About Us
Ontario Working Group on Mental Health & Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Welcome to the
website of the Ontario Working Group on Mental Health and Adults with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In response to the alarming lack of
knowledge and appropriate services for adults living with ASD, this
collaboration was created in spring 2014. We are leaders in the ASD
field, clinicians and researchers in adult mental health, and
representatives from professional clinical organizations across Ontario.
Unmet Needs of Adults with ASDs
Increasingly, individuals are diagnosed with ASD for the first time in
adulthood. Also, those previously diagnosed with non-specific
developmental disabilities or learning disabilities are being identified
as having ASD. For all adults with ASD, their struggles in social
interaction are commonly compounded by mental health issues—particularly
anxiety and depression.
Without appropriate diagnostic and
mental health services, many adults suffer in isolation. They may be
unable to find or keep employment, gain independence, find friends and
partners, or function in post-secondary education. A recent provincial
study found that a high proportion of affected adults depend on family
members well into adulthood, require long-term financial supports, and
may have a poor quality of life overall.
Educating Mental Health Professionals
The short-term deliverable of the Ontario Working Group is to organize a
day-long conference for mental health practitioners. This will be an
opportunity to educate clinicians across the province on the mental
health and psychosocial issues that adults with ASD face, while at the
same time presenting best practice approaches from expert speakers,
consumer panels, and research presentations.
In addition to this
unique event, the Ontario Working Groupplans to continue to inform
mental health professionals and the public about the needs of this
marginalized group.
Co-Chairs
Dr. Kevin Stoddart (Co-Chair) is Founding Director of The Redpath Centre and Adjunct Professor, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. He has worked in the fields of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), developmental disabilities, and child and adult mental health.
Dr. Doug Weir (Co-Chair) was President of the Ontario Medical Association 2012-2013 and on the OMA Board of Directors from May 2005 to April 2014. He has been active in the Ontario Medical Association since 1988 and continues to serve on a number of committees. During his year as President he championed a number of issues including Alcohol Harm Reduction, Obesity Prevention and Improving Mental Health Services for Teenagers and Young Adults.