ASD JOURNEYS - VALUED VOICES

Myles and Avery are so lucky to have each other...and as different as they are, they actually share the same superpower - their mind-blowing creativity!

Myles wants to be like Daddy when he grows up. Dad is a director in television production so it wouldn't surprise me! Myles loves to make videos and will provide very specific and detailed direction and a script to his actors (usually mom, Dad or Grandma).

Avery wants to be an Engineer, to build cool things and make the world a better place. She notices things others may not, such as a hand dryer in a restaurant bathroom being too high for someone in a wheelchair to reach (true story!).

Whatever path they take, I have no doubt they will change the world. Autism is not a limitation, but an opportunity to think outside the box and teach others to see the world through a different lense. I'm a better person because of my amazing children! - Proud Mom

Meet Tina, an incredible teacher working with primary students with ASD.

I began my teaching career in 1999 at Sawmill Valley PS. In 2005, my school principal assigned me to teach a Primary Transition Program for students with Autism. I was a little bit nervous about taking on the role but have never once regretted the decision to move into special education. I love the connections that I make with my students and their families and it is those connections that keep me coming back year after year.

I look forward to discovering the things my students are interested in. It brings so much joy to my day to see a student light up when we find ways to incorporate the things that they love into their program. So much learning happens when we can connect with them through the things that they enjoy. When a student achieves a goal, we celebrate. No matter how big or how small that goal might be, it is worth the excitement. If we get excited, so do the kids.

The unique way in which my students look at and perceive the world around them is amazing. When you watch how a student might organize a set of numbers or letters in a way that at first, appears to be random, only to discover that there is a very specific pattern or plan in their mind, it’s fascinating. The engineering behind the way a student might stack a set of objects or a child’s ability to memorize the bus routes for an entire city can be remarkable. These natural talents can lend themselves to opportunities for our students down the road if we can help them apply those skills in a functional way.

When you work so closely with a student and their family, you think of them often, even after they have moved on. I play a small part of their journey through school, but I feel fortunate to have been a part of it.

Meet my niece, Drew. She is a friendly, active 17-year-old. Drew was diagnosed with autism in grade 3 but that has not slowed her down. She enjoys many forms of activities with her family including skiing, mountain biking and hiking. When she does slow down for a minute she likes to do any kind of craft. Drew loves school and currently is in grade 10 where she is supported by educational assistants and teachers in their Learning Centre.

Drew’s passion is Track. In grade 8, Drew competed on her school’s Track team. She represented her school in the Provincial Track Meet in 2018 in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and placed 1st in her age group. An immensely proud moment for Drew and her family. In 2019, she competed again at the Provincial Track Meet in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She placed 3rd in her age group. Another proud moment

About 4 or 5 years ago Drew’s Mom got her involved with Special Olympics where she plays both basketball and soccer. In 2019 Drew was awarded “Female Athlete of the Year” by Special Olympics in Halifax. Presently she is training on their Track Team. This team was hand picked to hopefully compete in the 2022 Canada Games Niagara in St. Catherine’s, Ontario. Special Olympics has been a tremendously positive experience for Drew. It has helped her find friendship, an area in which Drew struggled, as well as build on her athleticism. Drew’s mom, my sister, has been a tireless support and advocate for Drew, always looking for ways to help her to socialize and connect with people.

Will always be cheering you on,

Proud Aunt Sandra

Meet Colleen, a dedicated ABA Therapist, and read about her passion for working with children with autism.

Working as an ABA Therapist with kids with autism has been both the greatest blessing and lesson I've had in my career. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work with kids; I just wasn't sure in what capacity.

It wasn't until grade 11 through a co-op with one of my favourite teachers that I discovered how much I liked working one-on-one with children, rather than a full classroom setting. From there my journey began to fulfill that career goal.

Now, having reached my goal, I'm so glad I listened to my gut all those years ago. This profession as an ABA Therapist has been nothing short of amazing, inspiring, and gratifying. I've had the extreme pleasure of working with several children at varying development levels. Each and every one of them has amazed me in more ways than I can count. From teaching everyday skills to celebrating the small and big victories, this job has taught me more about life in the short two years I've been in the field; the biggest lesson of all is to never judge a book by its cover. Take the time to understand every single page.

Meet Filinta and Zekiye. Their parents share their strengths and interests, and why they are amazing. Thank you for being such incredibly supportive parents.

