Statement to the Legislature by Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services - World Autism Awareness Day
April 2, 2009

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am pleased to rise today to mark the second annual World Autism Awareness Day.

This day was declared by the United Nations on December 18, 2007. It’s a day to raise awareness about autism and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention.

But, Mr. Speaker, the UN resolution also calls us to celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with autism.

As Minister of Children and Youth Services, I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting extraordinary people living with autism spectrum disorder – or ASD.

I’ve been inspired by the talents they offer to the world.

Last October, I was delighted to attend the Geneva Centre for Autism’s annual International Symposium. Since 1986, the Centre has been bringing together professionals, educators, parents and researchers from around the world.

I was particularly impressed and overwhelmed by the talent of a young man with autism whom I met there. He presented a dynamic comedy routine. As a ventriloquist and a comic, he used a puppet and his talent to leave an audience of over 1,000 international delegates in stitches.

At that same conference, we were treated to the vocal stylings of a young woman who raised the roof with her musical talent. 

Mr. Speaker, I will always remember a Grade 8 student I met at Kortright Hills Public School in Guelph last year. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that he knew more about cars than you and I will ever know! I understand he continues to speak on his passion, now in high school at Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute.

And Mr. Speaker, while we often focus our attention on children with autism, we must also recognize the strengths, potential and needs of adults with autism.

There are thousands of adults with autism across this province who are making significant contributions in their communities – and enriching the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, it is remarkable what people with ASD are doing and achieving with the right support.

Early last year, the world was touched when an Ontario girl with autism made international news. 

At the age of 13, Carly Fleischmann was unable to communicate verbally. But after years of support and therapy, she found a way to express herself by typing messages on a computer.

In fact, Carly provided extraordinary insight into what it feels like to have autism. She typed it out on a keyboard as “being in a room with the stereo on full blast.”

Carly further wrote: “It is hard to be autistic because no one understands me. People look at me and assume I am dumb because I can’t talk or I act differently than them. I think people get scared with things that look or seem different than them.”

Mr. Speaker, Carly’s story is inspiring. When asked what she thought other kids with autism could learn by hearing about her story, Carly responded by writing the following: 

“To tell you the truth I don't know. I am a girl with autism that learned how to spell and is now able to tell people what I think. It’s not like I built a thousand houses in New Orleans or found a way for people who don't have food, get food. I think the only thing I can say is don't give up. Your inner voice will find its way out. Mine did.”

Mr. Speaker, as a society, we need to do everything we can to provide the best support for our children.

We need to do everything we can to nurture their strengths and talents – and to hear their voices.

Another role-model in her community is a figure skater in Kingston who pursued her passion despite a surgery on her knee. With determination and loving support, this young athlete went on to win the gold medal in figure skating for Eastern Ontario in the Special Olympics.

Mr. Speaker, today is a day to give due honour to people living with autism, as well as people who support them.

I’d like to acknowledge some of those people here in the House today.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to emphasize how grateful and how moved I am by the dedication of parents and families of children with autism. 

These parents devote themselves to untapping the potential of their extraordinary kids.

They deserve to be honoured and recognized for the commitment they make to their children every hour of every day.

Mr. Speaker, we are making progress in the support we provide to people with ASD and their families.

But today is not a day to focus on government achievements. Rather, it is a day to celebrate people with autism and their families. Today is their day.

We will continue to do our best to provide support to them to live with dignity, and as respected members of Ontario’s family.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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