McMaster students had a chance to discuss autism awareness and the concept of a national autism strategy with a federal MP last week.

Mike Lake, MP for Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, holds autism awareness close to his heart and has been an active supporter of autism organizations, families and individuals across the country, sharing his story of life with his son Jaden, who has autism.

On his day-long visit Lake presented to a series of classes including Life Sciences and Health Sciences students. Lake also participated in a roundtable discussion with McMaster’s Autism Research Team (MacART), a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of autism experts from academia, research and healthcare.

During the session, Lake highlighted the need for researchers, government and stakeholders to come together to create a culture of collaboration to achieve a national autism strategy.

Lake is Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, and he also toured the Biointerfaces Institute with Director John Brennan, a leading international researcher of the development of diagnostic technologies.

Brennan highlighted projects including developing simple means for detecting antibiotic resistant bacteria in infectious diseases like C difficile; and developing countertops and door handles for use in hospitals that repel infectious pathogens.