Dr. Connor Kerns
Join us in congratulating Dr. Connor Kerns, who was named a member of the Evidence Based Working Group by the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). In this role, Dr. Kerns will be providing evidence-based recommendations to build and strengthen Canada’s National Autism Strategy.
“The Prime Minister of Canada gave to the Minister of Health, in her mandate letter, instructions to develop a National Autism Strategy. The Minister of Health tasked the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) with providing the basis for such a strategy. In turn, the Public Health Agency asked CAHS to lead an assessment and engagement effort to inform a future National Autism Strategy. The CAHS working groups, comprised of experts and stakeholders, will provide evidence-based information and recommendations focused on increasing economic inclusion, social inclusion and access to evidence-based intervention.”
Dr. Kerns, who was selected for her expertise and credibility in the field of mental health interventions for with autism, will work to steer academic, scientific and knowledge-sharing to support the development and ultimate rolling out of the National Autism Strategy. She joins us for a Q&A about her membership and the significance of this strategy for Canada.
What will be your role in the Evidence Based Working Group?
I will provide recommendations and expertise around autism diagnosis and treatment, including mental health treatment, to the working group. A particular goal will be calling for increased access to mental health supports for those on the spectrum.
Why does Canada need a National Autism Strategy?
Access to care and support is extremely variable from province to province. The goal of the national autism strategy is to provide recommendations for a more universal effort that would enhance economic, social, and health equity for those on the spectrum.
How can this working group help form a National Autism Strategy?
The working group will play a key role in shaping what guidelines and recommendations will come out of this national autism strategy and will play a key role in ensuring that these guidelines and recommendations are evidence-based wherever possible as well as in sync with the diverse needs of autistic individuals.
Can you tell us about the evidence-based interventions you have developed through your research?
My work has contributed to evidence-based cognitive-behavioural therapies for anxiety and children on the spectrum as well as evidence-based approaches to assessing anxiety and traumatic stress in this group.
Connor Kerns is an Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology at UBC. Her research interests include assessment and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), childhood anxiety and stress-related disorders (including trauma-related disorders) in children with and without ASD.
