Bringing Autism Awareness to Moncton

Please note: This was written in 2016 on the occasion of the first walk.

Families and friends will gather this weekend for the first Autism Awareness Walk in the Greater Moncton Area.

One of the volunteers helping organize the walk is Lorri Meunier. Her six-year-old son, Evan, was diagnosed four years ago. She hopes the event will help families in the early stages of accepting autism in their lives.

“When I was first told Evan would go to the local autism centre I’m embarrassed to admit that I had no idea there were that many children on the spectrum that it would require a therapy centre in our area,” says Meunier.

Over the last few years, Meunier has come to realize the extent that autism touches the community, including several services that support families. Her family’s journey began with a concern about Evan’s speech.

“We had participated in local Talk With Me programs before Evan had even turned a year old but at his two-year checkup with the family doctor, there were a few concerns about where he was at for his age,” she recalls. After some speech therapy at the Moncton Hospital, it was suggested Evan have a spectrum evaluation.

“At that time I still didn’t really understand what that meant,” she continues. “Once I started reading up on Autism Spectrum Disorders things finally started to click. Certain things that I thought were just a little different with Evan, compared to other kids from his playgroups, seemed to make more sense when it was listed as autism spectrum examples. In my heart I felt like there was finally an explanation to more than just speech concerns.”

Despite this, the news still came with waves of emotion.

“At first I felt some relief that some of my worries were not all ‘just in my head’, I wasn’t overreacting, overthinking things. Instead of feeling guilty that I wasn’t doing enough to help with his early development, I finally had a word and explanation for so many things – autism.”

Meunier still recalls the overwhelming sensation of dealing with all the new information. “My husband and I went through some struggling times back then thinking about so many ‘What ifs?,’ lots of appointments, even more paperwork. I’m a natural worrier so I felt like we had to hit the ground running for what was to come. But I’ll never forget meeting with a specialist in Saint John a few months after diagnosis. I had so many questions and was asking advice on so many things. I remember the last thing she said to me that stood out was the way she gave me an assuring smile and reminded me to enjoy my child. I think that was the first time I really felt myself exhaling.”

Evan’s journey included two years of autism therapy at the Hebert Centre, session with speech and occupational therapists, preschool, music lessons, and other extra-curricular activities.

“Sometimes going out in public places would be overstimulating for him, but rather than hide away from it we just continued to work on it gradually. Revisiting familiar places, letting him explore and feel more comfortable. He’s gone from struggling with distractions at the corner store to enjoying the excitement of large music concerts.”

“He’s come along so much and we’re so pleased with where he is today,” says Meunier, who has shared videos of Evan’s progress – and his musical talents – online. “I wish so much I could go back in time and talk to that worried mom with a heavy heart and tell her not to spend so much time worrying about what might be. Focus instead on enjoying the beautiful child who needs you now, and think of what can be done to make things better in the here and now. I would tell her reinforcements are on their way and you won’t believe the amount of support you’ll soon find. Autism is a word, not a sentence.”

“I know from my own experience those early years dealing with autism issues could feel a little isolating at times. Sometimes just the fear of public meltdowns would keep us home more than we would have liked,” says Meunier. “I think we need more opportunities like this to come together and feel the comfort of being around others going through similar things. I think knowing how many people are out there that want to come out and support us gives me, at least, another sense of comfort, belonging, and encouragement.”