EMU Today

YPSILANTI— Christina Marsack-Topolewski, associate professor of Social Work at Eastern Michigan University, recently presented her groundbreaking research on family caregiving for autistic individuals at the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) meeting. The event, held on July 10, 2024, occurred at the National Institute of Mental Health in Rockville, Maryland, part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Marsack-Topolewski, who brings over 20 years of expertise in working with individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, delivered an insightful presentation on the current realities and future needs of supporting adults with autism and their family caregivers. Her extensive research, including over 75 peer-reviewed articles and encyclopedia entries, underscores her deep commitment to advancing understanding and support for this community.

“I was honored to be invited by the National Autism Coordinator and Executive Secretary of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee to speak on my research on family caregivers and adults with autism,” said Marsack-Topolewski. “The need for policy development, funding, and coinciding services to support the health and well-being of autistic adults and their family caregivers is critical. Nationwide, we have a growing number of adults with autism, and our policies, services, and practices do not reflect those needs.”

Marsack-Topolewski’s extensive research reveals significant gaps in service support for adults with autism and their families, both statewide and nationally.  Much of her work focuses on the need for accessible, affordable, and appropriate support tailored to each person’s unique needs. At the IACC meeting, she presented her findings, which delve into family caregivers’ perceptions and experiences of access to services for adults diagnosed with autism. 

Additionally, she discussed the evolving needs that family caregivers may face, particularly as they and their loved ones age. In doing so, she discussed the findings of her research on compound caregiving (or family caregivers who provide care for multiple loved ones). Some of her published research can be found at the following on this webpage.  

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.