The four “Impossible Problems” are:
1. Improving care for individuals with self-injurious behaviors.
2. Improving access to mental health resources in rural and remote regions.
3. How to represent those who cannot voice their own opinion on complex issues.
4. How to ensure the health needs of older autistic adults are met.
For each of the four “Impossible Problems” AIDE Canada has created research summaries that list the current policies and programs,
as well as the latest scientific understandings related to the problem. These supporting articles are designed to help everyone make
the most of our problem-solving time together.
Improving Access to Mental Health Resources in Rural and Remote Regions
Access this research summary here
Insufficient mental health services are identified as a pressing challenge in rural and remote communities.
This literature review identifies considerations and service delivery approaches that have been attempted, as reported in academic literature.
Increased community-focused research is recommended.
How should we represent those who cannot voice their own opinion on complex issues?
Access this research summary here
This review offers a summary of selected literature addressing self-representation among non or minimally speaking autistic individuals
with or without intellectual disabilities. Examples of potential ways to support representation are offered. The literature advocates for
knowledge development and training in communication strategies for community members such as health care providers.
Improving care for individuals with self-injurious behaviors
Access this research summary here
Self-Injurious Behaviors (SIB) are complex and difficult to treat. Reasons behind the SIB can include sensory processing differences,
physical health concerns, behavioral challenges, communication challenges, and/or genetic predisposition.
This literature review identifies considerations and explores strategies to better support individuals and their families.
Increased research with individuals with both high and low support needs is recommended.
How do we ensure the health needs of older autistic adults are met?
Access this research summary here
Autistic seniors may be at increased risk of certain diseases associated with aging. They are also less likely to have their needs met
in healthcare and residential care settings. Unfortunately, there is limited research in this area, and findings from different studies are mixed.
This literature review summarizes what we know and explores strategies to better support individuals and their families. Increased research and
collaboration with older autistic seniors are recommended.
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