90-minute livestream coordinated by Erie County Department of Health, Buffalo Center for Health Equity and Buffalo Toronto Public Media
On Wednesday, November 19, the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH), Buffalo Center for Health Equity and Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM) presented a powerful and timely community forum: “Understanding Autism.” The event brought medical professionals, self-advocates, parents and public health leaders together to address persistent myths about autism and vaccines, explore the science behind diagnosis and treatment, and elevate the voices of autistic people and their families.
The event was livestreamed with American Sign Language and is available for on-demand viewing on the BTPM YouTube channel. A full transcript is available on BTPM.org.
“Wednesday’s event highlighted not only the facts around autism, but the deep wisdom of the autistic community,” Forum Moderator Emyle Watkins said. “It wasn’t long ago that autistic people were not given the resources, support, and equal opportunity they deserve. But our forum showed that times are changing, the future is bright for autistic people, and families do not have to live in dismay and distress. Coming just a year after PBS Kids launched Carl the Collector, I’m proud to be part of a public media network that is changing what we know and believe about autism."
Watkins, a neurodivergent journalist and BTPM’s Disabilities Beat Reporter moderated the 90-minute panel, which
- Stephen Anderson, Ph.D., former CEO of The Summit Center
- Hannah Brecher, autistic self-advocate and peer mentor
- Gale Burstein, MD, MPH, Erie County Commissioner of Health
- Michelle Hartley-McAndrew, MD, pediatric neurologist at Oishei Children’s Hospital
- David Herring, Ph.D., neurodivergent parent and psychology professor
- Mark Hicar, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist and vaccine expert
- Pastor George Nicholas, CEO of the Buffalo Center for Health Equity
- J’Leise Sosa, MD, MPH, obstetrician/gynecologist and women’s health expert
In her opening remarks, Dr. Burstein emphasized the importance of separating scientific fact from misinformation, especially around vaccines and autism. “Science is not set in stone,” Dr. Burstein said. “It evolves with evidence. And tonight, we’re here to clarify and demystify some of the most common misconceptions that continue to cause fear and confusion.”
The panel addressed topics including:
- The difference between correlation and causation in scientific research
- The debunked myth linking vaccines to autism
- The disparities in autism diagnoses
- The role of media and social platforms in spreading misinformation
- The importance of language, identity and lived experience in autism advocacy
The event also highlighted the need for inclusive, accessible resources and encouraged attendees to seek out credible sources like HealthyChildren.org and a new “Understanding Autism” resource guide on the ECDOH web site.
“My message is this: for those of you who have people who are autistic in your life, celebrate who they are, don’t try to fix them because they are not broken. Don’t try to change them, but change the way you interact with them,” said Pastor Nicholas in his closing remarks. “It’s a wonderful gift that people who have autism are giving to this world. We have to make room for them in our educational systems, our healthcare systems, everywhere in our society, and make sure we surround them with a community of care and understanding.”
