Presenter: Edwin Portugal, MBA Candidate, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

This session aims to illuminate the transformative power of peer support among autistic adults, presenting a model where lived experience fosters mental well-being and social integration. By aligning with the conference's dedication to neurodiversity and mental health, I will share compelling research and narratives that underline the efficacy of peer-led interventions. Content will encompass an analysis of traditional mental health paradigms versus peer support frameworks, highlighting the benefits of the latter in promoting autonomy, empathy, and understanding within the neurodiverse community. Attendees will gain insights into innovative peer support programs that prioritize the unique perspectives of autistic adults, demonstrating improved mental health outcomes through community-based participatory research. Significance lies in the session's focus on actionable strategies, bolstered by empirical evidence and personal accounts from the neurodiverse community. Discussions will encourage reflection on the intersection of mental health and neurodiversity, fostering an environment where stakeholders—clinicians, policymakers, and autistic individuals—can collaboratively envision a mental health landscape that truly accommodates neurodiverse needs. Furthermore, the session will examine the roles
capital and entrepreneurship can play to deliver positive mental health outcomes for the autistic community.