Life on the Spectrum
Authentic Stories of Autistic Canadians
Inspired by the vast and diverse autism community, at Autism Speaks Canada, we’re committed to telling authentic stories of people with autism and their unique strengths, challenges, dreams and goals. Our iconic blue puzzle piece has been reimagined to signify the diversity of perspectives and experiences with autism spectrum disorder and signals our deepened commitment to inclusivity.
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"I am cycling across Canada, with the hope of creating a more inclusive world for all of us." |
"Team Ileana looks forward to walking, raising money and creating awareness for autism. We are blessed with the most supportive family, friends and community who have been with us throughout our journey.” |
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"I love to draw, snowboard, play guitar, and do karate with my friends. I live at home with my mom, dad, my sisters, my dog Bean and my cat Ginny." |
"Our family is very proud to have Mackenna as the Saskatoon Walk Ambassador this year as we participate in our 8th walk.” |
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"I love to attend different autism training sessions with my parents and help educate people on autism. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher or a doctor and help people like my brother Sulaiman who are on the spectrum.” |
"We are thankful for all of the support Autism Speaks provides for those living with autism. We are proud and excited that Griffin has been selected to be the Ambassador for the Toronto Walk for Autism 2020.” - Jeannine Bush, Mom, Toronto |
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"If you’re only going to make one change while this COVID-19 scare is going on, I encourage you to do things that make you laugh and smile." |
"In this extraordinary time within extraordinary times I see an opportunity: to advocate for autism acceptance, celebration and recognition within truly inclusive workplaces in an unprecedented manner." |
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"COVID-19 has changed lives in positive ways no one could imagine. The environment is more green, clean and there is less pollution. We must continue this path and help make on environment healthier." |
"In every generation, there is always one major world event that shapes the youth. For my generation, COVID-19 is that event. Rather than complaining, I chose to do activities that I previously did not have the time to do before." |
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"My hopes for the future are that everyone stays healthy and those who are ill recover. One day I hope we can get back to a more normal life with family and group activities. I also hope a world with travel will return, as I love to discover new places." |
"I’m an artist specializing in realistic pencil drawings of mainly animals. Due to my autism I see the whole world in tiny little details." |
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"I will start off by saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has been hands down the most challenging experience I’ve lived through in recent memory, and trust me, being autistic, I’ve had my share of challenging experiences." |
"I first heard about Covid19 when a Princess Cruise ship had been quarantined off Tokyo shortly after a friend and I had returned from a cruise of our own in February." |
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"I miss the person-to-person interaction at work and office spaces as well as activities like going to the movies and the gym. However, doing work from home interspersed with walks has added structure to my life." |
"Take advantage of this situation and make it work as well as possible. Learn to be self-disciplined." |
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