From Surviving to Thriving in the Autism Community

Mosaic of Photos from the From Surviving to Thriving Event

The University of Pittsburgh’s National Institute of Mental Health-funded Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) recently hosted “From Surviving to Thriving: Lived Experiences and Practical Tips for the Autism Community,” a special event focused on thriving within the autistic community. From Surviving to Thriving featured speakers with varied connections to autism, with the goal of highlighting how to support positive outcomes and resilience. The program additionally featured work from community partners in the Pittsburgh Adult Autism Research Community Collaborative (PAARCC).

From Surviving to Thriving was organized by ACE Center Director Carla Mazefsky, PhD (Nancy J. Minshew, MD Chair in Autism Research and Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Clinical and Translational Science); and Kelly Beck, PhD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry); together with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD (Advocacy without Borders); and Camille Proctor, MA (Executive Director, The Color of Autism Foundation). The organizers collaborate on the Pitt ACE project, which aims to advance research that will improve mental health outcomes for autistic people and reduce suicide. Dr. Beck serves as lead for the Pitt ACE Dissemination and Partnership Core, and is founder and director of PAARCC. Dr. Giwa Onaiwu and Ms. Proctor are Pitt ACE Center advisors. 

The Program included: 

  • Dr. Giwa Onaiwu opened the event by discussing the importance of focusing on thriving in autism. 
  • Joe Hnath (Band Together Pittsburgh) and his mother shared the impact of being involved in an organization that provides musical and theatrical opportunities. Joe performed three musical pieces. 
  • Patti McCloud (Family Support Coordinator and Trainer, Pressley Ridge) provided her perspective as a mother of a non-speaking adult son, and the importance of finding a support community.
  • Camille Proctor described the advocacy work of The Color of Autism Foundation, which focuses on empowering families to reduce isolation. 
  • Paula Kauffman Oberly, LPC, NCC (PKO Counseling Services) detailed the importance of creating safe spaces at home and at work, and in other settings. She provided practical recommendations on preventing burnout, as well as ways to regulate for sensory and emotional needs.
  • Amy Ionadi, PhD (ACE Media, Web, and DP Core Support; ACE Research Principal Sr.) spoke about the importance of embracing means of thriving that are specific to the individual, and provided personal examples of interests and joy. Dr. Ionadi additionally announced the launch of PAARCC Pro Tips, everyday tips made for autistic people by autistic people. 

“I found myself smiling throughout the entire event,” said Dr. Mazefsky. “It felt really refreshing to focus on what we are really trying to accomplish, which is supporting autistic people and their loved ones to have meaningful and joyful lives.” 

“This was a wonderful event that both truly captured autistic thriving and centered on two important themes: embrace your own unique interests that spark joy, and find your safe spaces and people,” said Dr. Beck.