Last month I attended Radiant Night 2013, an annual fundraiser organized by South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC), an organization that helps more than 100 kids with autism and their families.   Autism is a mental condition characterized by greater difficulty in communicating and forming relationships; it persists throughout an individual’s lifetime.   However, there has not yet been a clearly identified cause or cure for this disorder, some treatments have shown to help those impacted make significant progress.  I ran into an active and intelligent young boy with autism and learned about the challenges of his behaviour at the fundraiser.  He is currently receiving therapy and music lessons, both provided by SAAAC, to help with his social skills, behaviour and sensory issues.  As I was listening to his performance at the fundraiser, I was able to relate to the challenges his family faces daily, based on some of the challenges I faced quite recently.

It was early in February 2012 when I had learned that my father had multiple personality disorder. He was so kind and caring and jolly during the day. However, his behaviour was aggressive during the night. I struggled to come to terms with the fact that he was experiencing such a mental disorder.   It was one of the most mentally challenging situations I had ever faced.  Being the eldest child, I was usually in a position to support my  family to the extent I can.  This time was different.   I fell into a state of depression and hopelessness, but kept a smiling mask on at work, allowing very few people to know the pain I was feeling inside.  I withdrew and isolated myself to be alone and in silence for a few days.

A week had gone by and it was getting really late, and I was feeling the worst I had ever felt. I was no longer in a position to help my father with his disorder, nor did I have the strength I had always managed to find in myself, to provide the moral support that my family needed of me during this time.

I remember feeling like the only way to make my life easier and simpler was to commit suicide, and this thought stayed with me the night things got really hard.  Sitting at the end of my bed, my eyes became so tired from being spent on tears as I contemplated this idea as so many thoughts ran through my mind.   Luckily, my friends came over to visit since they were concerned about my mental health at the time.  After having a discussion with them about the situation, they convinced me that suicide is not the way forward.  I realized that such a decision doesn’t only impact the individual, but everyone around him or her, and I realized how selfish I was being at the time for thinking about taking the easy way out.

From that moment, I’ve had a change of heart and change in outlook on life.  I learned that being part of a community is about admitting you are vulnerable and asking for the support of others when you need it most, and ultimately leaning on them to be your source of strength when you encounter adversity.  I also promised to myself that I’d strive to become a more positive thinker and do my part to move the community forward. I came to identify communities as groups of people, from all walks in life, who are able and willing to help individuals, particularly overcome adversity.

Though my story turned out well and my father’s health is now manageable, it could have easily been something very different.   If I didn’t discuss my challenges with the community and seek their support, maybe I wouldn’t be here.

Many people do not have the same luxury or luck that I had.  Most of the kids with autism come from low-income families.  By low income, I mean families that have to spend more on food, clothing and shelter than the average family of similar size.  The measure varies by family size and by the size of the community.  The median, where there are many income levels below as above, after-tax income for families of two or more people amount to $65,500 in 2010 according to StatsCan.  They look to us, the community, to elevate the lives of their children.

The essence of the human spirit touches on who we are and where we are going.   When we stop exploring and pushing ourselves to new heights, we will begin to devolve.  So here I am today, stoked and exhilarated about climbing Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.  I am planning to make this adventure this June, all the while raising money to launch a music program for kids with autism.  Our vision is to create an eight week musical training program during this summer, for kids with autism at SAAAC.   This involves having one-on-one music sessions for these kids from July 8^th – September 2^nd.   Thereafter, we will purchase tickets to a music concert (to be announced) for the kids and their families so that they can enjoy music to the degree most of us can and have the hope of leading a normal life.

Music has something that is unexplainable.  It can raise our spirits, but more importantly, it can be an effective and positive treatment for kids with autism.  Music therapy, as it is more commonly known, is currently making strides in the world of autism.   Engaging with music allows kids with autism to express themselves in ways they may not be able to linguistically.  A human health professor from New Zealand commented that music is an area that kids with autism tend to excel in and acknowledged that most of the kids have perfect pitch.  If they have a special strength in music, why not use such strengths to help them?  Being exposed to ‘calming’ music tends to have a tranquillizing effect upon kids with autism. We want to create such an effective musical experience that will maintain a climate for creativity and positive change for the kids in the musical training program.