Filinta was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. Since his diagnosis he has broken down many barriers. Filinta is very creative and makes amazing animations on his tablet despite his difficulty with fine motor. He also loves philosophy and will watch videos of professors giving lectures on all things philosophy. Filinta will always be the first one to ask a question or analyze the new information he retains. Autism has made it possible for Filinta to look at things differently. In turn, he has some great ideas. He absolutely loves his 3 dogs and will tell anyone about them. Filinta also loves playing chess and Plants vs Zombies. He is very lucky to have the same best friend since kindergarten. Filinta has learned a lot from his older brother and sister, Yoldas and Zekiye. He wishes to be an actor, script writer and director one day. We are very lucky to be Filinta's parents. He makes us proud everyday.

Zekiye was diagnosed with autism when she was 3 years old. She is very witty and likes to joke around. Zekiye is great at puzzles and riddles. She loves her 3 dogs and spends a lot of time training them. Zekiye also enjoys music and loves to sing. She loves unicorns and will remind you that they're real. Zekiye's favorite subject is math. Her room is full of art supplies and she loves to get creative. Zekiye wants to be a human rights or animal rights lawyer when she grows up. She loves to debate all things. Zekiye will let everyone know that she has autism and will explain to people if you have met one autistic person, you have met one autistic person. We are very proud to be Zekiye's parents . We also know she will achieve everything she wishes. Autism is her superpower.

Meet Tara. Read why she loves supporting students as an EA:

I started working as an Educational Assistant as a second career choice in 2015. It was the best career and life change I could ever have made. Working with Special Needs students, specifically ASD is the best second career choice imaginable. To support and teach the most exceptional, creative, caring, honest and inquisitive children that I do every day makes me truly happy. Building relationships with them, discovering their strengths and interests. Watching their journey from kindergarten to grade 5, as they mature into young adults, well, I cannot think of a more rewarding job.

Why do I love it you ask...It’s the grade 5 student who has an interest in music yet when asked to hum,then write out a tune,does so in seconds. Later, when played on the recorder for the music teacher, she is blown away by the accuracy and uniqueness of the tune. Or the grade 2 student who presents to me new and interesting magic tricks recorded on video that I cannot begin to comprehend his methods. Then there is the amazing kindergarten student who rides a bike for the first time only to be an expert by the end of recess. Finally, I am always thrilled to watch my students go from that shy, quiet, student who is unsure how to make friends or goes about it the wrong way, only to learn practise and use their strategies to become an outgoing and confident individual. When I see them playing with many peers at recess, or see how excited they are to be invited for their first playdate, it warms my heart and reminds me how amazing the children I work with are. It’s why I do this job. Helping children become “brave and strong”, so they can be successful and ready to take on the world is why I love being an EA.

Meet Nicole and Gabe, a mother-son team. Gabe is 11 years old and was diagnosed with autism at age 2. He is non-verbal but communicates and expresses himself in so many different ways. Gabe has a passion for music -- he can feel the music. While he is non-verbal, he is an amazing singer with perfect pitch. His favourite band is Queen and you should hear him sing, Another One Bites The Dust! When the pandemic hit and school was shut down, they found themselves outside more, going for walks. Something in the sounds of nature further ignited his connection to music. Lately, Gabe has been singing more, creating his own songs and they are beautiful! Read about Nicole's inspirational story on Instagram @nicolegottesmann, and how her incredible son has changed her world. Gabe has an extremely strong support system in his mom and Caroline. A truly touching story of a family learning together, embracing the world of autism, one celebration at a time.

Meet Seanna.

If I could explain all the things that come with being a big sister, most people would think it’s hard because you’re the oldest and have to sacrifice for your little sister. But that’s not the case. With Emma every day is a new day, a new challenge, and more on how to understand someone with #Autism. I am 20 and Emma is 4, as you can imagine, I inherit a lot of mothering skills. Being a big sister comes with sacrifices yes, but with Emma I don't see it that way. She’s taught me many things as an adult that I was never prepared for, but understanding and compassion are the biggest 2. Living with Emma is a gift. She’s taught me how to love unconditionally, and strength. Strength was always an important thing for me. Even at my lowest, I would always push to show Emma that I am strong so she can grow to be strong just like her Sissy. She has taught me delicacy, and the understanding that not everyone's the same, and how to talk to a person who has ASD. If I have learned anything from Emma it’d be the strength of someone with #ASD. Emma is strong, she fights not only the battles in the outside world, but her own. She is always happy, smiling, and laughing…even when you know she is being affected by her own conscience. She is smart and insightful, she is always teaching me things. She is constantly showing affection, she sees the pain someone has and loves to make them feel better. But the best part about all is..she never stops trying. Emma is a warrior and when she has a task at hand, she will try until it's done. Emma never gives up and that is something we all can learn as people, if we take on a challenge, big or small, never give up. We all know success comes with trial and error, but how we get there is what sets us apart. Emma will always find the light and success in things, which is why I have so much support for her future, because I see a lot for her in it. She’s only travelled around the sun 4 times, but she is not done yet, and she is not done succeeding. With my family’s support and me by her side, she will conquer amazing things. She will always be my #hero, and she will always be my biggest inspiration.

