Join local experts and advocates — including three Oishei Children’s Hospital providers — for a virtual discussion about autism. Learn the facts about autism, what we know and don’t yet know about its causes, and discover community resources that support families.
Make informed decisions based on science, not speculation.
Wednesday, November 19 from 6:30–8 p.m.
Watch the livestream on the Buffalo Toronto Public Media YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@BuffaloTorontoPublicMedia/streams
Guided by Buffalo Toronto Public Media (WBFO) Disabilities Beat Reporter Emyle Watkins, the panel will explore the evidence around false claims about autism and how these myths can undermine the work of healthcare professionals and advocates.
Whether you're a parent, healthcare provider, educator or community member, you’ll gain tools to navigate complex health narratives and support informed, science-based decision-making.
Don’t miss this opportunity to separate fact from fear and hear directly from trusted voices in medicine and advocacy — including Dr. Michelle Hartley-McAndrew, Dr. Mark Hicar and Dr. J’Leise Sosa from Oishei Children’s Hospital.
Participants:
- Introduction: Gale Burstein, MD, MPH, Erie County Commissioner of Health
- Moderator: Emyle Watkins, BTPM Disabilities Beat Reporter
- Panelists:
- Stephen Anderson, PhD, Autism Expert, The Summit Center
- Hannah Brecher, Self-Advocate and Peer Mentor
- David Herring, PhD, Parent and Advocate, Neurodiversity Network of WNY
- Michelle Hartley-McAndrew, MD, FAAP, Medical Director, Robert Warner Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation, Oishei Children’s Hospital
- Mark Hicar, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UB Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
- J'Leise Sosa, MD, Medical Director, Oishei Children’s Hospital OBGYN Centers
- Closing: Pastor George Nicholas, Buffalo Center for Health Equity