Dr. Emily Casanova, Thea Brain and grace Calhoun will also share insights into self-advocacy, research, support strategies, and community inclusion. By centering lived experience, this session aims to foster greater understanding, empathy, and practical awareness of what it means to live at the intersection of EDS and autism.

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Presenters

Dr. Emily Casanova

Dr. Emily Casanova is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Casanova studies the relationship between autism and hypermobility-related conditions, as well as symptoms dysautonomia across the hypermobility spectrum. In addition, she uses computational techniques to study the genetics of autism, especially from a paleogenomics (i.e., ancient genomics) perspective, such as her work investigating the roles of Neandertal DNA in autism.

Dr. Casanova considers herself a patient-scientist as she is on both the Ehlers-Danlos and autism spectrums and studies these conditions professionally. She is also a passionate advocate for the broader chronic illness community. In her spare time, she enjoys collecting antiques, reading, knitting, and spending time with her family (both the four- and two-legged varieties.)

Thea Brain

Thea Brain is the Clinical Director of Empowering. All. People. Consulting Inc. in British Columbia, with over 20 years of experience working with Autistic children and youth. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Special Education at the University of British Columbia, where her research focuses on neurodiversity-affirming supports.

Her work is deeply informed by lived experience. Thea was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) in 2020, after her mother received the same diagnosis following years of debilitating symptoms. Two of Thea's incredible children are Autistic/AuDHD and her youngest has been diagnosed with Hypermobility Syndrome.

Parenting has helped Thea begin to understand her own experiences as a person with neurodivergence and disability. She is fascinated by the current research on the connection between autism and EDS and is honoured to be included in this conversation.

Presenter:

• Grace Calhoun - Self-Advocate

Moderator:

• Douglas Parsons - Training and Resource Manager, Autism Edmonton

Accessing autism resources can be a challenge, but it's easier when you have partners and allies by your side. Connect with other parents, caregivers, and professionals in the autism community to share information, advice, and support. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals with autism and their families.