Category: Youth & Adult

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The 2023 CAN Pro-Am Luncheon, sponsored by TD Bank Group, is an opportunity for CAN supporters to mix and mingle with NHL Alumni while supporting the cause.

This year, CAN participant & staff member Brayden Bradbury took to the stage with his grandma, Lori, to share his incredible story. The following is the speech that Brayden & Lori delivered to a room full of 300+.

They received not one, but two standing ovations. Here’s why.

LORI

Good afternoon everyone. Brayden and I are so grateful for the opportunity to speak to you today about the Canucks Autism Network and the incredible impact they have on people’s lives.

We know because CAN changed Brayden’s life.

We all have hopes and dreams for our children and our grandchildren. Dreams for success and an extraordinary life. I wanted that for my grandson too.

But when he was diagnosed with autism, it made those dreams harder to believe in. But, I still had them – I mean, you have to!

Childhood can be tough enough for kids with autism. But adolescence became a very dark time for Brayden. A dark time for us all. In his struggles, he lost hope. He felt life was over, that he shouldn’t be here, that life was empty and meaningless.

He felt so lost and afraid. He thought the only solution for personal protection was self-imposed isolation.

By 15, he had dropped out of school and spent the next 3 years barely leaving his room.

BRAYDEN

In the summer of 2018, my nana found out about the Canucks Autism Network. And it completely resurrected my life.

I started going to some of CAN’s social programs at places like Castle Fun Park. I liked them so we decided to look at more programs. I then did CAN’s woodworking, and fitness program.

But it was their Explore Volunteering program that changed who I was. It’s an eight-week program where you go around the community and help at other non-profits.

A male young adult organizes a clothing rack at a thrift store

I had no idea I was so capable. I had no idea I could relate to others. And that I was compatible with other people.

Before the program, I believed that I was bound to be nothing. I also believed I was bound to be alone. But for the first time, I didn’t find myself so isolated anymore.

For the first time, I started to feel like I could do something with my life.

LORI

Before we found CAN, I kept telling Brayden how much I wished for him. But his future was always something we butted heads about.

He would tell me, “You know – getting a job, finishing school…that’s never gonna happen.”

But CAN gave him a belief in himself. They gave him an opportunity to feel in control. To feel responsible for what happens to his life.

I will never forget — after the Explore Volunteering program, Brayden came to me and said, “Nana – I think I want to find a job.”

To have your grandson say to you, after two and a half years of fighting – “I need to get a good start on life. I need to go back to school or it’s not going to be possible.”

It was something I’d only dreamed of.  CAN had flicked a switch in him. By 2020, Brayden had received his Adult Dogwood.

Then in 2021, he signed up for CAN’s Skills Training and Employment Program where he landed an 8-week work experience with New Again Cleaning.

Since then, he has worked as a Program Assistant at CAN’s Hockey, Active, Multisport, Gymnastics and Swim programs and is now a Support Worker at CAN Skate. And this summer, he worked as a full-time Program Assistant for CAN’s Summer Day Camps.

But Brayden’s involvement with CAN isn’t limited to his work with them. He continues to attend CAN programs like hiking, mini golf, and snowshoeing and even joins CAN’s Adult Leadership meetings when he has the time. And I truly hope he has the courage to access their mental health programs this coming year.

BRAYDEN

CAN’s impact on my life continues to this day. It continues with events like this one.

When the 2020 CAN Pro-Am was announced, I was just old enough to sign up. My nana registered me and told me that I had to raise the money myself and I did! That first year, I brought in $2,250 for my team, helping us land 6th overall pick on Draft Night.

After Todd Bertuzzi and the Sedins were drafted, my team narrowed it down to two players: Canucks Alumni Brad May and Mason Raymond. May went 5th so our decision was made.

We welcomed former Canucks winger Mason Raymond onto our team. Based on how the tournament went, I think we may have come out with the best pick in the draft.

On day one, Raymond kept setting me up, but I just couldn’t score. Although we lost both of our Saturday games, we were all having fun, and that’s what mattered most. We got a laugh out of Kyle Wellwood’s cherry-picking against us. And taking a faceoff against Geoff Courtnall was something I never thought would happen.

Then, on our last game of the tournament, I scored a goal assisted by Mason Raymond and Taylor Pyatt! Never in my life would I have dreamed this would happen. But CAN makes things like this possible. They’ve made so many things possible for me that I never could have dreamed of.

For me, hockey is a place where I can be myself. Hockey doesn’t care who I am. It soothes my soul and lives in my heart.

And at CAN Pro-Am, I get to be “just one of the guys.” The atmosphere is electrifying, and the environment is so warm, friendly, and welcoming. It’s like coming home.

