Executive summary from the National Autism Conference 2024: What We Heard summary report
This page contains only the executive summary of the What We Heard report. Email us to request a copy of the full report.
Email: nas_sna_secretariat@phac-aspc.gc.ca
The report summarizes the diverse perspectives and what we heard during the National Autism Conference 2024. It does not necessarily reflect the views or planned actions of the Government of Canada. The report was drafted with the Canadian Public Health Association and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The Public Health Agency of Canada hosted the National Autism Conference 2024 on August 27, 2024, with support from the Canadian Public Health Association. This was a one-day Zoom virtual webinar event that had 1,031 registrants and 659 attendees. In advance of the event, all registrants received:
- the conference outline and agenda
- a document outlining the vision statements and expected outcomes for each of the priority areas in the Framework for Autism in Canada
This free event built upon previous engagement that took place during the development of the framework and the drafting of Canada's Autism Strategy. Participants included:
- Autistic people
- family members
- caregivers
- academics
- service providers
- government representatives
This event demonstrated how feedback from extensive previous engagements is reflected in the framework. It also explored considerations for implementation.
The conference was organized around the framework's 5 priority areas. There were:
- 5 panel discussions
- a chat, question and answer session
- a feedback form available to participants
Feedback received during all sessions highlighted participants' and panelists' desire for a paradigm shift, from a medical model towards strengths-based and needs-based approaches. Other topics included the importance of:
- a life-course approach and a "nothing without us" approach to developing and implementing policies and programs
- inclusion and consideration of intersectionality
Feedback from session 1 emphasized the need for improved access to timely, inclusive and affordable diagnosis and services across Canada. It highlighted that particular attention be given to underserved regions and populations and equity-deserving populations.
In session 2, the community expressed a desire for comprehensive and inclusive strategies to support the economic inclusion of Autistic people. This would include improved access to:
- financial supports
- education
- employment
- housing
Mentorship opportunities could strengthen skill sets, job acquisition and retention.
During session 3, panelists and participants shared their thoughts on the importance of inclusive, Autistic-led and Indigenous-led research and data collection. The emphasis was on the collection of disaggregated data to better understand the diverse experiences of Autistic people.
In session 4, discussions centered on the significance of, and need for, Autistic-led leadership and decision-making processes with regard to policies and programs. This included Indigenous-led approaches to support engagement of Indigenous Autistic people.
Finally, session 5 feedback underscored the need for inclusive, accessible and comprehensive tools and resources to support Autistic people across the lifespan.