Increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism
JoAnne (Jo), Autism Speaks Canada ambassador. SUPPLIED
Celebrating diversity and unique strengths
JoAnne (Jo) is proud of how her 25-year-old son Ivan – diagnosed with autism at age five – has built on his strengths and has come into his own.
“Ivan was non-verbal, and with supports and services from family and school he has excelled and is a very competent and capable adult,” she says. Both Jo and Ivan are autistic. Jo is a successful entrepreneur, and she provided a job for Ivan in her company as soon as he was ready to work. Jo chose self-employment in her early 20s, after finding that traditional employment was not for her.
“Four years ago, I was diagnosed with autism as well, which has since helped explain a lot of my childhood,” says Jo, who adds that both she and Ivan are well suited to the entrepreneurial world.
“We look at autism as our superpower. Ivan’s ability to focus exclusively on the task at hand means it is done perfectly. I am super-organized and can find efficiencies everywhere, while focusing on the big picture. It has served both of us well in business,” she says.
“Both Ivan and I would like everyone to know that being diagnosed is a relief. It gives one the ability to focus on what works for them, and it can be freeing emotionally, as it helps to explain a lot. Find what you are good at and make a career out of it.”
“We look at autism as our superpower.Ivan’s ability to focus exclusively on the task at hand means it is done perfectly. I am super-organized and can find efficiencies everywhere, while focusing on the big picture. ”
Celebrating differences and unique strengths is a core theme of World Autism Month in April. In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. It was officially recognized in Canada when Parliament passed the World Autism Awareness Day Act in 2012.
Autism touches more than 70 million people globally. Approximately one in 66 children and youth is diagnosed with autism in Canada. Autism refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and non-verbal communication as well as by unique strengths and differences.
World Autism Month presents an annual opportunity to have a dedicated conversation about autism. Throughout the month of April, Autism Speaks Canada will continue to share authentic stories of autistic Canadians like Jo and Ivan. Autism Speaks Canada is a national charity dedicated to building an inclusive Canada where autistic people can reach their full potential.
“We believe in empowering every autistic member of the community,” says Sarah Ahmed, director of marketing and communications for Autism Speaks Canada. “This can only be achieved when people truly understand autism and accept autistic people for their unique strengths, challenges, dreams and goals. At Autism Speaks Canada, we remain committed to building inclusive communities where autistic Canadians can reach their full potential.”
There is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths of each autistic person. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and is a lifelong condition.
Autism Speaks Canada has launched their World Autism Campaign featuring their documentary “Life on The Spectrum by Autism Speaks Canada.” It is exclusively available on their YouTube channel @AutismSpeaksCanada. In this documentary, they share lived experiences of autistic Canadians and their families, from coast to coast to coast, to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism.
World Autism Month is an annual opportunity for Canadians to come together and support autistic Canadians like Jo and Ivan. Together, let’s build an inclusive Canada where autistic people can reach their full potential.
To view this report on The Globe's website, visit globeandmail.com
To view the full report as it appeared in The Globe's print edition: World Autism Month
Visit www.autismspeaks.ca to learn more, watch the full documentary and support the cause.