Autism Diagnosis – Mission Possible: Working towards provincial assessment best practice standards and building capacity

Recorded July 13, 2024. This presentation discusses current challenges and opportunities in addressing autism diagnosis and steps being taken to create capacity in Alberta, tertiary assessments and assessments within a rural context. Presented by members of the Autism Diagnosis Community of Practice.

Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, MD

Lonnie is a developmental pediatrician at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, where he directs the Autism Research Centre. He completed his clinical training in Toronto and research training at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario where he worked prior to moving to Edmonton in 2006. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta and is supported by the the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair in Autism. He is the medical lead for the Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consultation Service at the Glenrose and the Edmonton Zone Clinical Department Head for Child Health, Alberta Health Services. His current research focuses on improving early detection and timely diagnosis and health care related to autism.

Dr. Sabrina Eliason, MD, FRCPC (she/her)

Dr. Eliason is a developmental pediatrician at the Glenrose Rehabiltiation Hospital (GRH) in Edmonton, Alberta and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. She completed undergraduate studies in Economics and Biology at Queen’s University, her MD at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, her General Pediatrics training at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon and her Developmental Pediatrics subspecialty training at the GRH. She currently serves as the medical lead of the School Age Neurodevelopmental Assessment Clinic and Pediatric Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Clinic at the GRH. Dr. Eliason has previously served at a national level as the president of the Canadian Pediatric Society Section of Developmental Pediatrics and is the incoming Program Director for Developmental Pediatric sub-specialty training at the University of Alberta. Dr. Eliason’s current quality improvement work is focused on community capacity building and medical education to support improved care for people with neurodevelopmental differences and the creation of a new clinical service model called the Pediatric Interdisciplinary Neurodevelopmental Clinic (PINC) that will aim to provide tertiary multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessment for children while prioritizing functioning, equity and efficiency.

Alison Steele

Alison Steele’s dedication to supporting families in northern Alberta shows her passion for the profession. Her two-decade-long commitment, particularly in the last 12 years within school settings, showcases her passion for ensuring children receive the necessary support for their educational journey. Her involvement in multidisciplinary teams underscores her collaborative approach, recognizing that addressing children’s needs often requires a comprehensive effort.

As a registered psychologist specializing in autism assessment and support, Alison’s expertise fills a crucial gap in her community. By establishing Steele Psychological Services Inc. in 2020, she has provided families with a local resource for high-quality assessment services, demonstrating her commitment to accessible and tailored care.

Alison’s extensive experience spanning from early childhood to young adulthood reflects her versatility in addressing a wide range of developmental and psychological needs. Her emphasis on building authentic relationships with families underscores her understanding of the therapeutic process’s foundational role, grounded in trust and collaboration