Podcast
Language Regression, Communication Development, and Autism | ACAMH Podcasts
In this podcast (May 23, 2022), we talk to Dr. Mandy Steiman, clinical psychologist at the Azrieli Centre for Autism Research (ACAR).
The focus of this podcast is on the JCPP paper ‘Predictors of language regression and its association with subsequent communication development in children with autism’ (doi: 10.1111/jcpp.13565). As co-author of the paper, Mandy sets the scene by detailing what they looked at in this study and gives us a summary.
Mandy provides clarification, and a definition, as to what language regression looks like, before turning to the methodology used for the research.
Mandy then shares the key findings from the paper and elaborates on her findings that children with language regression walked earlier and spoke their first word nearly a year sooner than the children without regression, and that language regression may have decreased impact over time, and that regressive patterns are not associated with worse outcomes.
Mandy further discusses what the implications are of these findings for families, and those assessing children and young people for autism, plus emphasizes the importance of not ignoring language regressions.
Where to listen 🎧:
Podcast
Health Matters, The MUHC Foundation Show
Host and Director of Communications & Marketing at the MUHC Foundation Tarah Schwartz showcases powerful patient stories and speaks with the physicians and researchers on the front lines of today’s urgent medical challenges. Hear firsthand how they are working every day to change the course of lives and medicine, right here in Montreal.
This week on Health Matters (March 13, 2022), in recognition of International Women’s Day, we discuss the research and achievements of the women researchers, doctors, and clinician-scientists of the MUHC and McGill network. Dr. Marina Klein shares what the pandemic was like for an infectious disease specialist. Dr. Julie Scorah discusses clinical care and research for individuals with autism (starting at 11:00 minutes). Dr. Natalie Dayan weighs in on improving the wellness of our health care workers after a difficult two years. And, Dr. Rhian Touyz, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the RI-MUHC discusses increasing diversity in leadership roles.
Where to listen 🎧:
Opinion Paper
Project Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) Autism: A Successful Model to Increase Capacity in Community-Based Care
By: Kristin Sohl, Agnieszka Rynkiewicz, Valeria Nanclares-Nogués, Alicia Brewer Curran, Julie Scorah, Mandy Steiman, Catherine Lord, Roma A. Vasa, Agnieszka Słopień, Małgorzata Janas-Kozik, Izabela Łucka, and Artur Mazur
Published: 28 February 2022
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to access high-quality health care due to the shortage of trained providers. ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Autism is a unique educational program that allows ASD experts to provide knowledge and skills to professionals in local communities to deliver evidence-based care to children with ASD and their families. The model teaches clinicians how to screen and diagnose ASD, as well as manage common co-occurring medical and mental health issues. ECHO Autism is particularly useful for addressing the complex needs of children with ASD and reducing disparities often present in rural and underserved communities. The model can be disseminated globally due to its flexibility in accommodating local and regional differences in social norms and constructs. This article provides an overview of the format of the ECHO Autism model, data supporting the model’s efficacy, and discusses future research directions.
Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; ECHO Autism; health care access; screening; global programs; primary care providers; cross-disciplinary care
Online Workshop
Beyond Diagnosis | ECHO-Autism "Diagnosis in ASD" Workshop, with Ina Winkelmann and Geneviève Côté-Leblanc
"Beyond Diagnosis" took place on November 18, 2021 within the context of the ACAR Clinic's ECHO-Autism "Diagnosis in ASD" workshop series. It features a presentation on what treatments, interventions and resources are currently available to address the range of needs of autistic patients and their families by Ina Winkelmann, Coordinator of the Youth Mental Health Continuum, West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Participants also heard from parent advocate, Geneviève Côté-Leblanc, on the lived realities of individuals and families following a diagnosis.
The ACAR Clinic hosts ECHO-Autism “Diagnosis in ASD” workshops for clinicians and autism professionals as part of its Clinical Capacity Building Program.
Webinar
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders, with Dr. Julie Scorah
Dr. Julie Scorah speaks to McGill Cares (January 27, 2021) about the signs and symptoms of autism, how it is diagnosed, available support options, and what services are available for autistic adults and for parents of autistic children.
Podcast
Dr. Julie Scorah: Barriers To Care For Autistic Children on Curious Neuron
ACAR Associate Director Julie Scorah speaks to the Curious Neuron podcast about how to make autism resources more accessible to the families that need them.
Where to listen 🎧:
Website
Transforming Autism Care Consortium (TACC)
The Transforming Autism Care Consortium (TACC) is a research network that connects and mobilizes Quebec’s strengths in autism research to improve the quality of life of people with autism and their families. TACC accomplishes this by accelerating scientific discovery, building capacity, and integrating evidence into practice and policy.
