Acfas | Trainee Research Day on Autism and Neurodivergence

About

The realities and challenges experienced by neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, represent a growing public health issue in Quebec. Despite the excellence of researchers and strong partnerships, research capacity and knowledge mobilization remain insufficient. Training the next generation is essential to enrich knowledge and develop innovative solutions. However, students face several challenges: the complexity of the ecosystem, a lack of critical intersectoral capacity, systemic biases, and limited inclusion, all of which constrain equity and scientific innovation.

To address this, the Transforming Autism Care Network (TACC), through the Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training Platform (CanNRT), is building a dynamic intersectoral and interdisciplinary community. It equips emerging researchers to become leaders capable of navigating research, practice, and policy. The platform aims to create a learning community, strengthen engagement, co-design an accessible curriculum focused on key priorities, connect research and community partners, and integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This Trainee Research Day on Autism and Neurodivergence will engage emerging researchers in Quebec by offering a French-speaking interdisciplinary space to showcase their work, strengthen their communication and leadership skills, and build connections with peers and the community. It will focus on four priorities: early identification and intervention, mental health, autonomy and inclusion, and aging. The projects presented will highlight the diversity of interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of knowledge. Students will have the opportunity to communicate their projects to a broader audience, gain visibility, and assert their role in the ecosystem by generating concrete actions. If interest is sustained, this event could become recurring to support this emerging community of neurodevelopmental research leaders in Quebec.