The Transforming Autism Care Consortium (TACC) is a community-partnered research network that connects and mobilizes research strengths in Quebec to improve quality of life for autistic individuals and people with other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Since its launch in 2017, TACC has brought together regular (research), trainee and partner (community) members, bridging science and society. In 2024, TACC reached an important milestone, becoming a fully recognized thematic research network by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ).
The 2025 Annual Member Assembly was the first since this formal recognition. It offered a space for members and non-members alike to share knowledge, explore emerging priorities, and reflect on how the network operates in practice.
The gathering marked the launch of our established committees, including our Scientific Committee and Community Engagement Committee, along with working groups for the Giant Steps Living Lab and Quebec 1,000 Families (Q1K) initiatives. It was also a chance to introduce our new co-directors, Melanie Couture and Mayada Elsabbagh, and to connect with some of our TACC Trainee Co-Leadership awardees.
The day opened with a keynote by Valérie Jessica Laporte (Le bleuet atypique): artist, author and neurodivergent activist. Laporte shared her reflections on participatory research, inclusion and building reciprocal relationships between scientists and autistic people.
Laporte’s keynote is a resource for anyone interested in how inclusive research can strengthen relationships and create space for first-person experience (Production: Noah Leon, Moosefuel Media).
The event also included an “unconference”, a participatory format that invites attendees to propose and join discussion sessions based on shared interests, offering flexibility and opportunity to move between conversations that reflected a diversity of perspectives and experiences.
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Taken together, the Member Assembly served as a valuable forum for connection, honest exchange, and learning.
To learn more about TACC’s mission, leadership and structure: About Us, Organigram, Research.