XOXO..Sissy.

Meet Ben. He is nothing short of amazing, as shared by his biggest supporter, his mom Angela.

Ben is 15 years old and was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Despite his challenges, he has always focused on his amazing abilities which he refers to as his #superpowers. After seeing a Marvel superhero movie, Ben decided that his autism was his superpower. Ben wrote a book called "Maybe Autism Is My Superpower" where he details his incredible memory, perfect pitch music ability and his keen sense of direction.

Music is a huge part of Ben's life. He can play the ukelele, drums, steel drum and piano by ear. In fact, you will often catch Ben and I playing songs on the ukelele together, which he taught me! We first discovered Ben had perfect pitch when he was 3 years old. I'm always impressed when I hear him compose songs by ear and play music using water glasses! I call his ears "supersonic".

Ben knows that he is not the only kid who has autism superpowers and he and other children from around the world share their autism superpowers with one another. This is what makes Ben most happy. He even went on to write another book entitled, "Maybe Autism Is YOUR Superpower" as well as "The Day Matt's Schedule Changed", Ask Ben About Autism" and "I Flap My Hands When I Am Happy". Ben works hard to teach others that even though kids who have autism stim, make noises, rock back and forth and flap their hands, it doesn't mean they can't do great things!

Ben's most recent project is the Meet Autism In The Middle campaign as he is quoted saying, "Maybe one day we won't have to join their world all the time...maybe one day we can meet in the middle." One of his missions is to encourage others to join the world of a child who has autism instead of pulling them into your world because you just may be pleasantly surprised about what you experience!

One day, Ben would like to be music teacher for other kids with special needs and I have no doubt he will continue to use his superpowers to do so. I’ll always be by his side as he shares his superpowers, educates others, creates autism awareness and encourages acceptance! I couldn't be more proud of him. @maybeautismismysuperpower

Meet Laura, a behavioural clinician who is passionate about working with children with autism.

Working with children who have #autism was not the path I thought I’d take. When I was a child I was diagnosed with dyslexia, I always felt like I was different and it was hard for me to get the help I needed to learn. Feeling left out and not having the resources to learn effectively is what drove me to work with children. After getting degrees in Youth and Child Studies and Psychology, I began working in the field and eventually got the opportunity to work with children. This opportunity changed my life and allows me to follow my passion every day. I’ve been a behavioral clinician working with children for 3 yrs and have been working with people who have autism for 6 yrs, I’ve never been happier to wake up every day and love what I do.

Knowing I’ll be impacting the lives of children and their families is what gets me up in the morning. I get to see the progress every day and know I get to be a part of it. Knowing I can make a difference in someone's life, big or small, is what drives my passion to try my hardest every day. When I was a child I didn’t get the help I needed or wanted and being that resource to someone now has impacted my life the most positively. Working with children who have autism can be challenging but the genuine interactions I get to have with each child let me know I am making a difference. Working together to create the perfect environment to incorporate learning and fun teaches both the child and I that they deserve to be treated the same as every other child.

Autism affects behaviour, feelings, social interactions and the ability to communicate so helping in any way I can is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Hearing the experiences families have gone through and knowing some of the struggles they have faced makes me want to do all I can to work on the child’s needs. I may teach children every day but I learn something new from every child. I am grateful for the people with autism that I have met and who have shared their lives with me. It's rewarding to see the world in a new light every day.

Meet Mel, a staffing specialist who works with children with special needs.

My 20+ years of elementary school teaching has seen me teach in various diverse settings, first beginning in New York, and currently in Florida. In both these settings, I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful students with varying needs and exceptionalities. Watching my students with autism learn how to navigate the school, academics, peer interactions, as well as their social and emotional needs, amazes me. Being a part of their growth from the time we start working together until they head off to middle school is rewarding beyond words.

