There are both unique challenges and special gifts affecting the lives of adults and youths living with an ASD. Each person will have their own particular needs and interests. This part of the website is intended to provide a summary of the kinds of resources that are available for adults and youths with ASD and others with developmental disabilities.
For a wide list of adult and youth-oriented links and resources visit our Resources and Links page.
ASC’s Advisory Committee of Adults on the Spectrum
ASC has established an Advisory Committee of adults on the spectrum, comprised of people nominated by each provincial and territorial autism society. The committee is chaired by the person with an ASD who serves as a Director-at-Large on the ASC Board. The Advisory Committee helps ASC work more effectively in policy development, in consultations with decision-makers about the needs of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and in ensuring appropriate resources and supports are in place within ASC.
Tom Jackman (Chair)
Just having Aspergian Pride and advocates – recognition and acceptance of myself in the autistic community as an intelligent, competent minority group with many worthwhile qualities, has helped me to be successful [read more... PDF]. [View Tom Jackman's Welcome Message and Call for New Members ... PDF] [Read 'Different, Not Disabled' by Danette Dooley, The Telegram, featuring Tom Jackman.]
Danny Melvin (Vice-Chair)
One of the things that I learned in university is that an individuals’ strongest desire is not pleasure, but being able to participate and just be a part of the human race. I believe that if more autistic people were able to communicate with clarity, they would want to be seen and heard and not living ‘outside’ humanity.
[read more... PDF]
Kristian Hooker
Lately, there have been a lot of self-advocacy groups and organizations on autism coming forward and speaking up about what it means to have autism. I think that’s a good thing. Nothing creates self-empowerment better than standing up for what you believe in. Nothing gives more hope to others than fighting for those who may not yet be able to fight for themselves.[read more... PDF]
Bradley Thomas Elkin Hall
People with out ASD can be helpful in social situations when they meet someone with an ASD by first getting to know the person. It is important to understand what kind of ASD a person actually has and what they are like as an individual. [read more... PDF]
Georges Huard
Pour un autiste, l'environnement doit être consistant, et prévisible et tout doit être cédulé comme à l'école. Planifier les activités de la maison peut être difficile pour une personne qui, comme ma mère, préfère être spontanée. [suite... PDF]
Leland Kreklewich
I have learned not to give up on myself and to realize what end result I want to achieve. I have achieved so much because I am able to talk to the right people (i.e., parents and close friends) when times are tough and I know when to seek their help. Also, surrounding yourself with good people is very important – people that will help you with your weaknesses but also admire your strengths.[read more... PDF]
Jason Oldford
I hope that one day people with autism will get all the help they need to succeed in society as people with autism. This includes the necessary treatments and services, but above all, what is needed is acceptance... [read more... PDF]
Dr. Kevin Stoddart
Dr. Stoddart is the Founding Director of the Redpath Centre and Assistant Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. He consults to ASC, specifically with respect to the work of the Advisory Committee of Adults on the Spectrum. [read more... PDF]
Martine Stonehouse
Over the many years I’ve lived, I have been able to overcome most of my social problems to a point where I can read situations almost as well as anyone else. [read more... PDF]
Jackie Barrett (Former Member)When it comes to Autism treatment, I am very frustrated when I hear there’s a “cure” for Autism. I believe there will never be a cure for Autism, but it doesn’t mean that the person can’t have a successful life if he/she receives early intervention... [read more... PDF]
