Webinar: Exploring Depression among Black Autistic Youth and Improving Their Mental Health
Date Published: February 27, 2025
Discussing depression is challenging for any group, but it is particularly complex for Black individuals facing significant stigma and autistic individuals with unique social communication needs. Understanding the intersection of being Black, autistic, and experiencing depression is crucial. In this recorded webinar, Ed-Dee Williams, Ph.D., MSW, addresses these challenges and the importance of enhancing conversations about depression. Additionally, he introduces an innovative simulation-based mental health application designed to support positive communication and improve mental health literacy among Black autistic youth and their families.
Who is Ed-Dee Williams?
Ed-Dee Williams, Ph.D., MSW, is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Boston College School of Social Work and a faculty affiliate in the Vivian and James Curtis Center for Health Equity Research and Training at the University of Michigan. His research aims to advance knowledge and evidence-based mental health strategies to support the mental health needs of Black autistic youth, primarily focusing on the co-occurrence of depression and autistic youths’ mental health help-seeking behaviors. Dr. Williams uses community-engaged research methods and mixed-method methodologies to evaluate the determinants of depression, mental health literacy, and help-seeking behavior among Black autistic youth and to develop and evaluate innovative mental health interventions targeting the mental health needs of Black autistic youth.