Reflecting On My Few Days At The 2024 AUCD Conference.

Attending the Association of University Centers On Disabilities (AUCD) conference, themed “Stronger Together: Creating a More Inclusive World,” was both inspiring and insightful. One of the most impactful moments was visiting the poster symposium titled “Social Determinants of Mental Health for Children and Youth in the United States.” The presentations highlighted critical factors affecting mental health equity, sparking valuable discussions about addressing systemic barriers and improving access to resources.

 

Connecting with other LEND coordinators was another highlight. We shared experiences, challenges, and strategies to strengthen interdisciplinary training and community outreach within our programs. These conversations were both encouraging and practical, offering fresh perspectives on enhancing our collective work.

 

I also had the opportunity to assist two of my colleagues who were unable to attend the conference due to other commitments in representing their two posters.

 

The first poster, “Partnering to Engage Communities to Promote Early Identification,” emphasized the importance of collaboration in developmental screenings.

 

The second poster, “Autism Spectrum Disorder Among 8years Old, Prevalence in Immigrant Communities in Minnesota: Data from the MN-ADDM Study,” explored disparities in autism prevalence and the need for culturally responsive approaches.

 

Answering questions and engaging attendees deepened my understanding of these critical issues.

Overall, the conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose in building a more inclusive and equitable world for all.