What it means to be an Autism House board member

By Steven Atme

After one year in operation, Autism House continues to grow and provide services, workshops, classes, and private consultations to people with autism aged 10 and older and their families. The lockdown during the height of the pandemic didn’t stop the Autism House team from meeting on Zoom so clients, families, and the community could stay connected. And this past summer, its in-person summer camp was a huge success!

 How has Autism House evolved and flourished?

In late 2020, it established a board of directors, 50 percent of whom are autistic.

At first, I wondered if there were any specific requirements to becoming a board member. I was working with Autism House for a few weeks, creating the “Special People Have Dreams” series on their YouTube channel. This caught the attention of several board members, and I was invited to join the board!

I didn’t expect to receive this privilege. The decision for me to join was made based on my life’s experience living with autism and the knowledge and contributions I have made to society from my work. I felt like I was being sworn in as a Knight of the Round Table or a politician on Parliament Hill.

As the official board consisted of people with autism, parents, educators, and students, there was a sense of welcome and belonging. The meetings, held two to three times a year, where we discuss our annual progress, ideas, and suggestions for potential projects, are very interesting. Voices are heard, concerns are shared and votes are held. Occasional debates occur but every statement made leads towards greater ideas because we learn so much from each other and are on the same page. Good laughs are also included!

How often do you find an organization with a board like this? Pretty rare, I would think. The patient, empathetic, compassionate, open-minded, and friendly environment makes the Autism House board a welcoming place for both the neurotypical and those with autism.

When we see our ideas come to life, we autistic members ask ourselves, “Did we just do that? Did we actually talk about it and make it happen?”

Watching the results of additional activities, services, and opportunities for volunteers and student teachers through social media brings smiles to our faces. Clients feel motivated with happiness.

Who would have imagined that this would all happen because of us – a great team that made everything possible – with many more great things to come.

For information, visit www.theautismhouse.ca.