Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability that can affect the way you think and interact with others. The Autism Spectrum covers a wide range of individuals, some of whom have high support needs, and others who don’t. Often, you won’t even know that someone is on the Autism Spectrum unless they tell you.

This is the case for my close friend and classmate Amelia Hawley. As she put it, “We’re just people.” Hawley utilizes some of the Academic Support we have here at Mount Royal to help her with writing exams. Access and Inclusion Services can offer accommodations for students who need a little extra help. Students with all manners of disabilities, from ADHD to ASD can benefit from connecting with Access and Inclusion Services. Hawley has described her accommodations as “super useful.” When Hawley takes exams, she is given extra time and a computer to type on. Some students are reluctant to reach out to Access and Inclusion Services for accommodations because they think they shouldn’t need them. Janet Arnold, who works for Access and Inclusion Services put it like this: “My glasses are an accommodation.” Without them, she can’t read. Just as some students might need extra time, text-to-speech, or other technological support.

Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a reality for many people living in Calgary. Luckily, Calgary is full of centres and organizations designed to help people with ASD make the most out of life. Some of these organizations include, but are not limited to:

• Autism Asperger’s Friendship Society of Calgary
• Findings Resource Centre
• Autism Calgary
• Society for Treatment of Autism
• Centre for Autism Services

I had the honour of interviewing Ivan Cherkezov, the founder of Findings Resource Centre. At Findings, Cherkezov works with young adults on the Autism Spectrum who have higher support needs. He says that for these individuals, a predictable routine is important.

People who have ASD all have different experiences when it comes to living with Autism. Amelia Hawley said, “Ultimately we’re just trying to do our best in a society that we really don’t always understand, so some patience would be nice.”

My goal in writing this article is to spread awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder in Calgary. I hope that those who read this are encouraged to be patient and kind to all those around them, not just those living with ASD. We’re all just people doing the best we can.