The unique way my students with autism solve mathematical equations and work through word problems challenges me to continuously adapt my teaching methods. Many of my students have excelled not only in math but in world history, science, geography and even poetry. “Every student can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way!” (George Evans)

I have found that academics will come; however, it is the positive social interactions that are essential in the overall development of these students. Social skills practiced within the classroom, at recess and lunch, have assisted my students with the ability to make friends, hold conversations, and empathize with others -- all important life skills.

It has been an honor to watch my students grow not only academically but socially throughout the years. Each student I have taught holds a special place in my heart and will always be a part of my family.

“Every child is a gift. They just unwrap their packages at different times.” (Unknown)

Meet Preston, as shared by his wonderful mom, Althea.

Preston is 11 years old and was diagnosed with ASD when he was 5. He loves hanging out with his brother and cousin...his best friends. He also has a deep love for music and can be heard singing and dancing to all genres of music from 80's hits right down to present day. He also likes to try playing new instruments although hasn’t had a chance to take lessons. Preston is a very happy, loving boy who loves to travel, try new foods and meet new people from different countries. He is always curious about different cultures and languages.

Although Preston has Autism he never understood or even knew what it was until recently. He has struggles but smiles through them everyday. He has taught me patience, how to be more understanding and brought me to a point where I now know unconditional love. Although expressing his feelings can be hard, he tries his best to let everyone in his family know how much he loves them. Preston is my superhero!

Meet F and R, 3-year-old autistic twins, as shared by their proud mom.

F is an incredibly energetic, sweet, and playful boy. He loves Blippi, monster trucks, Toy Story, and Om Nom. He loves to get messy, to draw, and to label everything he sees.

R is extremely caring, silly, and inquisitive. He loves skip counting, reading, spelling, and Frozen. He loves to learn different languages, to play games, and to sing.

They love to have dance parties, to spin around in circles, and to build forts. They love the outdoors; rolling down the hills, skipping rocks, and running around with their big brother. The swings are their favourite thing at the park! They love playing with water, playing in the snow, and collecting sticks and leaves.

Our children have shown us love beyond words, taught us to see the world through a different lens, and to enjoy and celebrate the small things. They are incredible and we are blessed every single day.

Now, hear from their loving big brother, C: My brothers have taught me to be patient, to always be kind, and to accept and include everyone. They have also taught me to be adventurous, to be fearless, and to see the world differently. I’ve taught them to always laugh, to have fun, and to have a big imagination. I have taught them new words and new games, too! I have also taught them to never give up, to keep trying, and to always smile.

Meet Nadeen, a dedicated special education teacher working in a contained ASD class.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. After graduating high school I did my undergrad and teacher’s college and my dream of becoming a teacher came true. I got hired fairly quickly as an occasional teacher for PDSB and I began to supply and transition into long term occasional work. My first LTO was a challenging learning experience. I was teaching a grade 1/2 class with a recently diagnosed ASD student that was behavioural. That year really taught me a great deal about autism and the varying spectrum of it all. It was most definitely a lot of hurdles and challenges, but it was a rewarding experience to see that child develop and grow throughout the year and gain control over his behaviours.

This was what really sparked my interesting in pursuing special education. I knew I could make an impact. The following year, I accepted another LTO in a planning time role for an ASD resource contained class. I began to grow my knowledge on how to support students with autism who are at varying points on the spectrum. It solidified my decision to go down this path. Now, I have been teaching an ASD contained class for two years and I have to say it has been the most rewarding experience for me. In the past two years I have grown so much as a teacher in general, but also as a teacher who supports students with autism. The growth I see in my students everyday, whether social or behavioural or academic tells me I am making a difference. As a teacher you hope to have an impact on your students, as a special education teacher you really get to see the impact right in front of you and that is something that keeps me going further down this path.

Meet Reet, a 13 year old teenager with autism. In this video she shares all things BTS, her teachers’ support and her future goals of interviewing celebrities like YouTubers, TikTokers and KPop Bands.

Meet Maxim and Aleks.

Maxim is 13 years old. He received a late diagnosis of Asperger’s. His younger brother Aleks, age 9, was diagnosed with ASD a year later. With two boys on the spectrum, we are always spreading awareness and acceptance, and fostering inclusion.