LORI

I’m so proud of him. I tell him every day how proud I am.

Just a month ago Brayden obtained his Learner’s Driver’s License; another milestone which he thought would never happen.

And thanks to a recommendation from a fellow CAN member and CAN Pro-Am teammate, Brayden has now joined a Co-Ed Rec League.

Sometimes, I can’t believe how far Brayden has come.

CAN was the light in the darkness and a lifeline for Brayden both mentally and emotionally.

As Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.”

We know in our hearts that with CAN by his side, Brayden will find that why.

I thank Canucks Autism Network and I thank everyone in this room. CAN relies on people understanding the benefit of what they do. And it is because of your support that CAN is able to change the lives of thousands of people just like Brayden.

BRAYDEN

Before CAN, I was a high school dropout who never left the house.

Today, I am so busy with work opportunities that I often face conflicts in my schedule. Who would have ever thought this would be my reality?

Because of CAN, I believe I can be something in this world.

CAN has changed my life. I honestly cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you.

More CAN Stories

CAN BLOG HOME >

2023 CAN Pro-Am: Over $1.07 million raised with NHL Alumni!

 

Autism accessibility continues at NHL, AHL & junior arenas across BC

Breaking barriers: From CAN to Chilliwack Minor Hockey

 

 

Canucks celebrate autism acceptance at Rogers Arena!

Vancouver, BC – Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is thrilled to announce that the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions (“the Province”) has awarded CAN a one-time grant of $540,000 to support solutions that address mental health barriers faced by Autistic youth and adults in British Columbia.

Enhancing supports for individuals living with mental-health and substance-use needs is an integral part of A Pathway to Hope, the B.C. government’s roadmap for building mental health and addictions care more available in our health care system, for everyone in British Columbia. a comprehensive system of mental-health and addictions care for British Columbians.

“We are proud of the positive change we have created in the area of mental health supports for Autistic youth and adults, but there is so much more work to be done,” said CAN CEO Britt Andersen. “This crucial funding will allow us to begin to address the enormous need in the community.”

“When Autistic people reach out, they need resources that meet their unique needs,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “Investing in organizations like the Canucks Autism Network reflects our government’s commitment to addressing the gaps in support that Autistic people and their families face, so we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone in B.C.”

In line with the Government ‘s Pathway to Hope priority actions, CAN has identified various steps that can be immediately actioned to address mental health barriers faced by Autistic individuals.

CAN completed extensive research and consultation with clinical professionals and the Autistic community to better understand the unmet need and major obstacles facing Autistic individuals.

Critical findings include:

  • Autistic youth and adults are seven times more likely to attempt suicide and are at a greater risk of substance misuse and addiction than non-Autistic people
  • 66% of newly diagnosed Autistic adults have reported feeling suicidal
  • Roughly 70% of Autistic people experience at least one co-occurring mental health issue

Major barriers that Autistic individuals face when attempting to access mental health services include cost, ineligibility due to their diagnosis, a lack of autism-informed clinicians, and long waitlists for those with autism training.

CAN has already begun addressing the mental health challenges faced by Autistic youth and adults by introducing a stream of Mental Health & Wellness programs that encourage participants to explore their own mental health, improve their overall wellness, and connect with their community.

Programs and workshops have been developed and led by a combination of CAN staff, community partners, clinicians, self-advocates, and facilitators with lived experience and focus on areas such as emotional expression, social connection, peer support, healthy sleeping, healthy boundaries, healthy eating, and healthy relationships and sexuality.

According to Kayla Tellier, CAN Women’s Peer Support Group Facilitator, being able to talk to someone with lived experience can make all the difference.

“Peer groups like CAN’s Women’s Group help Autistic people feel more comfortable sharing and connecting because the group is led by someone who may have personally experienced some of their struggles and will listen without judgment,” explains Kayla. “Hearing that you aren’t the only one who going through something can be really helpful, especially when other Neurodivergent individuals share strategies that worked for them. It can be a lot more helpful than being given strategies meant for a typical individual.”

CAN has also taken steps to begin to address barriers Autistic youth and adults face in the community and workplace when attempting to access mental health supports.

The following initiatives are already underway or in development:

  • Partnering with Foundry BC to develop training for Foundry frontline staff and Peer Support Workers around strategies and best practices for supporting Autistic youth
  • Developing online modules such as Supporting Autistic Mental Health in the Workplace designed to help employers understand the needs of Autistic employees, and practical supports to increase mental health in the workplace
  • Providing increased Suicide Intervention and Mental Health training to frontline CAN Youth and Adult Staff
  • Delivering live training to the BC Crisis Centre to equip staff with the necessary skills and strategies to support Autistic youth and adults in crisis situations

“The Crisis Centre of BC worked with Canucks Autism Network to tailor a workshop for our training/education and distress services teams,” shared Lu Ripley, Director, Community Learning & Engagement. “Our staff found the session to be beneficial, relevant, and practical. Staff have readily applied the knowledge and skills gained to their work to help better meet the needs of attendees and/or callers on the autism spectrum.”

The funding will enable CAN to make an even greater impact through the following initiatives:

  • Expansion of the delivery and development of Autism Informed Mental Health Training for Mental Health Workers in the community
  • Creation of Autism Informed Crisis Response Resources and more training in the community
  • Increase in offerings for youth and adults in need of 1:1 mental health supports
  • Expansion of Introductory Wellness Programs and Peer-Led Support Groups

“We are proud of the positive change we have created in the area of mental health supports for Autistic youth and adults, but there is so much more work to be done,” said CAN CEO Britt Andersen. “This crucial funding will allow us to begin to address the enormous need in the community.”

For more information about CAN’s current portfolio of mental health and wellness offerings, please visit canucksautism.ca/mentalhealth.

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For media inquiries: Lindsay Petrie, CAN Director of Marketing & Communications
lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca

Dear CAN community,

I love playing soccer. I’ve been playing for over 9 years. I also love going camping and recently became a Beaver Leader.

But I’m most proud to be a big sister to my brother Tanner, who has autism. Growing up as Tanner’s sister was hard at times, but mostly it’s been really good.

My name is Gemma and I’m 16 years old.

My brother and I weren’t really close as kids because he didn’t talk much. I wanted to play with him, but he just wanted to be by himself and was obsessed with playing Mario. He’s been playing it for years and has basically memorized every route of the game. He may even like it more than Thomas the Train.

School was kind of rough for Tanner when he was little. Sometimes his teachers couldn’t get him to do something, so they would pull me from my class to get me to help with him. My mom would get a lot of calls from the school asking her to pick him up early.

For a while, it was really hard to get him to go anywhere or do any kind of activity.

My mom heard about CAN when they first came to Kelowna in 2014. She signed Tanner up for their first-ever skating program.

At the start, all he wanted to do was lay on the ice and lick the snow shavings. But instead of saying that my brother was too hard, the CAN staff made piles of ice to motivate him to skate to the piles. That’s how he learned to skate.

My brother also did basketball in his first year with CAN. He used to try to run out of the gym, so they put benches in front of the doors to keep him safe. They kept welcoming him back, even after he pulled the fire alarm.

They said that it didn’t matter if he didn’t participate with the group, because as long as he was there, it was progress.

They always just let Tanner be Tanner. And they never called my mom to pick him up early.

My mom kept signing him up for activities because as long as it was a CAN program, he was willing to try it.

He’s done CAN soccer, swim, bike camp, day camp, gymnastics, kayaking, snowshoeing, and even teen social activities like laser tag. We’ve also done a bunch of CAN family events together.

His favourite CAN program right now is their hiking program. But he really doesn’t like the word hiking, so we call it the ‘Walking uphill with friends’ program.

He always tells my mom that she can drop Tanner off with his friends and pick him up after, but make sure to leave, because it’s his friends.

I can tell how much my brother loves CAN, because he does this thing when he’s really happy where he shakes his hands back and forth and smiles. He always does that there.

He’s made so many friends through CAN and really likes their staff. Something about them makes him open up. He really didn’t talk much at home, but the CAN staff said he would talk at programs. We couldn’t believe it.

I got to see it for myself when we went to CAN day camp together. He just wanted to be around me and talk to me. He didn’t do that at home, so it was really special for us.

We got so much closer, and it made me so happy to feel more like siblings. It was also so nice to meet other kids who had a brother or sister with autism.

Tanner actually just finished another summer at CAN day camp last month. He had the most amazing time.

He was so excited for it that he started the countdown at the beginning of the summer. He is really into calendars right now, so he checked every day to see how many more days until he got to see his friends at CAN.

I’ve watched Tanner in so many CAN programs over the years and it’s been so great to see how he’s grown. It’s like CAN helped him find his voice. He talks now, he has friends, and he has confidence.

CAN got to see a different side of Tanner and now we get to see it too.

When I think about it, the thing I love most about my brother is how funny he is. He’s hilarious. It’s all about the comments he makes and always at the perfect time.

I don’t think I would have gotten to see this part of him if it weren’t for CAN opening him up and giving him permission to just be himself.

I’m so grateful to everyone at CAN who helped my brother get to where he is today. CAN has been so good for him. CAN has been so good for our whole family.

Thank you,

-Gemma, a CAN sister

More CAN stories!

canucksautism.ca/blog

Breaking barriers: From CAN to Chilliwack Minor Hockey

Nate: “I want to help other kids like me.”

“Mom, I’m really happy today.”

 

 

Top photo: Roger is second from the right.

It’s no secret that we love our volunteers. They’re a key piece of what makes our programs and events so special.

This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the positive impact our volunteers have had on Canucks Autism Network (CAN) participants across BC by featuring a handful of their stories on social media and our blog.

Did you know that CAN has 200+ volunteers across British Columbia?
Join our volunteer team >

Today, we’re highlighting Roger Roy.

A retired father of two, Roger began volunteering with CAN because of his sons, both of whom are on the autism spectrum.

After volunteering in both Children’s and Youth & Adult programs, Roger discovered that his ability to relate to teenagers on the spectrum set him apart.

“As much as I loved working with kids in the swim program, I found it easier to relate to teenagers, possibly because I have two grown sons of my own.”

Roger (2nd from left) helping CAN youth & adults with digging & maintenance work at Little Campbell Hatchery.

Roger’s passion for working with Autistic teens was so strong that, a couple of years later, we were proud to have him join our Employment Programs and Services Team as staff.

Having raised two boys on the autism spectrum, Roger knew how challenging it could be finding support for Autistic individuals, especially once they enter their teen years. Rather than enjoying a quiet retirement, he decided to go back to school so that he could provide support to other families like his.

While studying to become a Behavioural Interventionist at Douglas College, Roger signed up to volunteer in CAN programs to get hands on experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum. After his first program, Explore Volunteering, he quickly realized the impact he could have.

“I was volunteering in a program with these two boys that were 15 or 16 years old. They were so fun to be around. I loved working with them, encouraging them, teaching them new things, and kind of being their mentor.”

After volunteering in several Youth & Adult programs, Roger heard about the opportunity to become an Employment Support Worker through CAN’s Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP).

Rogers helps a CAN youth with some holiday wrapping as part of the Explore Volunteering program.

“I remember hearing one of the instructors at Douglas College talk about how there was a need for workers to support teens and young adults. There’s a lot of people going into BI, but a real shortage of people working with that age group. So, when I saw that CAN was hiring, I immediately applied.”

Thinking of his own children and their experiences entering the workforce, Roger was determined to help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for Autistic job seekers. And it’s clear that he has done just that.

“Roger became an Employment Support Worker about nine months ago and he’s been phenomenal”, said Robbie Hsieh, Director of Employment Programs and Services. “He’s so great at supporting CAN-STEP participants. I recently spoke with an employer that he was supporting, and they said he’s the best job coach they’ve ever worked with.”

For Roger, seeing participants develop their skills and confidence, and supporting them as they learn to navigate workplace culture is its own reward.

“My goal is for them to have sustainable employment, so they can go to work, be accepted, and be able to become increasingly independent.”

While Roger loves his current role, he credits his CAN volunteer experience with helping him find this new direction and giving meaning to his semi-retirement.

“It’s very rewarding work, either as a volunteer or an employee, because you get to change lives.”

“You give hope to people who may be experiencing difficult times, who may be getting bullied, who may not have the opportunities that neurotypical people have. They’re oftentimes looking for personal connections and you can provide that. Be a friend to them. A lot of the time, they’re looking for someone who’s warm and kind, who accepts them as they are.”

If you’re interested in making a difference like Roger, join our volunteer team >

More stories from CAN programs

https://www.canucksautismnetwork2024-070224.local/blog/breaking-barriers-from-can-to-chilliwack-minor-hockey/

https://www.canucksautismnetwork2024-070224.local/blog/nate-keller/

https://www.canucksautismnetwork2024-070224.local/blog/wei-eric/

https://www.canucksautismnetwork2024-070224.local/blog/meet-morgan-the-first-step-is-understanding-and-inclusion/

 

As we get ready to celebrate World Autism Day, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) community will take centre stage as the Canucks take on the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow evening.

📅 Sun, Apr 2, 5pm  📺 Sportsnet Pacific  📻 Sportsnet 650

Since 2008, the Vancouver Canucks and Canucks For Kids Fund have been our biggest supporters. It was 15 years ago that CAN was founded by Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son Christian is on the autism spectrum.

In our earlier years, we focused on providing sports & rec opportunities for children. Since then, we’ve grown up alongside our participants to offer a range of employment, mental health & leisure programs for Autistic youth & adults, as well. Beyond our programs, CAN’s training initiatives seek to increase capacity to support and include Autistic individuals across community spaces.

Sunday afternoon will be a celebration of inclusion & acceptance, featuring a number of children & adults on the autism spectrum:

  • PA announcer Ryan Chilton will be back at the mic.
  • Professional singer Miriah Reitmeier will perform both national anthems.
  • CAN hockey players Gavin, Ben & Makayla will be featured at ice level as part of the Rogers Every Kid’s Dream & Toyota Junior Trainer programs.
Ryan Chilton, Miriah Reitmeier with Daniel Sedin and Nish Lal with Christian Aquilini

Ryan is an adult on the spectrum who originally co-emceed our 2014 CAN Sports Day with the “voice of the Canucks” – Al Murdoch. Since then, Ryan’s skills have flourished and he is currently the official PA announcer for the BCHL Coquitlam Express.

Based out of Surrey, Miriah Reitmeier is a professional singer who has previously sang the anthem at the Canucks’ Autism Acceptance Game in 2011 and CAN Sports Day in 2014.

“As a singer living with autism, I want to inspire others in the autism community to pursue their dreams and passions in the performing arts.” -Miriah

Meanwhile, Gavin, Ben and Makayla are all athletes on the autism spectrum who have honed their skills in the CAN hockey program.

The afternoon will also feature a range of individuals from the CAN community who have been instrumental in our participants’ successes.

Nish Lal is a longtime CAN program staff who was one of our very first volunteers back in 2008. With unparalleled enthusiasm and genuine care for each participant he encounters, he is recognized by the CAN community across the Lower Mainland. Tomorrow afternoon, he will be cranking the BCLC Community Hero siren.

CAN CEO Britt Andersen will be interviewed on both the Sportsnet Pacific telecast and the Sportsnet 650 airwaves during intermission. Meanwhile, CAN Director of Marketing & Communications Lindsay Petrie will speak about the cause during an in-game interview broadcasted on the jumbotron.

See highlights from the 2022 game:

In addition to featuring CAN, the Canucks continue to offer accessibility resources to any fans who may benefit.

In 2019, Rogers Arena became the first Canadian NHL stadium to introduce comprehensive autism accessibility resources for all games and events.

These include noise-cancelling headphones (on loan), sensory toys and a quiet room available upon request. For Canucks games specifically, fans can also benefit from an activity storybook and game timeline to increase expectations on the game day experience.

For full details, please visit the Canucks’ autism accessibility page.

Looking for ways to support the cause through the game?

  • Proceeds from Canucks 50/50 benefit CAN & a range of other deserving charities.
    Fans can buy tickets in-game and online.
  • Or make a donation directly to CAN!
    Visit canucksautism.ca/donate.

A huge thank you to entire Canucks organization for celebrating autism acceptance and for supporting the cause year-round. It is because of them that we can continue our work across BC and beyond.

Further reading

4th annual CAN Pro-Am shatters fundraising record

Breaking barriers: From CAN to Chilliwack Minor Hockey

Coquitlam Express welcome hundreds in the stands & on the ice

CAN BLOG HOME

Foundry and Canucks Autism Network (CAN) are excited to offer a new initiative to equip youth peer supporters with training to better support Autistic youth in need of mental health services.

Foundry provides young people in BC, ages 12-24, and their caregivers access to integrated health and wellness services, including mental health, substance use, physical & sexual healthcare, and social services through Foundry centres or the Foundry BC App.

This partnership will provide Foundry BC’s youth peer supporters access to an online training module, co-developed by CAN, to better understand the unique needs of Autistic youth, using Foundry’s existing peer support curriculum as a foundation.

This training was developed with direct input from subject matter experts engaged in professional clinical practice who directly support the mental health needs of Autistic individuals, Youth Peer Support Workers in the Foundry network, and Autistic self-advocates and job seekers engaged with CAN through Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) and other CAN services.

We can’t wait to see how this initiative, in addition to Foundry’s recent MSDPR provincial grant for development of the youth peer support program, will impact mental health support for the autism community in BC!

Learn more about Foundry Peer Support and visit the CAN mental health & wellness programs page for more information about Canucks Autism Network.

Additional Info

In a resource scan done by CAN and Autism Nova Scotia in 2021, lack of autism trainings and resources was identified as a significant barrier Autistic individuals face when accessing mental health resources.

Here’s what we know:

  • 92% of Autistic youth & adults indicated a need for support, but only 40% indicated they had adequate access to services.
  • Autistic youth & adults are seven times more likely to attempt suicide than non-Autistic individuals.
  • 66% of newly-diagnosed Autistic adults have reported feeling suicidal.
  • Autistic youth and adults are at greater risk of substance misuse and addiction than non-Autistic individuals.
  • Approximately 70% of Autistic people experience at least one co-occurring mental health issue.

Read the report summary and visit the CAN mental health training webpage to learn more.

