An Autism Honor I Truly Value

Last night I was honored with an award, for autism parent advocacy, as part of the Autism Connections Fredericton fundraiser and autism awareness event Oscars for Autism. I have in the past expressly avoided such recognition for fear it would be a distraction that would prevent me from doing what had to be done in advocating for autism services in New Brunswick. Last night's award though originated with people whom I have stood beside for many years in fighting for better lives for New Brunswick's autistic children and adults; people for whom I hold the highest regard and respect.... and it gave me a chance to take the stage and reinforce the reality that right now our priority should be in improving New Brunswick's youth and adult residential care system.

I enjoyed the opportunity to publicly thank Premier Shawn Graham for all that he has done for autistic children and students in New Brunswick. I was particularly pleased to thank former Premier Bernard Lord for everything his government did in laying the foundation for the progress that has been made in provision of autism services for New Brunswick children. In those first years when little in the way of services were available, and knowing the importance of time in obtaining intervention for autistic children as early as possible, things were at times a bit ... intense. Premier Lord left NB politics before being properly thanked for listening and responding in a considered, informed fashion ... despite the intensity. It was, and is, my pleasure to thank both of these leaders and the people in cabinet and the civil service who have made it happen.

"Oscars" were given out to persons with New Brunswick roots who have made outstanding community contributions including NB Premier Shawn Graham, former NB Premier Bernard Lord, Steve Murphy of CTV News, Bernard Richard, NB Child Advocate and Ombudsman, Reid Manorebusinessman (Tim Horton's), Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside, Dr Eddy Campbell (President UNB) Cathy Hutch, musician and mother of a young autistic woman, the Lapointes (music group), Marc Roberts ( East Coast Music Show) and Sheree Fitch (Author).

Dr. Tara Kennedy was the keynote speaker and gave an excellent presentation providing a basic overview of autism disorders and interventions and commenting on New Brunswick's leadership role as a small province which has done very well in providing early intervention services for autistic children and autism trained teacher assistants for New Brunswick's autistic students.

Photo 1 - My buddy Conor, holding my award today, the reason I have been actively involved with autism advocacy in New Brunswick during the past decade.

Photo's 2,3,4 courtesy of Dawn Bowie:

Photo 2 - Me, posing with award recipient, and Atlantic Canada's prominent news anchor Steve Murphy of CTV/ATV news. It was a pleasure having the opportunity to meet and talk with Steve.


Photo 3 - I had the privilege of standing with some of the people who have contributed much in autism advocacy in New Brunswick: L to R - Paul McDonnell, Gil Blanchette, Nancy Blanchette, Albert Bowie, Dawn Bowie and me.

Photo 4 - Neil Lacroix of autism connections fredericton, Kim McKeigan Speech Language Pathologist, Stan Cassidy Centre, Dr. Tara Kennedy, developmental pediatrician, Stan Cassidy Centre, Kim Gahan, autism connections fredericton,Elizabeth McDonnell, B.Sc.,OT (C), Occupational Therapist and Paul McDonnell Ph. D. clinical psychologist, professor emeritus (psychology) and the "Godfather" of New Brunswick's autism advocacy movement.