Practical Tips Event

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Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum

Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum will provide an overview of some of the exciting research results and changes that have happened in the Autism Research Centre over the past year, including results from ongoing studies and describing some of the new studies that are launching this year!

Lonnie Zwaigenbaum is a developmental pediatrician and clinician-scientist, supported by an endowed chair in ASD research from the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair. His research focuses on early development in ASD, including early detection, diagnosis and treatment, as well strategies to improve health care experience. He has played an active role in establishing practice standards in pediatric autism care in Canada, particularly in early detection and diagnosis (lead author on Canadian Pediatric Society Practice Statements), and in guiding our national autism policy (chair, Oversight Panel, Autism Assessment by Canadian Academy of Health Sciences). Dr. Zwaigenbaum was appointed as the Associate Director and Academic Lead, Children’s Health Research in May 2025 at the Women and Children’s Heath Research Institute (WCHRI).

Dr. Emily Hotez

This presentation will describe barriers to healthcare for autistic women and girls across the life course. We will discuss opportunities in research and clinical practice to promote the health and well-being of this population.

Dr. Emily Hotez is a developmental psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Hotez’s research focuses on autistic individuals' experiences across interpersonal, educational, and healthcare contexts. As a sister of an autistic adult, she is committed to research that applies a neurodiversity perspective.

Dr. Grant Bruno

Dr. Bruno’s work on autism in First Nations communities focuses on reclaiming Indigenous perspectives on neurodiversity and fostering culturally grounded support for Indigenous Autistic children and their families. Through research and advocacy, he explores the role of kinship, language, and traditional knowledge in shaping strengths-based approaches to autism care. His work challenges colonial barriers in health and education systems, emphasizing community-led, self-determined solutions that honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Dr. Bruno is nêhiyaw (Plains Cree), a registered member of Samson Cree Nation, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. With a background rooted in nêhiyaw understandings of health, Dr. Bruno’s work focuses on creating culturally responsive healthcare models that support Indigenous children and youth, particularly in the areas of neurodiversity and child and youth health. As a proud First Nations scholar, Dr. Bruno’s research weaves nêhiyaw knowledge systems and Western frameworks to create inclusive, decolonized approaches to healthcare. Dr. Bruno is currently the Academic Lead Indigenous Child Health for the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) and is the founder of the Ispimihk Awâsisak (Sky Children Program) and the Indigenous Caregiving Collective

Emily Coombs

This presentation explores the intersection of autism and sexuality, highlighting the diverse experiences, challenges, and strengths of autistic individuals in navigating relationships, identity, and intimacy. It will address common misconceptions, discuss research findings, and provide insights into how professionals, caregivers, and communities can foster inclusive and affirming environments.

Emily Coombs is a Queer Autistic Autism researcher and PhD student at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on the intersection of LGBTQ+ identities, gender diversity and interpersonal relationships of Autistic people. She works as a provisional psychologist on a remote reservation when not researching. Emily is passionate on making research more accessible and applicable to those in her communities.

Dr. Jonathan Lai

Autism Alliance of Canada has been calling for a comprehensive and viable autism strategy since 2007. Last September federal Minister of Health Mark Holland tabled the Framework for Autism in Canada and launched the Autism Strategy. The Framework—a multi-year plan that will be updated regularly as needs and priorities evolve—outlines principles and measures to guide national autism policy, programs and activities to support Autistic people of all ages, their families, and caregivers. Learn about the journey and where we need to go next.

Dr Jonathan Lai is the Executive Director at Autism Alliance of Canada. He also holds an Adjunct Faculty position in Health Services Research at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. At Autism Alliance of Canada, Jonathan's work involves responding to emerging national policy gaps in the autism and disability sector. Through his career, he has experience working at the interface of research, community and policy to affect systems change in the health and social services sector across Canada.

Nicholas Piroddi

In this presentation, Nicholas will delve into his thesis research on what residents feel they need to set them up for success regarding best practices for autism care. Through personal anecdotes, Nicholas will provide some tips on what advocates can do to be an active participant in their care.

Nicholas Piroddi completed his Masters of Science at the University of Alberta in Fall 2024. He is an Autistic self-advocate who is dedicating his career to improving the lives of Autistic individuals, with a primary focus on increasing community capacity for autism screening, diagnosis, and long -term care, as well as creating more inclusive and effective research practices for all Autistic Canadians.

Hannah Santilli

In this presentation, Hannah and Heather will focus on the experiences of Autistic post-secondary students in Canada. This research highlights how institutional policies, supportive faculty, and peer connections can make a meaningful difference in fostering belonging and academic success. Hannah will share key insights and discuss practical ways to create more inclusive university environments for Autistic post-secondary students.

Hannah Santilli is a first-year PhD student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at the University of Alberta, supervised by Dr. Heather Brown. As a training clinician, she is passionate about neuro-affirming approaches to assessment and counselling, emphasizing strength-based, collaborative practices that empower neurodivergent children, youth, and adults.

Dr. Heather Brown

In this presentation, Heather and Hannah will focus on the experiences of Autistic post-secondary students in Canada. This research highlights how institutional policies, supportive faculty, and peer connections can make a meaningful difference in fostering belonging and academic success. Hannah will share key insights and discuss practical ways to create more inclusive university environments for Autistic post-secondary students.

Dr. Heather M. Brown is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta and a dedicated Autistic researcher with a passion for advancing the academic achievement and overall well-being of Autistic individuals across the lifespan. Originally trained as an elementary school teacher, Dr. Brown has transitioned to a leadership role in autism research, where she integrates her teaching expertise with her lived experience as an Autistic person. Her research is rooted in community-based participatory methods, prioritizing collaboration with Autistic individuals to empower them to embrace their neurodiversity and thrive in all areas of life.

Santwana Carstensen-Sinha

Santwana and Sandy will be discussing findings from two recent studies that took place with grade 2-6 students in inclusive education programs in Alberta. The first study used creative methods to explore grade 4-6 student's perspectives on the 'best school environments', while the second study explored outcomes of a peer-focused diversity and autism awareness intervention on inclusion of autistic students. Both studies reinforced the importance of belonging for autistic students in educational contexts.

Santwana Carstensen-Sinha has worked as an occupational therapist in a variety of clinical and community settings over many years. For most of her career she has worked with autistic children in schools and homes. She is also the mother of an autistic son, and her parenting journey challenged her to find innovative solutions to support autistic children in school. She began a Masters in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Alberta and has been supporting our work with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Her thesis, not presented today, involves working with the staff and students at St. Charles Elementary School to learn more about how the SPACE program is changing the school experience for autistic students at the school

Dr. Sandy Thompson Hodgetts

Sandy and Santwana will be discussing findings from two recent studies that took place with grade 2-6 students in inclusive education programs in Alberta. The first study used creative methods to explore grade 4-6 student's perspectives on the 'best school environments', while the second study explored outcomes of a peer-focused diversity and autism awareness intervention on inclusion of autistic students. Both studies reinforced the importance of belonging for autistic students in educational contexts.

Dr. Sandy Thompson-Hodgetts is associate professor and Acting Chair, Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta. She has been engaged in clinical practice and research with the autism community for the past two decades. Sandy's research (and that of her graduate students) is focused on inclusion, participation, self-determination, and goal-setting for Autistic people in everyday contexts, such as schools and communities. Most of Sandy's research engages participatory methods with autistic partners.

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