021 I didn't appear on video and I submitted most of my input in writing after it was over. I have issues responding 'on the spot' (possibly due to executive function issues) especially when I'm not familiar with the specifics of what's going to be discussed. The non autistics hosting the conference have the advantage. But I think about this like voting - if you don't vote you shouldn't complain about the election results and if we don't tell them what services we need we shouldn't complain they're not listening.