MOUNT FOREST — A new community group is trying to create a safe, supportive space for autistic people and their allies living in Mount Forest.
Known as the Autistic Community in Mount Forest, the "autism-centred" group was started earlier this year by two autistic adults raising autistic kids, Fergus resident Rev. Lori Campbell and Mount Forest native Dr. Michelle Gross, as a social connection opportunity for autistic children and adults wanting to meet other autistic peers.
Since many autistic people are continually placed in environments where "they are identified as different but not necessarily in a way that is positive and embraces that as an identity but rather as behaviours or needs for accommodations," Campbell said the group's goal is to create a safe space for autistic people and their allies to meet and learn about other people on the spectrum.
"A firm belief in our understanding from within the autistic community is how important it is, especially for children and young people, to not only have peers but have mentors who are autistic," said Campbell. "It can be really helpful as well for families and non-autistic people to see what it looks like when autistic people are thriving and not struggling."
While "the usual resources" for autistic people are currently available through groups like Autism Ontario, Campbell said these programs don't always capture what it means to be autistic and it can be hard to find local, autism-centred resources, especially in small communities like Mount Forest.
That's why their group is open to anyone, not just autistic people, in the hopes it can serve as a resource for allies for family members of autistic people who want to learn more, said Campbell.
Currently, the group has around 10 members ranging from 15 to adults, most of who are autistic.
"For our first meeting, people simply participated as they could ... That is such a difficult scenario to find in the wider community for autistic people," said Campbell. "It's always standing out or explaining yourself ... so being able to just be among autistic people and not having to explain that or excuse that and just be yourself is really invaluable."
The group also aims to break some of the stereotypes and stigma surrounding the autism diagnosis. For example, Campbell said a lot of autistic people get hit with "you don't look autistic" when "it doesn't work that way."
"Often, all that's presented in the media and social media is the image of autistic struggling, meltdowns, behaviour challenges, those kinds of things but those aren't someone who's doing well and supported," said Campbell. "So we want to show them (autistic people) who come to the group that it's possible to thrive."
Going forward, Campbell said she envisions the group hosting separate social times for adults and kids, with co-ed group activities. There have also been discussions about creating a means for sharing special interests since they're "really important" to autistic adults and kids alike.
Until then, Campbell said it's been wonderful having the opportunity to provide a safe, welcoming space for autistic people and their allies in her community, encouraging neighbouring towns to consider creating their own groups.
"The adults in the group have all said that if as kids, we had a space that accepted and encouraged us, imagine how much pain and damage wouldn't have happened in our lives," said Campbell. "I feel like this is a critical thing that we can offer, especially to our children and our young people ... and that's really exciting for me to be able to put that value into practice in our community."
More information about the Autistic Community in Mount Forest and their upcoming meetings is available here. Their next meeting is planned for Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at Mount Forest United Church and will focus on "Autistic Culture."
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