After discovering We Rock the Spectrum in the United States, Maxim and Aleks’ parents, Tatiana and Boris, knew how much their community needed one in Canada. They are the owners of the first Canadian location in Oakville. Whether it’s landing in the crash pit or riding the zip line, they wanted this space not just for Maxim and Aleks, but for all children.

We Rock the Spectrum is more than just a gym – it’s a safe space for children of ALL abilities to play and grow, be themselves, feel understood, but most importantly feel that they belong!

Meet Easton as he introduces himself with a little help from his mom, Kimberly.

Hi friends!

I’m Easton and I’m 4.5 years old! I was diagnosed with Autism right after my 4th birthday. I don’t understand what this all means yet for me, but I know that mommy + daddy are doing everything they can to ensure that I have the best life possible!

I am a very happy boy, but it can take time for my smile to shine through with people I don’t know. I love to explore the outdoors with walks, hikes, playing in the water, and climbing trees. The playground is one of my favorite places because I I love to slide, climb, and swing!

I enjoy going on coffee dates with mommy (I get chocolate milk + a cookie) and I enjoy going to the trampoline park with daddy! I save all of my affection for my two favorite people!

My other favorite things are singing along to Thomas Rhett (I know A LOT of songs), counting, reading, and I know all of the planets!

Meet Kieran, an advocate for Autism Acceptance, as shared by his proud mom, Leah.

This is my son Kieran. He is 10 years old and was diagnosed with Autism at age 7. As someone who has worked with Autistic individuals for over 20 years as a support worker and in an educational setting, I was surprised when a doctor from our Physician's practice, suggested that she suspected that Kieran was Autistic. My own previous schema of what Autism is and what it looks like, is what this amazing kid is working so passionately to change. He wants everyone to know that Autism doesn't look one specific way and that all individuals on the Autism Spectrum deserve the same support, patience and empathy. Kieran wants to educate others with his passion for delivering charismatic TED Talks. He spent over 10 hours writing a presentation that he wanted to share with his class about his lived insight about Autism. Kieran was so proud that he told anyone who would listen "I'm doing a presentation that's going to change the world."

Meet Liam, as shared by his loving and supportive mom.

Meet my 9 year old son Liam, diagnosed as Autistic at age 6.

Liam approaches life with enthusiasm, curiosity and unbounded energy. He’s a theatrical ham who loves to entertain, make people laugh and wants to see everyone happy. He’s sensitive and kind, he always sees the good in everyone and is the kid who will include a lonely child in play, befriend a new classmate or console an upset peer. Imagination and creativity are Liam’s superpowers, and tenacity fuels his flight. He’s a model builder, a budding artist, a music lover and a performer, crafting models or treating us to his musical skits, there’s no shortage of entertainment and inventiveness at home.

Liam is a self-motivated learner with a keen memory for details and events and without realizing it, he’s becoming a self-appointed advocate for fairness and acceptance. Heart warmingly insightful, he asks the tough questions, like why is it so hard for some people to accept others with differences, learning of ways how he can help make it right.

Autism is a part of Liam’s identity and an integral part of him. It defines his neurology but it doesn’t prevent him from working towards his true potential. Without being autistic, Liam would not be the person we know. Some days Autism can look like a cacophony of banging keys on the piano that turn into a musical composition, it’s watching an art tutorial followed by scale drawings of the Titanic, or a fear of removing training wheels followed by attempted jumps on a motocross trail.

If there is anything Liam has taught us, it’s the importance of patience and acceptance and allowing an individual to be themselves. Self-expression is his way of interacting with others. It’s a way of communicating the true nature of his mind and provides an outlet that helps him deal with his feelings. It’s taught us that oftentimes, the demands of the world aren’t as important as what we gain in the journey along the way, the fun we find when we’re allowed to be our true selves and sometimes that means that our drums beat out of time and sync with others, and that’s okay.

Very often Liam will turn to me and say, “today is the best day”. It lights me up like nothing else. If he can find the best day hidden in a derelict dandelion patch, or in the bottom of an empty batter bowl, then surely I can learn to see the world through his lens. And I do try. My wish is that others one day can do the same.

Diagnosis doesn’t come without its struggles, the gifts aren’t free, but the most valued thing that autism has provided to me as a parent, is that it’s expanded my mind and understanding beyond the diagnosis, beyond perceived disability and societal pressures to change. Autism isn’t defined by my son’s disability but by his set of unique abilities. He’s perfectly happy to be himself and we wouldn’t change that for the world.