At the heart of the SAAAC Autism Centre are passionate individuals who dedicate their time and skills to making a difference. One such person is Amnah Atta, a third-year psychology student at the University of Guelph Humber, whose journey with SAAAC began a year and a half ago. Amnah’s story highlights the transformative power of volunteering, not only for the community but for the volunteers themselves.
A Journey of Growth and Connection
Amnah first discovered SAAAC while searching for volunteer opportunities in Scarborough. Drawn to environments where she could support individuals with special needs, she found the perfect match in SAAAC’s Visual Arts program. Volunteering quickly became a highlight of her week, providing an opportunity to connect with students on the autism spectrum and learn from their unique perspectives.
“When I’m not studying or volunteering, I’m usually outdoors, catching up on true crime podcasts, or lost in memoirs,” Amnah shares with a laugh. “Like the psychology nerd I am, I love exploring life stories and human experiences.” With aspirations to become a psychotherapist specializing in narrative therapy, Amnah has embraced the chance to develop her skills and build meaningful relationships.
A Typical Day in the Art Room
For Amnah, every volunteer shift is filled with creativity and connection. Her role begins with preparing supplies—setting up brushes, paints, and palettes—under the direction of the art instructors. But her favorite part of the day? Interacting with the students.
“We break the ice by asking about their week or sparking curiosity about the painting session,” she says. “Questions like ‘What colors do you think we’ll use today?’ always bring smiles and excitement.” Between art sessions, volunteers like Amnah respect each student’s preferences, whether it’s playing games, enjoying quiet time, or simply chatting.
These moments, along with the camaraderie shared with other volunteers and instructors, create a warm, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. “It’s not just about art—it’s about building connections and creating memories,” Amnah reflects.
Personal and Professional Growth
Through her time at SAAAC, Amnah has discovered that volunteering is as much about personal growth as it is about giving back. Initially unsure of her art skills, she credits the art teachers and students for helping her improve her brush control and technique. “I’ve learned to guide others using hand-over-hand methods, which has helped me internalize skills and develop patience,” she explains.
As a psychology student, Amnah sees immense value in her volunteer experience. “Working with individuals on the autism spectrum has taught me to adapt and tune in to their unique ways of thinking and communicating. It’s made me more empathetic and resilient—qualities I’ll carry into my future career.”
Moments That Matter
One moment that stands out for Amnah is a recurring request from a particularly talented student. Every week, the student would ask the art instructor, Vithunan, to sing a specific song. “The joy and smiles it brought to everyone were heartwarming,” she recalls. “It was a beautiful reminder of the simple, joyful connections we build through art.”
Amnah also values the unexpected lessons she’s learned, particularly about overcoming initial apprehensions when interacting with individuals on the spectrum. “I’ve realized that they’re not ‘different’; they just have different needs. This experience has broadened my perspective and helped me grow in empathy and understanding.”
Advice for Aspiring Volunteers
For those considering volunteering, Amnah has a simple message: “Go for it!” She emphasizes SAAAC’s flexibility and variety of programs, which make it easy to find a role that aligns with individual interests and skills. “Volunteering at SAAAC is incredibly rewarding. You’ll not only give back to the community but also learn and grow in ways you never expected.”Interested in Volunteering?
Get more information to volunteer with SAAAC by visiting our Volunteer Page.