Project
Positive Outcomes Project (POP)
The Positive Outcomes Project (POP) is an innovative research and capacity-building initiative addressing the need for evidence-based services and support for wellbeing for autistic adults. This population has been largely overlooked, with only 4.3% of autism research funding in 2020 focused on supporting autistic adults.
Details
The Positive Outcomes Project (POP) launched in 2023 with a webinar on autistic sexuality and discussions with community partners around disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among autistic adults.
POP builds on a foundation of understanding and alleviating common sources of autistic suffering and aims to increase positive wellbeing among autistic adults through three interconnected strategies:
- Understanding and mitigating the factors leading to alarmingly high suicide rates in autistic adults.
- Evaluating the impact of sensory-supporting spaces and social opportunities on wellbeing.
- Assessing the effectiveness of neurological regulation and preventative care strategies.
Resource
An updated handout of key takeaways and resources based on Dr. Shannan Palma’s 2023 webinar on bodies, sex, and gender