This webinar presents results and lessons learned from nearly a decade of autism research aimed at informing policy to improve the lives of youth and adults on the autism spectrum. We will discuss how the work of the Life Course Outcomes Research Program and the Policy and Analytics Center at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute have informed policy at the local, state, national and international levels. We will also outline the process and considerations necessary for creating effective information dissemination environments and partnerships, provide examples of useful tools for designing for dissemination, and guide a discussion of continued challenges.

An expanding body of research into suicidality and autism documents that individuals with ASD are at a significantly increased risk of suicide. Furthermore, traditional screening tools and mental health interventions have limited use in working with individuals with ASD. This webinar began with an understanding of the issue from the perspective of the autistic self-advocacy community, exploring the challenges to screening and prevention within the mental health service system as it is today. We also reviewed the epidemiological background of suicide as a national and international public health crisis and what we know about how it impacts the ASD/ID population. We heard about a NIMH study underway aimed at developing a suicide risk screening tool for youth and adults with ASD/ID/DD. Finally, we reviewed specific interventions to address suicidality in autistic children and adults followed by strategies for promoting positive mental health for individuals with ASD who are at risk.

The 2015 AUCD Conference will be held at the Washington, DC, Renaissance Hotel.

The 2014 AUCD Conference will be held at the Washington, DC, Renaissance Hotel.

The 2013 AUCD Conference will be held at the Washington, DC, Renaissance Hotel.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the AUCD 2011 Conference. It was great to see old friends again, and to forge new relationships. We hope that all who attended were able to gain new information, meet new people, and leave feeling energized, refreshed, and excited about the many incredible activities happening in the disability community and throughout the AUCD network.
Conference plenary videos, photos, presentations, handouts, and more are available on aucd.org/conference. Save the date for AUCD 2012: December 2-5 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC.