Autism Awareness Corner

I was informed of the difficulties that most families in Akwesasne are facing, the Quebec Border. I was not aware that it was most difficult to receive a diagnosis, therapy, and support. I honestly was not aware with the fact that the services available to the families in need was having to deal with only French speakers. I would like to know more of this Quebec process, so I will do research and make myself as knowledgeable in the Quebec process as possible. I do apologize for my naiveness on this subject, I will be doing homework.

Also, updated that MCA Health Department has an agreement with CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario), only Akwesasne residents can receive services from them. CHEO does not accept referrals or applications from Quebec residents at all. This is a great achievement for MCA Health Department and Akwesasronon.

Do not be discouraged, I have been there. My family took some time to realize and accept that my son, Cain, is exceptional. I had to work hard against the denial that my husband was experiencing with the fact his only son is not “NORMAL”. I worked tirelessly on securing therapy for Cain, making the appointments, driving to the sessions, attending the sessions, receiving the updates, being his playmate, his best friend, his caretaker, his nurse, his, his, his, that is what my life ended up being all about Cain, that I forgot my husband was struggling with the possibility of his son having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I was not sharing too much information with him, I was only giving him dates and times of appointments, not giving him the opportunity to be informed or to participate.

I forgot my husband needed support to help him through the accepting part. Do not get me wrong, he may be big and mean looking but he has the heart of a loving, caring, supportive, strong, Akwesasne Mohawk man. He was indeed troubled with this. I started to inform him on exactly what was happening with Cain, and how much work is needed to be done, and he valued the self-sufficiency of his son’s life. The day of the diagnosis was long but informative, a lot of paperwork to sign, a lot of time at OCTC (Ottawa’s Children Treatment Center),appointments were booked for Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, and many others; it was a long tiring day. Both physically and mentally for all three of us. The ride home was quiet. I knew he was processing all the information that was given to him by the Physician who finalized the diagnosis.

“It is official, he has Autism. He is going to be okay; he has you, you have me, and I have the both of you. We will do what we have to, and he will get to be self-sufficient,” that is what my husband said on our way home.

I cried, oh, did I ever cry. It was like a sigh of relief, I no longer must do this struggle by myself, that he was aboard to help his son. I was so scared he would turn and run, but he loves his family, he is our protector.

I thought it might help if I were to share our story from time to time. It is personal, but true. The trials and tribulations of the Autism world can split a family, or it can make it stronger. For us, we are stronger. We will do everything possible for our son, Cain.

Nia:wen Ko:wa/Thank You,

Fawn Cole, Autism Mom

Phone: 613-933-6730

Email: [email protected]