For Sebastian Padmore, the Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CFASA) has been life changing.
While the now-29-year-old had access to a range of services through other providers while he was in school, once he aged out, programs are more limited.
That’s when he found the centre’s Quest for Independence program, teaching everything from how to prepare meals and manage money to exploring recreational activities and learning job skills.
“The program was there every step of the way and I felt like he was in amazing hands,” says Sebastian’s brother, Bronson Padmore. “Initially, I took it on myself. I was helping him, but it was difficult.”
Sebastian is working towards building his independence and has moved from the Quest program to the Supported Independent Living program where he can focus on the skills he needs to live his way, like taking care of his own place and working. He now works at Fun Park, an indoor adventure park, which he loves.
“I get paid for it,” he says. “I’m a really fast worker. I get everything done on time.”
And CFASA offers opportunities for fun too. Friendships have blossomed with groups travelling around the city for activities. “Summer is very fun,” he adds. “We go outdoors, we go to festivals, do outdoor barbecues and nature walks.”
Autism is a neurodevelopment disability that can present in vastly different ways in different people. Because Autistic people experience the world differently, they may think, move and communicate in ways that require support.
Such diverse characteristics means support needs to be diverse too.
CFASA has built their programs around these diverse needs. The centre is a unique non-profit organization in the province that offers myriad support for people with autism and their caregivers, ranging from diagnostic services to preschool and kindergarten to summer camps for all ages, as well as professional services and reprieve programming for caregivers.
They also partner with local businesses like Goodwill, Blenderz Garment Recyclers, FIND Furnishings and Fountain Tire, to connect clients with employment opportunities.
Last year alone, they helped 366 families across Edmonton and Calgary, a six per cent increase over the previous year.
Part of what makes CFASA different from other services (many of which they work alongside) is twofold: they provide support for all Autistic people, regardless of age, and they offer many of their programs to those who are awaiting an official diagnosis. (It can take many months to get an assessment in the province, leaving many without support.)
“We really recognize that autism doesn’t end at childhood,” says CFASA CEO Jonathan Robb. “A lot of service providers will focus on childhood and early intervention, which is super important and we focus on that as well, but it doesn’t end at childhood. We’re really committed to creating a future where autistic individuals of all ages have opportunities to learn, build relationships and participate in the community.”
Their recreation programs — run by well-trained coaches and leaders — are particularly popular.
“They’re run in a very inclusive, neuro-friendly, sensory-friendly manner,” Robb says. “Those programs can span from early childhood to arts, community recreation programs, theatre and ice skating. Our ice skating cohort filled up within a couple of days.”
The organization also visits people at home to meet them where they’re at. One example of that work is when an older man whose wife had passed away contacted the centre. “He said, ‘She was my primary caregiver and now I feel like I’m regressing. I never realized how she was helping me manage some of those behaviours and taking care of me,’” Robb remembers. “Within three or four in-home visits, we were able to get him back on track and give him strategies to help manage that independent living. It really shows how autism is there for life and we have community wrap around us to help individuals manage that.”
For Sebastian, the support has been invaluable for his quality of life.
“I learned how to get to fun places in the community with my peers and how to get back,” he says. “I gained volunteer experiences in different places in Edmonton, which helped on my resume, which later helped me apply for jobs.”
Each year, CFASA hosts a sensory-friendly gala to raise funds for the centre’s programs. Last year’s event sold out with more than 250 people raising over $180,000.
For Robb, the highlight was watching a young program participant address the large group.
“Jordan, who came to us non-speaking, nonverbal, addressed an audience of 250 individuals and when he knocked it out of the park, he got a standing ovation,” he says. “His mom was beside herself. Watching that unfold was so heartwarming.”