We would like to acknowledge Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) who provided funding for this training. RWA is a national partnership of Inclusion Canada and the Autism Alliance of Canada and their member organizations. RWA is designed to increase the labour force participation of people with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum.

More News & Stories

Government of B.C. awards $540,000 to Canucks Autism Network in support of mental health initiatives for Autistic individuals

CAN removes diagnosis barrier for youth & adults to access programs

“Mom, I’m really happy today.”

 

by Sarah Russell, CAN participant & staff

I think I always knew that I was different.

For so many years, I carried around this feeling of inadequacy without really knowing why.

When I found out about my autism diagnosis as an adult, it was the most validating information that I could have ever heard.

I was finally able to let go of the weight I’d been carrying and the pressure I’d been putting on myself my whole life. What I used to think of as inadequacies were actually just different ways of experiencing the world.

My name is Sarah Russell. Since 2015, I’ve been working with Canucks Autism Network (CAN) as a Support Worker, Coach, Onsite Supervisor, and Learning Facilitator. And in 2021, I learned of my diagnosis and joined as a Participant.

I began supporting CAN participants before knowing I was on the spectrum. Even then, I always knew that I could be myself at CAN programs.

My involvement with CAN first started when I was working through a partnered program in Victoria called PISE. PISE was looking to accommodate beyond physical disabilities and CAN was looking to expand on the Island.

I kind of fell into the role of CAN Coach, and once I started, I was hooked. I just loved helping participants develop their sports skills so they could ultimately access community programs or school programs or just keep up with their neurotypical peers on the playground.

Since starting at CAN, I’ve held various roles and find them all equally rewarding in their own way.

As a CAN Support Worker, it’s so fun to get to run around with the kids and get big silly reactions out of them, while also being the person who can help them integrate into new situations. I know how hard that can be because I struggled with it my whole life.

For so long, I felt like I had to hide my feelings and authentic experience just to fit in. Autistic people call this masking. When masking, you’re trying to present yourself in a typical way while suppressing your real feelings and experience. It’s upsetting, overwhelming, and uncomfortable.

For so many years, I was supporting CAN participants without knowing that I, myself, was on the autism spectrum. One of the most liberating things about becoming a CAN participant was knowing that I could leave my mask at the door.

I knew from my experience as CAN Staff that I’d be in a safe space where I could just be my authentic Autistic self.

Even when I’m having a hard day, I know I’m going to be supported. I know I’m going to feel heard. And I know I am going to be welcomed as I am.

Being Autistic, you’re already in a marginalized group. Those who identify as female are marginalized even further. So for me, having an opportunity at CAN like the Women’s Peer Support Group is so important because it creates a safe space for us to feel heard and included. We get to come together monthly to share our similar experiences while supporting and validating each other.

When you’re a person on the spectrum who has low support needs, it actually limits the number of resources that you’re able to access in the community.

CAN is really the only organization that I’m able to access.

If it weren’t for CAN, I wouldn’t be able to go the gym or be a part of social activities like bowling or rock climbing because the facilities are too loud and overstimulating. The experience itself wouldn’t even be enjoyable because I’d be forced to push so hard just to be in that space.

Because of CAN, I’m able to access community activities, be physically active, be social with my friends, and even make new friends.

When I think about it, my favourite thing about CAN is that it’s essentially home.

The people who work at CAN are like an extension of my family. Whether I go to a CAN program or event as a staff or a participant, I feel like I can let go of everything and just be myself.

It’s really the most comfortable and welcoming place that you could ever be.

More CAN Stories

Breaking barriers: From CAN to Chilliwack Minor Hockey

CAN removes diagnosis barrier for youth & adults to access programs

Nate Keller: What I want you to know about autism

 

 

This speech was delivered by CAN dad Gary Bryant at the 2022 CAN Pro-Am Luncheon, sponsored by ICONIX Waterworks. 

Our family’s story is about a young boy with a passion and a dream. It’s about how Canucks Autism Network (CAN) paved the path that allowed our son Mitchell to break many barriers with the seemingly endless support of the most amazing and dedicated staff and volunteers I have ever seen.

Hockey has touched every single corner of our lives as far back as 1999. I played. Both of Mitchell’s older brothers played. And I coached their teams for 12 years. So naturally, from the moment Mitchell could walk and he was able to hold anything that resembled a hockey stick, Mitchell was “playing hockey”.  Mitchell showed an unusually strong passion for the game. As you can imagine, we were all very excited to get Mitchell involved in this wonderful game as soon as he was ready.

Mitch with former CAN Ambassador and Canucks defenceman Dan Hamhuis in 2014.

Mitchell was introduced to the sport at the age of 5 with minor ball hockey. This was Mitchell’s first real experience in a structured environment. He did not socialize with his peers. He would not participate in any of the drills or games. He would not respond to me or the other coaches.

No matter what any of us tried, Mitchell had his way of doing things. To use a “coach’s term”… we thought Mitchell was simply un-coachable. This was our first cue as parents that he was not like his peers although at the time. But we didn’t understand why.

Our relationship with CAN began when Mitchell was diagnosed at the age of 9. Our first official act as parents with a child on the spectrum was to register Mitchell for CAN Hockey. I’m not sure who was more excited — us or Mitchell. It became our Saturday morning ritual. We would all get up at 6am, pile into the van to make the trip from Chilliwack to Surrey.

From the moment Mitchell first hit the ice, he was in his glory. You couldn’t wipe the grin off of his face if you tried.

Mitch during a special scrimmage with the CAN hockey program at Rogers Arena in 2015

The Saturday morning skate with his team became the most important part of Mitchell’s week. He belonged to a team. He had a team jersey. He had a team jacket. He was now just like his friends at school. He was a hockey player.

The flexibility, structure, and supportive environment at CAN allowed each player to experience hockey in their own way. I cannot put into words what it was like to see my son become a part of a team like this. Mitchell always dreamed of playing hockey. But in addition to making his dreams come true, CAN gave him a second home where he felt welcomed and accepted.

Mitchell’s passion for the game and desire to be the best hockey player was only fueled and further nurtured by the tireless efforts of the amazing CAN staff and volunteers.

Mitchell progressed significantly in the program. And by the end of his 3rd season, we could see his levels of frustration begin to build. Mitchell was starting to want more from the program than the program was intended to sustain.

As parents, we started to reluctantly face a bitter reality — that it might be best for Mitchell to “graduate” from CAN Hockey and allow another child to embark on the very same journey. But we were unsure if Mitchell had developed a strong enough skill set at CAN to transition to minor hockey with typical peers.

He was 14 at the time, so he was eligible for 2nd year Bantam. We were worried it might be too large a leap for a player on the spectrum. We were worried about how he would respond to the social environment, how he would manage in a game in a competitive environment.

The fall of 2018 might have been the end of Mitchell’s hockey journey had it not been for the support of those around us and the foundation he had built with CAN. Mitchell was also skating with an adaptive hockey program in Chilliwack. The organizer — and a good friend of ours — Ben Champaign kept pushing us and telling us he was ready.

So Ben arranged to have the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Director of Player Development Lee McCaw come out and assess Mitchell. The following week, we registered Mitchell and Lee insisted that Mitchell be placed on his team.

Mitchell’s first season was a complete success primarily due to the coaching staff who did an amazing job of ensuring that Mitchell was well supported through his introduction to competitive hockey. They worked tirelessly to ensure that he was a part of the team and they embraced the spirit of inclusion, proving that hockey was for everyone.

This year marks the start of Mitchell’s 4th season. He is now competing at a level equal to his peers as a 3rd year Midget player.

Mitch (right) as a member of the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association in 2022

Barriers are made to be broken. Watching Mitchell as he has made his journey has been a very special experience for me. But we could have never done this alone. They say that it takes a village to raise a child and Mitchell’s story is a testimony to this.  Mitchell’s success would not have been possible without the incredible efforts and the amazing support of so many wonderful people.

Canucks Autism Network started it all for Mitchell. CAN started this journey for so many players, including those on Mitchell’s first team. CAN helped 20 kids who were desperate to belong, find a second home wearing the same jersey.

I hope that by sharing Mitchell’s story, you know that CAN has a very powerful impact. That supporters of the cause make a huge difference. To kids like Mitchell, CAN gives them a chance to dream. Canucks Autism Network allowed Mitchell to believe that he CAN be a hockey player.

Supporters of CAN are helping to write the next story… to fulfill the next dream and help ensure more barriers are broken. Isn’t that a beautiful thing?

After Mitch’s dad delivered his speech at the CAN Pro-Am Luncheon, Mitch was given the opportunity to skate alongside NHL Alumni in the CAN Pro-Am All-Star Game two days later.

Further Reading

Visit the CAN Blog >

4th annual CAN Pro-Am shatters fundraising record

CAN & Sport Surrey give hockey participants a day to remember

Dear Canucks Autism Network: A letter from a CAN hockey parent

CAN removes diagnosis barrier for youth & adults to access programs

 

 

At Canucks Autism Network (CAN), we recognize that needs change with age. We believe that every Autistic individual should be supported during important transitions into adulthood.

We’re proud to have evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of our members by addressing some of the major gaps and most urgent issues impacting youth and adults on the spectrum. This includes program opportunities in employment, social and community connection, and most recently, mental health.