To make this happen, we need to raise $2,500.  All donations greater than $10 will receive an electronic tax receipt from the South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC).  100% of the proceeds raised from this effort will be used to directly impact kids with autism and their families.  The funds will be allocated equally in support of the music instruments and music concert tickets.   I will work together with SAAAC this summer to oversee the program, investments, and share the success stories and challenges with all of you over the coming weeks.

So, how can you support kids with autism this summer?

1.  Donate (any amount helps)
2.  Share this story with your peers via Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail.

Everyone matters in our community, including the kids with autism and their families. Thank you so much for reading my story and supporting the initiative to the extent you can.

On behalf of the South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC), I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude for your support and participation in Radiant Night Gala 2013. This year’s event attracted over 1200 guests and raised nearly $200,000 – our largest fundraising accomplishment to date. We could not have reached such remarkable goals without you.

SAAAC serves over 100 families who live with autism and related developmental disorders. With your support, our centre will continue to provide a special place where individuals with autism can get access to crucial therapies and social services. In 2013-2014 we look to hire more therapists and increase enrollment of children, youth, and adults living with autism, along with providing assistance to their families.

This is the power of community engagement and participation. Thank you all for your support and we wish to see you next year.

Sincerely,

Geetha Moorthy
Founder and Executive Director of South Asian Autism Awareness Centre

 Raffle Ticket Winners

The theme of this year’s Radiant Night will be that of appreciation: appreciation for our volunteers who have given countless  hours to help develop the lives of children and youth with autism; to businesses and organizations who have donated money and other resources  to increase the effectiveness of  SAAAC’s operations; and to the creative community (web designers, photographers, videographers,  artists, dancers and musicians) who have helped SAAAC  find unique avenues to raise autism awareness in the South Asian community. SAAAC is a testament to the power and will of community. 

2012 proved that SAAAC is truly a community organization. There are countless individuals who are responsible for the organization that SAAAC has become and the hundreds  of lives it has touched. March 9th will be a special evening where all these great individuals and organizations will come together collectively to celebrate the goals that have been accomplished and the great accomplishments yet to come. Join us.

For business and community leaders who are looking for sponsorship opportunities please visit the following page:

http://saaac.org/event/radiant-night-2013/

Today, the South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC) will unveil its “You Auta Know” campaign: a venture that looks to raise autism awareness and fundraise for vital autism services by creating a unique brand of jewellery accessories and T-shirts.

“You Auta Know” is a call to action. It demands, urges, encourages all of us to know more about autism, and by knowing more, we are compelled to do more.

Jewellery

Last year, SAAAC did a number of art projects that centered around jewellery making for our children, youth, and volunteers. What came out of those sessions surprised everyone. Keerthana Singarajah,who heads SAAAC’s jewellery line, has been an incredible volunteer, creating unique jewellery pieces, at times with the help of the children, youth and volunteers of SAAAC. Her creations reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the people who make up our centre. 

“I tried to capture a lot of the energy I see around me when I am here [at SAAAC],” says Keerthana. “It’s been a very fun project to work on because this is something I really love doing.  Whether it’s creating by myself or with a big group made up of our kids and volunteers- it’s always a cool process. I am glad so many people like it and it’s significant that by selling these accessories we are helping SAAAC continue its great work.”  

T-shirts

SAAAC partnered up with WOW Clothing, an exciting new urban outfitter, to create unique  T-shirts that would help encourage autism awareness. Thushanth Sivaananthan, one of the founders of WOW Clothing, has been a dedicated SAAAC volunteer, and thought a T-shirt campaign would be a creative way to raise awareness. “I was part of a great new clothing company that spoke to young people through contemporary style,” says Thushanth. “We wanted to create a brand of T-shirts that were not only stylish and fun, but also made people do something. Our shirts say ‘You Auta Know’, which is an invitation for everyone to learn about autism and SAAAC.”

