Autism Ontario is the leading source of
information and referral on autism and one of the largest collective voices
representing the autism community. The
1,100 plus members of ASO represent all walks of life from rural to
metropolitan communities and are connected through a volunteer network of chapters
throughout the province of Ontario.
The mission of Autism Ontario is to
promote lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism
spectrum and their families, to be fully included, participating members of
their communities. We try to provide information on available intervention options,
rather than advocating for any one particular theory or philosophy.
The Upper Canada Chapter joined Autism
Ontario in January 1999. The chapter has
operated for 9 years. Our borders
stretch from Quebec to Ottawa to Brockville.
We distribute information to over 70 families living in Cornwall and the
surrounding counties of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Leeds & Grenville.
Proceeds from fundraisers help the
Upper Canada Chapter provide services to local families affected by autism,
including family outreach and support, social learning opportunities, community
and recreational programs, educational workshops for parents, and purchasing
autism resources for local libraries.
These activities are organized by a limited number of parent
volunteers. We do not have paid staff or
an office.
Chapter Accomplishments:
Fall 2008 Brought
Florida based law enforcement trainer Dennis Debbaudt to Cornwall for his Autism Risk and
Safety Management Workshop for parents and caregivers, and Autism Recognition,
Response and Risk Management Training for Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue
Officers, and Emergency Medical Services.
Summer 2008 Partnered
with Ontario Early Years Centre to equip the Autism & Special Needs Family
Resource Centre room
Fall 2007 Started
“Social Connections” social skills group
Fall 2006 Established Snoezelen Room at SD&G Developmental
Services Respite Home
Fall 2005 Donated 100+ resources to Cornwall Public Library
Spring 2005 Organized
and hosted the 2 day “What Now?! – A Symposium on Raising an Adolescent/Young
Adult with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
2000 - 2003 Created
and operated “Room to Grow”, a summer
day camp specifically structured to meet the unique demands of children with
ASD
1999 – 2008 Hosted
20+ workshops on various topics for parents, educators, developmental service
workers, law enforcement personnel and other community professionals
1999 – 2003 Organized
“Cycle for Autism” chapter fundraiser
Small
office, equipped with desk, filing cabinets, book cases, table & chairs, telephone, computer,
printer/scanner/photocopier.
Partner with community
agency to have an accessible venue with computer for teens and young adults to
have supervised access to specialized software.
Partner with Cornwall Community Police
and area OPP detachments, emergency responders and justice personnel to present
“Autism & Law Enforcement Roll Call Briefing Video”. Research indicates that persons with developmental
disabilities, including a rapidly rising autism population, are approximately
seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement professionals
than others. Police and first response professionals will meet children and
adults with autism in field situations.
Family Needs
·
Housing for low
income families – currently the municipal housing 2 and 3 storey options are a
safety concern
·
Housing options
for individuals
·
Financial impact
·
Stress on
families
“I am 22, and my husband is 26. I'm on maternity leave while he makes a small
income. We have three children, all
boys. Our middle son, who just turned
two in April has been diagnosed with Autism. It was such a shock when we found
out. I still cry everyday when I get so
stressed out I just break down.
Since we've found out, we still have not seen a social
worker, a developmental services representative, or even gotten to speak to
anyone that can give us more information about what has been found out about
our son. We're on waiting lists forever.
It is so hard to not have any options or support. I
don't know what to do, I don't know what to do. My son can't tell me what’s
wrong, if he's hungry, if he's hurt, if he's tired. I can't even console or love him when he's
sad, because I don't know. We have not
been able to even speak with anyone or see anyone that can tell us how severe
his disease is and what we can do to help.”
…
Parent from Morrisburg, August 2006
Our son will be turning 5 at the end of November. He has already started school. He was evaluated by and accepted into the
Preschool Autism Program in March 2006.
We have now been told that he is on the waiting list and won’t receive
services until September 2007. We’ve
been told that now is the most important time for him to be learning new
skills, yet, we’re expected to accept this 1-1/2 year wait for services.
….Parent
from Alexandria, September 2006