Canadian Journal of Autism Equity

Foreword

Tanya McLeod — 2024-05-01

A Research-based group home inspired by autistic people

Anne-Marie Nader — 2024-05-01

The development of adapted housing for autistic adults responds to the desire to work towards greater social justice by developing inclusive living environments in agreement with the needs and expectations of autistic individuals. The aim of this project is to describe an example of a research-community partnership that led to the design of a group living environment based on the preferences of autistic adults.

Fostering Inclusion Around Housing Transitions

Allison Annesley — 2024-05-01

This qualitative research project was designed to determine how Community Connectors can best support neurodiverse residents when they move into new housing. The research team also sought to generate greater awareness of the Connector role and support for a pilot. Team members collected and analyzed a range of perspectives, including lived experience, by running focus groups, conducting key informant interviews, and consulting with a diverse advisory panel. A Community Connector assisting neurodiverse residents as they transition to more independent housing can have an outsized impact, on housing success, housing stability, and quality of life. The Social Finance for Social Inclusion Solutions Lab has developed an outcomes-based pilot model to increase access to Community Connectors.

Connectors help residents form relationships and over time, develop a new network of support. Housing providers may also be more willing to welcome these tenants, knowing they have adequate support. Connectors can also facilitate volunteer or employment opportunities, further integrating residents as full and valued members of the community. We found a social impact bond could be a novel way of increasing access to Community Connectors. Both impact investors and government funders are interested in the outcomes a pilot would likely achieve. Social impact bonds are just one idea though. Any funding model that could pay for an outcomes-based pilot with independent evaluation, would generate the evidence required to scale and increase access to this important resource.

Hiding in Plain Sight

James Townend — 2024-05-01

Receiving an autism diagnosis later in life led the author to contextualize a lifetime of struggles and accomplishments, sparking profound reflection on the meaning of success, happiness, and interpersonal relationships. These two stories share the author’s lived experience with intimate detail. In the first story, the author shares his mental model that likens living with autism to ‘hiding in plain sight’, uncovering the intensive emotional toll it takes. In the second story, titled ‘All the Best With Your Future Endeavours,’ the author delves into the realm of work in our world, and the relentless pursuit of societal definitions of success. As the author grapples with his late diagnosis, the need to understand his past from a new lens becomes a journey towards self-discovery. What emerges from this is a moving account of a life molded by a desire to conform to societal roles, a norm shown through such mastery that it hides the true self. This narrative explores the challenges of understanding and embracing one’s identity, particularly within a world that often fails to recognize and accept differences. Together, these narratives illuminate the struggle of navigating life with autism and the simultaneous joy that can come from discovering one’s unique personal power.

Housing Projects in Social Mix Cohabitation

Isabelle Courcy — 2024-05-01

Many autistic adults wish to find a stable, long-term living environment where they can live into the community. However, little research has been conducted on what autistic people want regarding housing, and even fewer are those who address the issue from the perspective of cohabitation in social diversity. What do autistic people say about cohabiting in a social mix setting? Are they interested in cohabiting with families, people of different age generations, or students? This article presents the results of an exploratory research conducted in collaboration with a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and promote inclusion for Autistics. A questionnaire was developed in collaboration with the community organization and autistic individuals and relatives. The voluntary sample consists of 370 people: 179 autistic participants (who completed the questionnaire either independently or with assistance) and 191 people who responded on behalf of their autistic relatives. The results show that around 4 out of 5 people are interested in living together in a social mixed residential project made up of autistic and non-autistic people. The interest in living together in a social mixed residential project varies little based on socio-demographic characteristics and independent living support or accompaniment needs. The analysis of comments offers insights into the reasons why people are interested (or not) in living together in a social mixed residential project. Considerations include the potential for mutual assistance, socializing and sharing interests, personal space, peace and quiet environment, compatibility of interests and lifestyles with roommates and neighbors, as well as the openness and knowledge of others regarding autism.

British Columbia’s Autism Funding Policies

Elliot Gustafson — 2024-05-12

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects one out of 100 children worldwide (World Health Organization, 2023). In Canada, public debates about policies related to autism funding have been ongoing. This research paper provides an analysis of the autism funding policies in British Columbia from inception to present day. Using an economic, social, and educational lens, this paper will examine the progress that has been made to support children living with ASD over two decades and the issues that exist within current autism funding policies that require addressing to improve access and quality of care, support services, and education for those with ASD.

An Autistic Perspective on Workplace Disclosure and Accommodation

Eric Samtleben — 2024-05-01

The negative stereotypes associated with autism have created many barriers to employment. As a result, the autistic population has some of the lowest workforce participation rates among all types of disability; with about only one-quarter of the working age population actively participating. These low unemployment rates persist despite many autistic people expressing the desire to work and being more than capable to do so. Among successfully employed autistic people, disclosure and effective accommodations appear to be key factors for the maintenance of long-term employment. Thus, the present study aimed to provide a qualitative exploration of autistic perspectives on how managers/organizations can encourage disclosure and accommodation requests. In addition, this project sought to explore how managers and/or organizations can best support their autistic employees following an accommodation request. Results from the thematic analysis revealed four primary themes (i.e., authentic culture of caring and inclusivity; strengths approach; individualization and collaboration; and clear and consistent structure/communication) stratified by two categories (i.e., encouraging disclosure and accommodation requests; and supporting autistic employees). The results from this study provide managers/organizations with a practical framework for encouraging disclosure and informing the accommodation process.

Autistic Children and Group Homes

Stephen Bedard — 2024-05-01

There is no guaranteed outcome for an autistic person when it comes to housing. It can range from complete independent living to living with family to being placed in a group home. In this personal account, the story of one family with two autistic children with high needs is shared. Placing a child in a group home is difficult for any parent. The emotional cost is great enough but there are additional challenges that can add to the pain of the situation. What is shared is not meant to generalize to the experience of all autistic people, not even all autistic people who are placed in group homes. This account is a snapshot of one family’s experience that may highlight some of the problems with the system and potentially point to areas for improvement.