Professor James McCauley Co-Authors International Paper on Autism

Assistant Professor of Psychology James B. McCauley, PhD, is the co-author of a large-scope paper on the future of autism care and treatment, with a focus on personalised and lifelong approaches. “The Lancet Commission on the Future of Care and Clinical Research in Autism” was commissioned by The Lancet and was published online Monday, Dec. 6. The international effort included researchers from a number of different continents as well as individuals with autism and parents. 

"This commission calls for greater acknowledgement of the individual and cultural differences that exist within people with autism, and to understand how strengths and needed support may change with age,” said McCauley. “We also reiterate the enriching value of neurodiversity in our society represented by individuals with autism. Respecting this diversity, we advocate for practical, personalised, and urgently needed considerations for assessment, treatment, and future research that advance quality of life, particularly for individuals in low-resource settings."

"I was honored to be a part of this commission. It was truly an international effort, featuring researchers, self-advocates, parents, and healthcare providers from six continents to discuss ideas on how to improve the quality of life for people with autism worldwide. Social justice is a recurrent theme throughout the report, and we hope the information outlined  will lead to a new and widespread standard of care that prioritises individual needs."

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