Laurier expert alert: Autism Awareness Day

March 30, 2021
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Friday, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. Wilfrid Laurier University has several experts who can speak about autism spectrum disorder, support services for people with autism, the experiences of families and caregivers of people with autism and related issues.

Pam Bryden, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, is an expert on motor development and developmental disabilities. Bryden’s areas of expertise include motor performance and perceptual abilities in children with autism; manual asymmetries; motor control, learning and development; skilled movement; and neuropsychology. Contact: pbryden@wlu.ca

Olena Darewych, adjunct faculty member at Martin Luther University College, is an expert in art therapy, particularly for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a registered art therapist and psychotherapist, she has 20 years of experience working with individuals of all ages and from culturally diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings such as hospitals, child and family services, schools, and long term-care facilities in Australia, Canada, USA and Ukraine. Here current research investigates imagination in adults with ASD using arts-based assessments and digital technology. Contact: odarewych@luther.wlu.ca or 647.889.7753 (cell)

Janet McLaughlin, associate professor of Community Health, is an expert on autism policy and services. Her ongoing research explores the impact of autism and autism policies on family health and well-being, including how families’ socioeconomic status and other social determinants may influence their access to services and therapy outcomes, as well as issues within the education system for autistic students. In 2019, she served on the Ontario Government’s Autism Advisory Panel, advising the government on autism policy reform. With colleague Margaret Schneider, she founded and directs the Laurier Autism Research Consortium. Her current research is exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on autism families. Contact: jmclaughlin@wlu.ca

Margaret Schneider, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, focuses her research on the experience of having a disability, such as autism, from the perspective of the individual, their family and their support network. Her most recent research looks at the impacts of autism policy on service access for families, and the many equity issues surrounding such service access. In particular, she is keenly interested in access to meaningful education for children and youth with autism. Contact: mschneider@wlu.ca