Autism Diagnosis and Care: Insights from Canadian Community Physicians

Project ECHO AuDIO is a Canada-wide research study that aims to improve autism care in communities by learning what works well and finding ways to expand those successful approaches. The study involves sites in six provinces: Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. As part of the study, the team has conducted more than 50 interviews with healthcare providers.

In this session, Melanie, Saebom, and Gabriela will share what they’ve learned, including the challenges physicians face when diagnosing and providing care to autistic children, and facilitators of healthcare improvements for this population of children. As well, they will share future plans for the study.

Speakers:
1. Dr. Melanie Penner
Senior Clinician Scientist and Developmental Pediatrician, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Dr. Penner is a Senior Clinician Scientist and Developmental Pediatrician at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Bloorview Childrens Hospital Foundation (BCHF) Research Chair in Developmental Pediatrics. Dr. Penner's clinical and research interests are in autism, specifically in service delivery for this population, including evaluating the impact of new care models. Dr. Penner has done research and educational work to expand Ontario's diagnostic capacity for autism diagnoses in the community setting, decreasing wait times and facilitating earlier access to essential therapy programs. Dr. Penner is the lead investigator on the ECHO AuDIO (Autism Diagnosis and Integrated care Opportunities) study.


2. Saebom Park is a PhD student at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto and has been working alongside Dr. Penner on the ECHO AuDIO study with a focus on analyzing data related to health care providers experience in providing integrated, ongoing care to their autistic patients, across Canada.

3. Gabriela Masri Ahmar is an undergraduate student entering her fourth year of the Honours Integrated Science program at McMaster University. Gabriela has been working alongside Dr. Penner on the ECHO AuDIO study with a focus on analyzing data related to the experiences of health care providers conducting autism assessments across Canada specifically highlighting the barriers and facilitators associated with this work.