THUNDER BAY -- The community of families and caregivers of people with autism has found there's strength in numbers.
As the Thunder Bay chapter of Autism Ontario held its fourth annual Walk With Me around Boulevard Lake on Saturday, it celebrated another milestone: one year of successful adult programming.
"It gives these individuals an opportunity to go out into the community and bond in a social structure," said local chapter president Dana Larrett.
"The've relished in what the activity is. They've started to make relationships. They look forward to seeing each other, which is something you have to practice when you have a diagnosis of Audism Spectrum Disorder."
The annual walks have been a rallying point for those living with autism and aspergers, for whom supports aren't easy to find. The movement around autism has found fitting the mold of existing program funding is challenging while enrolling children and adults in other programs can be a difficult fit.
Communication sensitivities and environmental influences make autistic people unique and Larrett believes activities like Walk With Me can expose a broader public to the challenges and aspirations of the growing autism community.
"It would be so great if many more could think it's not about bad behaviour," she said.
"It's not that the child isn't listening when it's autism or an aspergers diagnosis. There's a lot more going on in the background that people don't see on the outside. It would be great if more could be considerate and supportive."
Event organizer Amana Anderson worked with autistic children over her schooling and now both in her career and volunteer time as Autism Ontario's local awarness coordinator. She sees something special in the particularities of autism that can be so misunderstood.
"They melt your heart," she said. "Every little gain you see is just so rewarding to watch. I enjoy seeing the families interact with them. I love it."
