Free Event for Patients and Families // Depression and Autism: A youth-to-youth guide to coping and getting help
Event date: -
Event type: Single day (a day or less)
Register for this HYBRID event for online or in person access here: Depression and Autism: A youth-to-youth guide to coping and getting help Tickets, Mon, 26 Jun 2023 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
Although co-occurring depression is common in autistic youth, most informational resources focus on depression or autism and do not focus on youth specifically. To begin to address this gap, join us to learn about a new online resource to support autistic youth with depression, their caregivers and care providers! Several autistic youth, caregivers, and clinicians who created this resource will be presenting this resource and discussing the co-creation process.
About the resource:
There are six tip sheets that can be downloaded together or separately:
• Autism and Depression: What can it look like?
• A Note to Mental Health Professionals
Our Presenters:
Stephanie Ameis (Psychiatrist), Riley Goldsmith (Youth Engagement Specialist), Alex Echakowitz (Youth Engagement Specialist), Shaylene Pind (Caregiver Advisor), Shannon Pascoe (Caregiver Advisor)
Dr. Stephanie Ameis is a Child and Youth Psychiatrist and Clinician-Scientist in the Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at the Hospital for Sick Children and CAMH, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, the Associate Director of the CAMH Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression and the Clinician Scientist Program Director for the General Psychiatry Residency Program, Department of Psychiatry (Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto).
Dr. Ameis’ research spans across: (1) neuroimaging research, studying biological mechanisms related to clinical symptoms, social cognition, neurocognition and behaviour across children, youth and young adults with a variety of mental health conditions, (2) interventional research, focused on studying novel interventions to treat mental health symptoms in youth, and (3) implementation science and knowledge translation to improve uptake of research findings in her work with the Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression. Dr. Ameis has a particular interest in developing evidence-based interventions to address depression and suicidal thinking in autistic youth.
Riley Goldsmith is a Youth Engagement Specialist at the Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health at CAMH. As a disabled, autistic adult who has direct and extensive experience with the mental health system. Riley hopes to further the research and understanding of the intersection of disabilities and mental health.
Alex Echakowitz is an Autistic, Mad, multiply-disabled, disability justice activist who specializes in youth mental health. Prior to their employment as a Youth Engagement Specialist, they worked with CAMH's Youth Engagement Initiative as a member of the National Youth Action Council and the Youth Advisory Group. They also helped develop the Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism as a member of the AM-HeLP Group. Other projects they’ve been involved in include: facilitating various peer support groups at the YFS Access Centre; conducting educational workshops at U of T and TMU; advising on the Ontario Autism Program; and co-founding A4A Ontario.
Hello my name is Shannon Pascoe, I am the mother of an 18 year old neurodivergent son who experiences mental health challenges that began around age 16. I currently sit on the Caregiver Research advisory committee at CAMH, which is led by Connie Putterman. I am also an ACT caregiver facilitator, helping to bring ACT workshops to parents with children who have neurodevelopmental disabilities and sit on the Azrieli Centre Caregiver Advisory. My son and I have participated in various research studies over the last 5 years. I find it very rewarding as a caregiver to be involved in research at CAMH. It is a very supportive community and I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful caring people.
Shaylene Pind (she/her) has been a family/caregiver advisor at CAMH since July 2021. As part of her role, she participates in various research projects on mental health and presents the perspective of a family/caregiver. Shaylene also volunteers as a Family Advisor on the Ontario Provincial Steering Committee and the Patient and Family Council for Mental Health at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Further, Shaylene co-facilitates a 12-week group at the Sashbear Foundation for those who are in a relationship with someone who experiences emotional dysregulation.
This session is presented by the Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression
More information about the RBC Patient and Family Learning Space: The RBC Patient and Family Learning Space | CAMH
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