MHC instructor becomes advocate for autism
Medicine Hat College (MHC) psychology instructor, Dr. Nicole Burnett, is helping to give those with autism a louder voice after attending the ninth annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2023). The invitation to attend comes after the passing of Bill S-203 in March, a national commitment to create and execute a national autism strategy.After her son was diagnosed with autism, Burnett says she was faced with the lack of resources available for individuals and families. In September 2022, she became the co-founder and president of the Medicine Hat Autism Society, while also serving on the executive board for Autism Society Alberta, to help fulfill the needs of the community.
“We are looking to provide support for our families, giving them a voice, helping them connect with each other, and providing the greater community with information about autism,” Burnett explains.
According to Autism Society Alberta, autism affects approximately one in every 50 people. The neurodevelopmental condition affects how individuals communicate, interact, and adjust to the world around them. Burnett adds that with a high population of individuals with autism, it is important to support the community in learning about how to positively interact with these individuals and accept them for who they are.
Attending CALS2023 allowed Burnett and other autism advocates to learn from leaders around the world while adapting Canada’s strategy.
“We had leaders from Malta, Australia, and the United States come and tell us about their strategies so we can have some starting points about what works and what doesn't when we're building our Canadian national autism strategy.”
Burnett adds that in celebration of this bill being passed, participants in CALS2023 were invited to a reception, hosted by the Senate.
“It’s really exciting to be part of something that is ground level but is going to have a huge impact on Canadians all over. We will be better able to support autistic individuals in order to create an inclusive and accepting society.”