The Role of Stigma and Trauma in Shaping Autistic Experiences
May 26 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This presentation will include an overview of research on the impacts of trauma and stigma on Autistic people. Together, we will explore how autism-related stigma in society, research, and interpersonal interactions translates into a greater risk of experiencing trauma, including exclusion and discrimination, for many Autistic people.
The presenter will discuss Autistic peoples’ experiences with stigmatization and trauma in a variety of contexts (including interpersonal relationships, school, work, clinical, and community spaces), and address the self-reported coping methods Autistic people use.
They will also explore intersectional, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting Autistic people in their day-to-day lives.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Tuesday, May 26
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the Presenter:
Tamara Garfield is a doctoral student at Drexel University in the Community Health and Prevention program of the Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia, PA. Tamara identifies as Autistic and uses she/her and they/them pronouns. Their work includes a focus on meaningfully including Autistic people in research to improve quality of life and health-related outcomes for Autistic people. Tamara discovered a passion for this work as a peer mentor in high school and pursued a BA in psychology and a MA in community counseling with a focus on neurodivergence, stigma, and trauma.
In her current work, Tamara is studying how contextual factors, including stigma and trauma, shape Autistic peoples’ experiences in employment and education and, in turn, how these experiences impact their health and wellbeing. In their free time, Tamara loves spending time with her cats, gardening, cooking, listening to podcasts, and watching movies or TV shows.
