Growing adult populations in BC are being excluded from accessing supports and the understanding and acceptance that a formal autism diagnosis provides.

Over the last two years, AutismBC has seen a 70% increase in the inquires about adult assessment and a 190% increase in inquires on the provision of other adult services.

Currently, in BC, There is no publicly funded system for adult autism assessments. To see a psychiatrist a referral from a family doctor is required. However, waitlists to see a psychiatrist are extremely long, and many are not knowledgeable about autism, and therefore few psychiatrists are comfortable to take on adult autism assessments or autistic clients.

At this meeting, you will hear from two experienced and dedicated professionals who are making a difference for the autistic community.

Join us for Dr. Grace Iarocci and Dr. David Worling presentation on Adult Diagnosis:

• Why is adult diagnosis important?
• What are the barriers to Assessment and Diagnosis in BC?
• Ideas for solutions or Best Practices

We will also hear from two Autistic Self Advocates, Alexandria B, and Shayna K as to why they choose to, or not to, pursue a formal autism assessment.

Space is limited and priority will be given to adults contemplating an assessment. Registration is required ahead of time.

To Register, Please click here

About the Speakers

Dr. Grace Iarocci

A winner of BC Autism Awards in 2018, Dr. Grace Iarocci has worked in autism research since 1992, and in 2000 joined Simon Fraser University where she founded the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Lab. Dr. Iarocci has a passion for cutting-edge, innovative research, but her dedication to the community extends way beyond this. For six years, she has run a free Summer camp for autistic AND neurotypical children, providing an opportunity for them to learn how to understand emotions to initiate friendships. Dr. Iarocci is also a co-founder of the Autism Mentoring Initiative (AMI), a peer mentorship program at SFU, to assist students with ASD with the transition from high school-to-university. Launched in 2014, peer mentors receive formal training and on-going supervision. Dr. Iarocci is also deeply committed to and involved in, influencing policy on ASD and worked closely with Ministry of Children and Family Development and Ministry of Health and several community agencies in BC to improve the state of services for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Find out more about Dr. Iarocci and her incredible work in this blog.

Dr. David Worling

Dr. David Worling cofounded Westcoast Child Development Group in 2003 and is the clinical director. Dr. Worling worked at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver for 7 years in the Adolescent Inpatient and Mood and Anxiety Outpatient Psychiatric Clinics. Over the past several years he has grown the practice to include psychological assessment and therapeutic work with adults. Dr. Worling created Spectrum Works Consulting Group in 2015 to help support adolescents and adults on the Autism Spectrum with co-occurring mental health conditions in work and post-secondary settings. (http://spectrumworks.consulting/). Dr. Worling holds an academic affiliation with the department of Psychology at Simon Fraser University and is a Sessional Instructor with the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. He has over 25 years’ experience as a clinician and has specialized training in the areas of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Autism Diagnostics, Group Therapy, and Learning Disabilities.