You Auta Know is exciting venture because it is uniquely SAAAC. “It’s a wonderful campaign because it comes from the people who make SAAAC such a wonderful environment,” says Executive Director Geetha Moorthy. “We didn’t go searching for these products, but rather they were created by the volunteers who were passionate about SAAAC and who had a history with our organization. These jewellery pieces and T-shirts are created with a lot of love – that’s why they are so creative and exciting.”

SPECIAL NOTES

• Currently, there is no online store, so you can purchase our Jewellery and T-shirts at SAAAC events or come down Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during our sessions ( (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM) to purchase at the following location:

           635 Middlefield Rd, Scarborough, ON M1V 5B8

• Shirts go for $15 and come in various colours (baby blue, pink, black and maroon)
• In the coming weeks, we will be offering more ways to purchase  these great items, so please keep checking back with us

SPECIAL THANKS

Many people have been instrumental in bringing this campaign to life, so SAAAC wanted to express its utmost gratitude to the following individuals:

• Keerthana Singarajah has worked incredibly hard to bring all our jewellery pieces to life. She has led a number of jewelry craft workshops for our kids at SAAAC, and she continues to be the creative force behind SAAAC’s jewellery line.
• The great guys at WOW Clothing, Thushanth Sivaananthan & Saye Sathiyakumar, helped design, produce, and launch a great line of T-shirts. SAAAC was grateful to work with such a talented, burgeoning company.
• The very talented Vipoositha Gnanenthra of Ovyian Photography once again donated her time and skill to creating great shots for our campaign. Vipoositha has been a constant contributor to SAAAC, and we really appreciate her generosity. 

It’s a musician! It’s a teacher! It’s our friendly neighborhood musical therapist: Michelle Eisen. With the help of our volunteers, Michelle gracefully conducts musical therapy sessions on Monday evenings for many of our SAAAC children and youth.  To them, and to us, she is a musical superhero, combining her love of music with her ability to connect with children.  In this profile, we reveal this superhero’s secret identity as an accomplished and gifted young woman. 

How She Got Her Powers

Michelle’s story begins with a supportive upbringing in a household filled with music.  Her piano-playing parents nurtured Michelle’s musical superpowers and Michelle was encouraged to learn piano and sing early on.  Her great passion for performing began at a young age as she enjoyed signing in choirs and musical theatre.  Undoubtedly a gifted pianist, Michelle did not need formal training as her skillful musical ability landed her in a competitive piano performance program at York University.

Her (not so) Secret Identity

Putting her Master’s in Child Study and Education to use, Michelle works with the York Region District as a music teacher for students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Michelle spends her days educating students about rhythm, melody, and musical composition. She even finds the time to manage an extracurricular Glee club at school.  This professional alter ego speaks to Michelle’s ability to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to her students and to the development of their musical education. 

Putting Her Powers to Use

Based on her experience as an educational assistant and a music teacher, Michelle discovered that music was an effective tool for communicating with children with special needs.  Unfortunately, this tool is often underused.  To address this need, Michelle has written songs covering different sounds and topics in hopes of connecting with as many children as possible.  She noted that every child seemed to gravitate towards unique interests, especially when working with individuals with autism.  With a diverse song list, Michelle trusted that she had a higher chance of catching the interest of every child, and gaining an opportunity to interact with them through music.

Strumming to the rescue of SAAAC

Every Monday evening, Michelle heads straight for SAAAC to spend some time playing music with our lovable kids.  Her personal goal is to use music to facilitate the interactions between the children during music therapy, thereby allowing them attain their highest potential.

 Music therapy may not be right for all children with autism, as some find music to cause a displeasing experience.  However, when individuals with autism are capable of becoming engaged through music, the potential for development is extraordinary.  This is the potential that Michelle works with every Monday.  She hopes to not only develop the music skills, but the social, communication, and motor skills of our children.  Michelle credits music’s ability to transcend the boundaries of language and culture as it allows her to build connection to our children from the South Asian community.    

