On Sunday August the 9th, over a dozen Japanese families with children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) gathered in circle at the Steveston Buddhist Temple in Richmond. This was the first face-to-face gathering for Japanese families with special needs children in BC. A dream finally realized for the parents who had volunteered to facilitate this event. Parents attended a workshop by Laurel Behaviour Support Services consultants, while their children participated in fun-filled supervised play activities in the large gym. The small meeting room was packed with nearly thirty participants; tears ran down faces as families introduced themselves one by one. “I thought I was the only one suffering in the dark,” a young mother whose child had recently been diagnosed with ASD spoke in a trembling voice, “but there are so many others like me here, I am not alone.” Among the participants were a few visitors from Japan, who hoped to network with others in similar circumstances and gain knowledge about autism and its treatments.

“Twenty years ago, one in every 10,000 children was diagnosed with ASD, but today, it is one in every 150, and some predict it will be one in every 100 in the near future,” William Kent BCBA, the Clinical Director of Laurel Behavior Support Services.  Kent stressed the importance of evidence-based practice for autism intervention, reminding the parents not to lose sight of scientific, effective methods despite the “fads” that may claim “cure” for autism. Laurel consultant Sakurako Sherry Tanaka PhD, who is also mother of an autistic child, addressed the need for the community to pay closer attention to these children and families. To be more inclusive, reach out, and to recognize the very special roles these children hold in our world: “we need to learn from them, the change starts with us.”

The event was coordinated by Chika Etori, mother of a four year old high-functioning autistic child, who sought to create a place where the families could get together, exchange information, and provide a safe, inclusive environment for their children to play and have fun. The date was selected for two main reasons: it was the day for prayer and action for peace – 64 years ago the second nuclear weapon was used. Moreover, August the 9th is World Indigenous People’s Day designated by the UN. Despite the hardships of the First Nations Peoples in Canada, they wished to join the celebration of the cultural continuities. Chief William J. Nahanee, a respected cultural teacher from the Squamish Nation, gave words of encouragement to all present: “We give you support, we extend our hands to you, and we ask you to reach us and help us, too. We are a big family.” 

For more information about this initiative, please contact Sherry Tanaka at (604) 299-4001.