Autistic-Led Peer Support Webinar
Online | Online
Many autistic people feel socially isolated and are unable to access appropriate professional supports. Peer support allows people with shared experiences to give and receive nonprofessional, nonclinical social and emotional assistance. In this webinar, we will hear from a team of two clinician scientists and three autistic self-advocates who created a new autistic-led peer support program, Welcome EveryBody (WEB). They will review research on autistic peer support programs and share their experiences developing, facilitating, and evaluating WEB.
Autistic-Led Peer Support Webinar
Dr. Johanna Lake, Clinical Psychologist and Clinician Scientist
Johanna.Lake@camh.ca
Johanna Lake is a Clinician Scientist and Clinical Psychologist at the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at CAMH. Dr. Lake’s clinical interests include assessment and intervention of children and youth with neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health concerns, including individual and group based cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance-based supports. In terms of research activities, I am interested in how we co-develop interventions that support family caregivers and the implementation of evidence-based interventions in community settings.
Dr. Ami Tint, Clinical Psychologist and Clinician Scientist
Ami.Tint@camh.ca
Ami Tint is a clinician scientist and clinical psychologist at the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at CAMH. Dr. Tint’s research uses mixed methods to understand how to improve supports and services for people with neurodevelopmental conditions, with a particular focus on the mental health needs of Autistic girls and women. She studies program development and evaluation with the aim of improving equitable access to care for neurodivergent people. Dr. Tint strives to achieve meaningful community partnerships and engages in coproduced research to inform policy and clinical practice.
Mirella B.
Mirella B. has been an advocate for over two decades with experience working in hospital and community-based organizations across Ontario and Quebec. Currently, Mirella sits on the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre’s Self-Advocate Advisory, co-facilitates a monthly workshop for newly diagnosed autistic clients at CAMH, and regularly presents to medical professionals and students.
Alex Echakowitz
Alex.Echakowitz@camh.ca
Alex Echakowitz is an Autistic, Mad, multiply-disabled, disability justice activist who specializes in youth mental health. Prior to their employment as a Youth Engagement specialist, they did work with CAMH’s Youth Engagement Initiative as a member of the National Youth Action Council and the Youth Advisory Group. They also helped develop the Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism as a member of the AM-HeLP Group. Other projects they’ve been involved in include: facilitating various peer support groups at the YFS Access Centre; conducting educational workshops at U of T and TMU; advising on the OAP; and co-founding A4A Ontario.
Riley Goldsmith
Riley.Goldsmith@camh.ca
Riley Goldsmith is a Youth Engagement Specialist and Autistic Self-Advocate at CAMH. As a disabled adult who has direct and extensive experience with the mental health system, Riley hopes to further research and understanding of the intersection of disabilities and mental health. Riley is passionate about education and fostering positive change in the neurodiverse community through novel and accessible mediums, as well as the ongoing development of creative works and tools in mental health education.
Accessing autism resources can be a challenge, but it’s easier when you have partners and allies by your side. Connect with other parents, caregivers, and professionals in the autism community to share information, advice, and support. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals with autism and their families.
