Instead of "Autism Awareness," let's make actual improvements for autistic people's health.
Open to the whole community (not just healthcare professionals) -- everyone is invited to come learn (and un-learn) with us...
Shifting the Autism Narrative: A Healthcare Provider's Guide to the Impact of Stigma on Health
Presenter: Melissa Houser, M.D., autistic family physician, Founder & Executive Director of All Brains Belong VT
Original presentation: Tuesday, April 12, 2022 -- Recording available for on-demand viewing
Description:
Autistic people have an average life expectancy of age 36-54 years, with leading causes of death being premature cardiovascular disease and suicide. Extensive research shows that autistic people are dissatisfied with their healthcare, experience significant barriers in accessing care, and feel marginalized and stigmatized by the healthcare system.
Join autistic physician Melissa Houser, M.D., Founder and Executive Director of All Brains Belong VT, for a closer look at barriers to healthcare access, hidden contributors to stigma, and very simple things that healthcare providers and community allies can do to improve the health of autistic patients.
We will walk together on the journey of unlearning outdated concepts toward the pursuit of inclusive, comprehensive care for autistic children (and the autistic adults we become). Participants will leave with concrete strategies for being more inclusive of autistic patients (and everyone else who learns, thinks, or communicates differently from one's self).
Audience:
EVERYONE is welcome. Healthcare professionals, educators, families, and the broader community.
Ticket Price:
By Donation
This presentation is a fundraiser for All Brains Belong VT, a startup nonprofit 501(c)(3) healthcare organize in Montpelier VT founded by an autistic physician. All Brains Belong uses inclusive design principles to provide primary care, community-building, and neurodiversity-affirming education for professionals and the community at large. 100% of proceeds from this event will support free, neuroinclusive virtual community programs for kids and adults. Learn more at www.allbrainsbelong.org.