On the First Thursday of every month at 11:30 EST ADHCE provides a networking opportunity to members and interested guests. The monthly meeting includes presentations around current topics of interest, advocacy, and announcements for upcoming events. You can also learn more about the organization and the wonderful work of its members. Students are welcomed.
Autism After 50 – Social Determinants of Health and Optimal Aging
SPEAKER: Catherine M. Beechie, M.S.N., B.S.N., R.N., C.N.L. (expected May 2024)
LECTURE SUMMARY: A small but growing body of research depicts a bleak and grossly disparate quality of life for Autistics. Compared to allistics, they have higher rates of most chronic health conditions and poorer quality of care resulting in lifespans that are on average 20 years shorter. Despite these health inequities and a 300+% increase in autism prevalence since the year 2000 compounded by a rapidly aging population, there is a paucity of literature focused solely on the health and wellbeing of Autistic adults over age 50. The emergence of Autistic self-advocacy and critical autism studies has contributed breathtaking insight and research on the experience of being Autistic, often conflicting with key assumptions in conventional autism science that currently informs healthcare practice. This presentation will discuss the current body of research and expertise as well as gaps in our knowledge about older Autistic adults’ health and support needs, social determinants of health, and overall well-being utilizing neurodivergent, DEIB, and the social model of disability frameworks.
SPEAKER BIO: Catherin M. Beechie (she/ they) is a multiply disabled, neuroqueer, and AuDHD former educator now soon-to-be advanced generalist nurse. Her award-winning work with disabled students in an adult education program in rural Kentucky coupled with her own challenges accessing adequate healthcare and support services inspired her transition to a career in nursing. Their research and clinical practice interests include neuro-affirming and 2SLGBTQIA+ healthcare, autism and ADHD, immune and inflammatory disorders, optimal aging, health literacy and patient/ family education, population health, functional medicine, disability-informed practice, and trauma-informed care. Following completion of her program at the University of Louisville, Catherine has accepted a position as a registered nurse with Mayo Clinic to begin July 2024.
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ADHCE does not collect registration fees for any event and proudly offers monthly meetings and an annual conference at no additional cost to attendees. We do welcome donations: Donate Here to support ongoing operational expenses as the organization continues to grow. And if you are not yet a member please join here: Join The ADHCE
