Spotlight
For this spotlight, we were inspired by a conversation with The Ottawa Adult Autism Initiative (OAAI) and a report they prepared from community consultations about the lives of Autistic adults. We learned how the OAAI places the perspective of the Autistic person and those in their communities of care at the centre of their work. One of the themes in the report we reflected on was the need for professionals who support adults to understand autism and neurodivergence.
We highlight how a neuroinclusive lens improves relationships and connections between professionals and Autistic adults, which in turn supports housing and positive living experiences. We also provide tools and resources that professionals might find useful.
Context
Professionals who understand autism was identified as a need by Autistic adults and family members in order to have good physical and mental health.
Opportunity
Professionals need resources informed by Autistic and Neurodivergent people to learn about autism and neurodivergence, which benefits their work and helps them develop good relationships with the people they support.
The Neuroinclusive Lens
Across all sectors and roles of the housing ecosystem, professionals who understand autism and neurodivergence:
- Provide better support to Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals, families, and caregivers
- Reduce barriers to accessing services and care
- Increase housing and employment options for Autistic adults
- Help educate fellow professionals and build capacity for services
- Help create a neuroinclusive community
Housing Network Connections
Autistic Adults
Family members and caregivers
Health professionals
Housing professionals
Service professionals
Tools and Resources
Housing Providers Guide
An extensive guide from Autism Wales with examples for professionals working within housing and homelessness to understand and address the needs of Autistic individuals
Autism and Homelessness Toolkit
A toolkit for professionals working with individuals experiencing homelessness who might be autistic
Autism Mental Health Literacy Project (AM-HeLP)
A guide with videos developed by a York University project to help professionals understand factors impacting Autistic mental health
AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit: Caring for patients
A resource for health professionals to understand the Autistic experience with healthcare that also provides strategies to facilitate care
Explore our Housing Ecosystem Map to learn how different professionals contribute to housing success.
If you have resources in your profession that you use to learn about and understand autism and neurodivergence, please share with us by emailing ni-house@carleton.ca
We would like to thank Sheila Bell at The Ottawa Adult Autism Initiative (OAAI) for connecting with us, sharing resources, and explaining the results of their project. Visit The Ottawa Adult Autism Initiative (OAAI) website for more information and to access the full report.
Past spotlights
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