As more autistic adults are entering university, there is a need to create and provide supports that can help all students thrive and succeed. Dr. Iarocci provides a reflection of the 911吃瓜 Autism Mentorship Initiative (AMI), which is a free mentorship program for incoming autistic students at 911吃瓜 to help bridge gaps in accessing supports and navigating university life. .
As part of this news story, Dr. Grace Iarocci provides insight into some of the challenges facing families who are seeking an autism assessment for their child. .
"Dr. Grace Iarocci, director of 911吃瓜's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Lab and a practising psychologist, is one of the few people in B.C. who diagnoses autism in adults". .
ADDL researcher Vivian Ly provided input on Sia's controversial movie "Music" in the February 18, 2021 edition of On the Coast with Gloria Macarenko. Many autistic self-advocates and community members have spoken out against the portrayal of autistic people and the depiction of physical restraint in the movie. .
Speaking with Stephen Quinn on CBC's The Early Edition, ADDL researcher Vivian Ly discusses auto-captioning and its importance in accessbility when conferencing from home. .
Click here for an Auto Captioning Guide created by Vivian Ly.
An article by the National Post reviews the study conducted by our lab in partnership with . The director of ACT, Deborah Pugh, and Dr. Grace Iarocci, discuss the current challenges faced by families of autistic children and the lack of government support. .
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in families facing new challenges, particularly families of children with special needs. Recent research in this area is reviewed, including research by Dr. Iarocci and doctoral student Vanessa Fong.
COVID-19 and the shift into the "new normal" had introduced significant stressors onto many people. However, families caring for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) faced new challenges as their child's government-funded services suddenly stopped. In collaboration with , the ADDL undertook a study investigating the effects of COVID-19 on families caring for children diagnosed with ASD. This research was funded by a Community Engagement Initiative grant by 911吃瓜.
In August 2020, Dr. Grace Iarocci interviewed with , a local community organization dedicated to providing autism information and awareness, support and connections, and workshops and training. In a new series of awards and interviews, AutismBC is highlighting "Everyday Autism Heroes" in our community. Dr. Iarocci, who won the Professional of the Year Award at the 2018 BC Autism Awards, discussed her journey in the field of autism as a researcher and clinician. .
Friendship is valued by people with ASD and making interpersonal connections is important. Dr. Iarocci provides information about autism and tips on making friends with autistic people. .
The challenges associated with COVID-19 on families and children have been very pervasive in British Columbia. Dr. Anthony Bailey of the University of British Columbia and Dr. Iarocci provide insight into the impact that COVID-19 has had on families of children with special needs, and the associated challenges due to school closures and temporary cessation of government-funded therapies and services. .