One of the most common barriers that Autistic youth and adults face is the need for a formal autism diagnosis to access supports.

In talking with CAN members and the broader autism community, many themes have emerged as potential barriers to formal diagnosis including cost, access to a professional who is qualified to provide a diagnosis, fear of not being believed, and other challenges navigating the healthcare system.

For the above reasons, CAN will no longer be requiring a formal diagnosis for individuals over 13 years of age who are interested in accessing any program or service provided by CAN. This important decision to increase accessibility has already been met with enthusiasm from our CAN community.

Longtime CAN program participant, and now CAN program and training team staff member, Kayla Tellier shared her excitement about the change.

“I almost didn’t get a diagnosis. The cost and fact that it was a late diagnosis would have been barriers if not for having an amazing counselor at the time,” Kayla shared.

“I am very excited about this change as I experienced barriers to services for a couple years after high school and struggled to get a diagnosis due to doctor issues and cost. I was lucky enough that I eventually did get my diagnosis, but I can see these issues being a continued barrier for many others, especially women/girls who frequently go undiagnosed. Allowing people to self-diagnose for services opens opportunities for those who were not lucky enough to find a workaround and for those facing other barriers that often stand in the way.”

CAN Office Administrator and program participant, Maxwell, elaborated on the importance of this shift to allowing individuals who are self-diagnosed to access CAN programs and services.

“As an Autistic individual, I have invested so much time in trying to find appropriate services that would match my support needs. I have eventually just given up on services after having to put in a LOT of trial and error in finding things that can help me,” Max shared.

“Making the diagnosis criteria optional for youth & adults opens a gate of opportunities for other individuals on the spectrum, especially in their time of transitioning from high school onto their own journey.”

CAN’s core program focus areas for youth and adults include: 

  • social connection
  • recreation & leisure
  • mental health & wellness
  • employment

 

Get involved! Sign up for our youth & adult newsletter >

Questions? Email youthandadults@canucksautism.ca

My whole life, things have just been a little bit harder for me.

Harder to make friends. Harder at school. Harder to feel good about myself. But CAN has been by my side almost my entire life. Every step of the way, they’ve helped me realize just how much I can do.

My name is Nate Keller and I am a 19-year-old on the autism spectrum.

One of my earliest memories with CAN was when I was just six years old. My mom signed me up for their soccer camp at Eric Hamber. I was super nervous because I didn’t know anyone. I only knew me. I felt so scared I could barely look up. My hands felt like they were glued inside the pockets of my favourite black Adidas pants.

But something about the people there made me feel better. I remember feeling comforted by the staff. It felt like they already knew me somehow. They had a special way of making me feel safe. They made me feel like I belonged.

My mom says that I used to start every day by asking if it was a CAN day because then I would know that it would be a good day.

When I was little, CAN programs like soccer and basketball helped me learn to play sports like the other kids my age. Then when I became a teenager, I found myself caring more about social stuff, like making friends.

When the CAN Hockey program started, I knew I wanted to join. I made some of my best friends on the team.



We got to go to tournaments and stay in hotels, like other kids who played hockey. I loved being with the guys and talking to them on the bus and blasting trap music in the locker room. We had so much in common and we just understood each other, because they were like me and I was like them. Even the CAN staff made it easy for me to talk to them. They were always a good place to go when I needed support.

At school, I don’t always understand the jokes and things that other kids talk about. I had friends at school but it was hard to talk to them sometimes and I didn’t always feel included. I used to be really nervous talking about my autism because I couldn’t tell if people were curious or just making fun of me. CAN made me realize that my autism was not something bad, but something special and unique about me. CAN made me feel good about myself and who I am. I didn’t know I could feel like that.

After so many years with CAN, I decided that I wanted to help younger kids like me by sharing my own experience with autism. I joined CAN’s Youth and Adult Leadership group and it taught me how to be confident. It taught me that my voice matters.

I then started volunteering for CAN so I could thank them for everything they did for me. Now I have this dream of working for CAN because I love the people there.

They understand me and how I think. They give us a safe place and make us feel good about ourselves. I want to do that for other kids. I want them to know that people will love you because of your autism.

I want them to know that having autism is special. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

I was recently asked what life would be like without CAN. The answer is easy. Life without CAN would be very hard.

Everything I have done at CAN has really helped me over the years. CAN allowed me to gain confidence and build a community of people I could talk to. CAN helped me become more happy with myself. I don’t think I could have made friends or joined the swim club or track team at school if I didn’t have CAN. But mostly, I don’t think I would have a good outlook on the world if it weren’t for CAN.

I guess I don’t know for sure where my life would be without CAN. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and donors that make CAN programs possible.

Nate Keller
CAN Participant, Volunteer, and Future Staff

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