If your autistic child has meltdowns, displays unusualbehaviours, and scores low on psychometric tests, is it reasonable to hope that he or she can have a bright future? What about success in post- secondary

education or a chance at a satisfying career? In thisepisode of Autistic: Beyond the Label, I will explore these questions with Theresa, a dental hygienist from Ontario, Canada who is the mom of two grown boys, the oldest one, Michael, being autistic. What is clear in listening to the story of Theresa and her autistic son, is that where you begin in your autism journey need not determine where you arrive. Even after a

healthy start new setbacks can emerge which seem to threatenthe progress that your child is making. However, Theresa shows us that a willingness to ask questions, to seek the right help for both you and your child, and to try, and try again, can make –as it did with her own son — all the difference. Theresa describes her son’s “blossoming” from a child with tics and odd behaviours who struggled in school and was two years behind his peers in reading, to a thriving university scholar. She also recounts some of the unconventional steps she took to overcome obstacles: For example, her decision to show a psychologist videotapes

of her child’s concerning behaviours and her own difficultefforts to manage them.  When new challenges arose in her son’s teen years, she turned to the same technique toensure that the most effective intervention was identified. Theresa opens up about the fears and doubts that haunted her as she struggled to understand and find answers to her son’s condition.  Many parents will relate to the challenge of

dealing with conflicting information and advice. She alsoshares what she has learned about the psychological conditions that often go along with autism and how they can be effectively managed. Gradually with each new success, Theresa learned to let go of the low expectations that seemed to accompany an ASD diagnosis, and to recognize and celebrateher son’s growing skills and strengths, leading to his enrolment in university where he is now excelling in his secondyear.  Theresa’s story about raising her autistic son Michael to his full potential is an inspiring reminder that autistickids must have the same access to pathways that the neurotypical world takes for granted.

A Note about the diagnosis:

In our conversation, the fact that Theresa’s son was alsotested by a pediatric psychologist by way of a play session was incidentally left out.

Music composed by and provided with the permission of Peterde Mello.

Research:

Front Psychiatry. 2022 Feb 28;13:768586. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.768586

Recognizing Psychosis in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Michele Ribolsi 1,*, Federico Fiori Nastro 2,3, MartinaPelle 2,3, Caterina Medici 2,3, Silvia Sacchetto 2,3, Giulia Lisi 4, AssiaRiccion     i 5, Martina Siracusano 6,Luigi Mazzone 5, Giorgio Di Lorenzo 2,3,…

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2024004-eng.htm

https://universityaffairs.ca/news/neurodiversity-in-canadian-postsecondary-education/

Resources:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/identifying-students-special-education-needs

Look for psychological and behavioural services in yourlocal area. Here are a few in Ontario:

https://www.autismontario.com/programs-services/adults/mental-health-resources

https://kinarkautismservices.ca/request-a-free-consultation/utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=sa_kinark_autismcentretoronto_

2025&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19781378094&gbraid=0AAAAApZpaICJnAuVjXy79ZJ_9oR54ACD_&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjJTKBhCjARIsAIMC44_

2DUoaF9pXIenvAr_csyG3ziqzW8ezj0GyrKV4Ugjge8Cq1gJEBUcaAuooEALw_wcB

https://thefamilyhelpnetwork.ca/services/autism-and-behavioural-services/