Up up and away

Some may say that with great power, comes great responsibility and Michelle has not wasted an ounce of her talent.   Spreading her love of music through her role as a teacher and a music therapist there is no telling where Michelle will take music next.

Cool Facts about Michelle

• In addiion to her vocal and piano playing chops, Michelle can also play the guitar, flute, saxophone, and trumpet
•  Michelle has done research studying the effects of music on the brain
• Influenced by a range of music, from the Beatles and Scott Joplin to Sharron, Lois and Bram, Michelle created a band called “Leading Notes” along with three other friends

Over the last three years the number of individuals we serve has grown enormously, and it became increasingly apparent that our current space could not accommodate these numbers appropriately. 

In the past year, generous individuals and organizations have taken it upon themselves to help find SAAAC a home. They have organized diverse, creative endeavors to help raise money for space and other much needed resources.

Their Efforts

Earlier this year sisters Logi and Laxmi Sivaloganathan held a  dance feature depicting the epic creation story of  the world. Their performance drew great acclaim and the event raised $2,000 for SAAAC. 

A team of dedicated volunteers put on a toy/book drive looking to get much needed resources for SAAAC. Their efforts helped raise awareness of ASD in the Malvern community. The group raised over $500.

The Canadian Medical Dental Development Association (CMDDA)  at their annual gala, Lights of Healing, donated $40,000. Their generousity has helped SAAAC immensely move forward with finding a suitable space that will house our programs and services.

Photo courtesy: Ninaivukal - Moments of Events

On November 18th, 2012 the talented music collective, Raaga Music Toronto, will hold a special tribute concert to  legendary maestros of India – AR Rahman & Ilayaraja. The concert features an unbelievable array of musicians whose talents are only overshadowed by their generosity, as 100% of the proceeds will go to help finding SAAAC a home. Visit Raaga Music Toronto to get a sense of their soulful sound. Don’t miss a night of great music for a good cause.  

SAAAC is extremely grateful to be the beneficiaries of such efforts. The creativity, hard work and generosity of all these groups have helped our organization make the vital steps of establishing a permanent space in the community.  Thank you to everyone who have been and will be part of this journey of finding a home for SAAAC. 

DSM V: the new definition

In 2013, Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) will be re-categorized from a set of distinct disorders into one disorder with different levels of severity. This change will be published in the newest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM V.

An ASD diagnosis given by a clinician rests on the description in the DSM, as there is no simple biological test at the moment. Therefore, the new definition will have a direct impact on the ASD community.

What is the DSM?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, is the primary manual that has been guiding clinicians and mental health professionals for over half a century. The DSM contains standardized definitions of many mental health disorders and lists of criteria defining these disorders.

 Autism was first described in the third edition of the DSM, published in 1980. DSM-IV updated that definition in 1994, and almost 18 years has gone by since that last update. The amount of new research and experience produced in this field since 1994 warrants a new definition that is clearer than the last. 

Who decided this, and why?

 A selection of experts, composed of clinicians and researchers from around the world, decided that changes to the DSM-IV ASD definitions were necessary. The changes in criteria are based on previous research findings and from experience within the field. There are also studies currently being done to assess if the changes being made are for the best (Mattila et al., 2012). The long-term goal of this amendment is to get a more accurate and simplified definition that can help push forward ASD research. Furthermore, the updated criteria may eventually help healthcare professionals provide better services or treatment.

As Behaviour Therapist you will;

• Work in a one to one ratio implementing the principles of A.B.A.
• Focus on academic, communication and other development skills.
• Apply A.B.A. to small group instructions to help improve social skills.
• Work primarily during the weeknights and weekends.
• Educate our volunteers during our clinical hours as well as training workshops.

Requirements;

• University or College degree in social services, psychology, or early childhood education.
• Minimum of 3 month experience working with children with Autism in either home based or center based programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate professional judgment.
• Satisfactory criminal background check.
• Ability to work within a team environment.

Interested applicants are welcomed to submit a cover letter and resume to info@saaac.org

I bet you’re wondering how Autism Awareness month affects you?  To be honest, it doesn’t affect you if you don’t have the mind to learn, the heart to give, and the spirit to make a difference.  Although we’ve just met, I have a feeling that you do have what it takes to give October your all. 

