Situated in Scarborough, the SAAAC Autism Centre (formerly South Asian Autism Awareness Centre) is dedicated to educating members of the Canadian South Asian diaspora about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
At the heart of this movement are remarkable U of T Scarborough (UTSC) alumnae – Jennifer S. (BA 2006, BSc 2014) and Sue Nathan (BSc 1997) - each contributing their unique perspectives and experiences.
Jennifer, an autistic person, credits her time at UTSC for shaping her understanding of the difference access could make to her experience. "Going to UTSC, being connected with AccessAbility services and receiving accommodations really helped me see that I needed a disability-friendly workplace,” she shares.
The main aim of Goodness Gift boxes is to provide employment where there is friendship and acceptance. It allows them to give back.
Sue, having studied Psychology and Commerce at UTSC, found a new calling in SAAAC after an early retirement from the world of finance. “It was like learning a new language, entering a new space,” she recalls about her initial experiences with autism and neurodiversity.
Sue leads the Goodness Gift initiative, the social enterprise arm of the SAAAC Autism Centre, designed as a socially conscious gifting solution. Goodness Gift's primary aim is to offer meaningful employment opportunities to young adults from autistic and neurodiverse communities, helping them to navigate challenges and foster positive impacts within the community.
In Scarborough, where 86% of autistic adults are unemployed, SAAAC works in partnership with organizations like UTSC to harness the unique talents and skills of neurodivergent individuals. This collaboration not only provides vital employment but also encourages university students to engage in volunteering, enhancing the support network for those on the autism spectrum through Goodness Gift.
In a recent conversation, the alumnae emphasized that while awareness of autism has increased, the acceptance and integration of autistic adults are still in their early stages. “I've observed shifts in awareness, particularly regarding females and, to a lesser extent, non-binary and trans people on the spectrum. However, these changes are not consistently reflected in policies or actions,” shares Jennifer.
The women have observed that cultural stigmas and high expectations for children's achievements in South Asian communities have slowed progress in understanding autism. Financial and language barriers also often leave families unable to advocate effectively or access support. Here SAAAC’s presence makes a significant difference in their confidence and willingness to seek resources.
Jennifer, while not from the South Asian community, recognizes similar language barriers across various communities. She recalls hearing about a community without a word for autism in their language, stressing the value of resources in non-English languages, especially those created by autistic people. She advises learning about autism directly from the diverse voices of the autistic community, including different genders, races, and LGBTQ members, through their blogs, videos, and books. "We're not a monolith," she says, advocating for education that starts from the autistic community. Diagnosed as an adult, she highlights the need for support among those who receive late diagnoses and the challenges of aging out of services aimed solely at autistic children.
Sue points out that autistic people often find themselves unsupported after turning 21, likening it to "falling off a cliff." She sees the Goodness Gift initiative as a solution, offering employment in an inclusive environment. "The main aim of Goodness Gift boxes is to provide employment where there is friendship and acceptance. It allows them to give back," she says, underlining the program's dual purpose of employment and community integration.
The alumnae, united by their passions and the mission of their alma mater, “Inspiring Inclusive Excellence,” under the banner of SAAAC, have made significant strides. The Goodness Gift box, featuring products from local businesses and artwork designed by talented artists on the spectrum, creates a positive impact for all involved. “Through Goodness Gift, we’re also educating the community and other employers on what it looks like to be an inclusive employer.”
For Jennifer, working on Goodness Gift boxes at SAAAC has been an affirming experience in various ways. “It has given me a way to be in the community while doing something worthwhile. Being able to have a tangible thing, which is a good product, makes me feel accomplished.”