UBNow

“Understanding Autism: Together in Experience and Advocacy” will be the topic of a virtual discussion Nov. 19 featuring a panel of health care providers that includes UB faculty, local health equity experts and local disability advocates.

Presented by the Erie County Department of Health, Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM) and the Buffalo Center for Health Equity, the discussion was prompted by recent public statements by federal sources and online “influencers” that have contributed to confusion and fear around vaccines and Tylenol use during pregnancy. Online, these statements have given rise to a blurring of the distinctions between evidence and misinformation, and between myth and reality.

Panelists, guided by Emyle Watkins, BTPM (WBFO) disabilities beat reporter, will explore the evidence about false claims about autism and how such claims may undermine health professional and advocacy efforts.

The discussion takes place at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 on BTPM’s YouTube channel.

Free and open to the public, the discussion will be useful for parents, health care providers, educators and anyone who wants to learn what is and is not known about autism, how to navigate these complex health narratives, where to find support for informed decision-making and how to access community resources.

UB participants are:

• Gale Burstein, Erie County health commissioner and clinical professor of pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
• Michelle Hartley-McAndrew, medical director, Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation, Oishei Children’s Hospital; pediatric developmental health expert; and clinical associate professor of pediatrics, Jacobs School.
• Mark Hicar, associate professor of pediatrics and chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School.

Other panelists:

• Emyle Watkins, BTPM disabilities beat reporter, and a neurodivergent journalist.  
• Stephen Anderson, autism expert, The Summit Center.  

• Hannah Brecher, self-advocate and peer mentor.

• David Herring, parent and advocate, Neurodiversity Network of WNY.  

• J'Leise Sosa, medical director, John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital OBGYN Centers.  

• Pastor George Nicholas, Buffalo Center for Health Equity.