EDUCATE YOURSELF 

To get started, get acquainted with autism.  I’m sure you have heard about the increasing prevalence of this disorder, but try reading more about autism itself  or better yet, register for this free web-based lesson given by an expert from the Training Institute at the Geneva Centre for Autism. In less than two hours, you will find yourself a wiser individual, regardless of how much information you already know.  The most important thing to learn here is how supporting a child, an adolescent, or even an adult with autism can be extremely taxing on a family.  The distressing toll placed on a family’s finances, mental health, and relationships is difficult to truly comprehend.   

BECOME AN ADVOCATE

There are those in our community who cannot speak for themselves.  Many individuals with disabilities and disorders fall into this category and they need our voice to shout on their behalf.  Parents and guardians are the most important advocates for their children, and often do their best to ensure their child receives the best care;  however, in the South Asian Community, where many parents and guardians are learning English as a second, third, or fifth language, it is tough to be an advocate.  That is why these families need the support of their community.  Interpreters are always helpful when a parent discusses their child with school staff, healthcare workers, and others involved in their child’s life.  Accessing and funding services is also a grueling affair.  Why not become an advocate in the community?  Getting a hold of your MPs and making them aware of the issues at hand  is the best ways to do this.  

GET INVOLVED

Being the knowledgeable advocate that you now are, there is only one thing left to do: get involved!  Volunteering your time to help raise money, to connect parents with resources, or to work with the individuals diagnosed with this life long disorder is a wonderful way to make a difference in the community.  We know you’ve got the drive in you to make that difference, so let October be the month you dedicate to Autism.  Happy Canadian Autism Awareness month friend!

Hoping our paths will cross soon,

Anji S. Vara

Anji is an MSc recipient from the University of Toronto where she did research on inhibitory control in individuals with ASD. She is a passionate advocate of rights for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and volunteers her time with various special needs and mental health institutions.  

Presiding over the afternoon’s festivities was the great DJ Smoov (coincidentally also SAAAC’s program director) playing music ranging from hip-hop to bollywood. As music blasted through the expansive space of Sorkkam Cricket Club, the energy of the event was unmistakable with various activities taking place such as face painting, henna designs, and entertaining games (table tennis, foosball, basketball shootout).

Also, this year’s event saw the launching of SAAAC’s exciting endeavour – the Charms of Hope project. Customized by the children, youth, and volunteers of SAAAC, the exquisite jewelry pieces were on full display and garnering great attention. The feedback to the project was immensely positive at Bharathon, and was an indication of the great talent possessed by SAAAC participants and volunteers.

A staple of Bharathon has become the fun dance instructions that take place every hour. Led by members of talented dance crews, these dance instructions spanned various styles ranging from break dancing to ganna. As the event came to a close, the moment everyone was waiting for took place – awarding prizes to the participants of Bharathon. This year there were nearly 100 pledgers who took time to go out into their communities, raise awareness and funds for autism. Joseph Vijayaraj, father of a child with autism, raised $700, and won two roundtrip airline tickets to Florida along with a Mac Air Laptop.

Bharathon has always been about creating hope for families and individuals impacted by autism. It’s a rare event that brings together various individuals and communities to dance, enjoy great company while helping create a positive change in the lives of many.  SAAAC is immensely proud and thankful for all the great individuals who showed their support and fulfilled the promise of Bharathon – to Dance Today. Change Tomorrow.

Special Thanks

A big thank you to Sorkkam Cricket Club for the generous donation of their space and staff for the event. Our success would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of the individuals of Sorkkam.

To all the volunteers who spent the day setting up, running the event, and cleaning up. SAAAC is once again touched by your commitment and passion.

Bharathon would not have been possible without its participants. SAAAC extends a warm thank you to all those who took the time to raise pledges and in the process help raise awareness of autism in their communities.

Finally,  a huge thank you to Ajyayen Param from DesignsBy Ajay for his great media coverage and creative leadership in bringing Bharathon to life.