Bubly Smiles for Autism Speaks Canada

This summer my sister and I will be hosting a Bubly Smile Stand to raise money for Autism Speaks Canada (ASC).

I have set a goal of $5000. Please read below about “my why” and consider donating.

WHY ASC?

ASC provides direct supports to people living with autism as well as to their families and caregivers; it supports research and community programs and is an advocacy body working with individuals living with autism to get the right supports put in place.

Professionally I recently joined the ASC board as I would like to take a more active role in advocating for adults living with autism.

WHY AUTISM?

Personally I grew up with my sister who was diagnosed in her teenage years with autism. My mom has always been an advocate for my sister’s needs and as I have grown I’ve realized the biggest worry parents of individuals with needs similar to my sister is “who will care for this person when I’m gone.”

Autism now affects 1 in 36 people and its prevalence is growing each year. The supports have gotten better over the years compared to when my sister was young, particularly greater awareness and addressing the need for early interventions, this is in large part due to the advocacy work of organizations like ASC.

However, there are still gaps.

The recent Federal Government work on a national autism strategy identified four major gaps, with ‘economic inclusion’ being one I have witnessed as a huge opportunity area for adults living with autism - specifically entry into post-secondary, inclusion in the labour market and housing. 

I have seen firsthand, my sister entered into Fleming colleges post-secondary program - Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE) - later in life, but it did wonders for her self-esteem and inclusion. We have struggled as a family to find the right housing set-up over the years, wanting her to have the independence she deserves but knowing there needs to still be support and oversight provided. And labour market entry can look different for each person, most important is having the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities whether that be volunteer or paid labour in the community where you live.

I asked her to write up her experience, she is very good with her words and is also an active member of the toastmasters group in her area where this year she was given the role of VP Membership. 

MY STORY

"When I was a three year old girl, I went to see a medical professional. The doctor tested me extensively and told my parents I had ADD/ADHD. For years following the diagnosis I experienced bullying at school until I graduated in the early 2000s. Even at work I had issues. In mid-2003 when I was still nineteen I got an appointment with another medical professional. At the appointment the doctor diagnosed me as having Aspergers, a form of Autism. I still don't know how I feel about that. It isn't that I don't believe or accept the diagnosis, it's that I'm unsure if this is what I have been gifted. I'm not a doctor so I believe the opinion even if I don't always feel it's right for me. During the pandemic, I had to graduate college from my couch. I got really upset and became a recluse for almost two years. I barely went out and when I did, getting things done was extremly difficult. I was also very angry at the world as during Covid I lost my job and didn't get to cross the stage at my graduation in 2020. Now that the pandemic is over I have resumed my lifestyle and am getting out more and living my best life."

The gift of autism, has given our family and me perspective. My sister is fortunate to have family support and it has still been a bumpy ride at times, but there are many who don’t. Please consider donating to ASC, anything helps. And thanks for reading our story, if you’ve made it this far!

For more information about ASC please checkout their website: https://www.autismspeaks.ca

Autism Speaks Canada is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families by supporting and working with community partners; enhancing resources and services; increasing understanding, acceptance and inclusion of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.