A Donate a Car Staffer Story

Typically we like to talk about our donors here. Every giver donates their vehicle with a story of their own. We give where we care. Today, I’m going to write a little closer to my own heart.

Nine year old Amir (not his real name) was a bright light in my life. My first two years in the real world of jobs and independent living after high school were all about him. Working as his school resource worker/classroom aid, he’d turn his giant brown eyes and cleverly mischievous grin on me, winning me over again and again. Amir was my introduction to the puzzling and enchanting world of Autism. So distant. So close. He was a perplexing joy.

As I moved on from that role and more deeply into my young adult life of  jobs, relationships, and family I was touched at every turn by his freely shared delight. Thirty years later, with my aide role far behind me, I think about Amir often — his twirling fingers and spontaneous giggle. If I could have read his mind and bottled up whatever it was that invited him into in-his-own-world laughter…! His deep love for Raffi’s “Baby Beluga” and his abhorrence of all things book-related; his passion for running, running, running. I’m better for having him in my life. A better mom, friend, listener.

Autism now

Spectrum research has traversed continents and effortful studies since I sat in Amir’s classroom. Medical practices are improving. Inclusion and affirmation are extending. We’ve had the opportunity to learn, from great minds — young and old alike — that this unique way of being is as profoundly beautiful as it is perplexing.

Today we give a shout out to some of our receiving charities, knowing that behind every organizations’ name there is a small army of loving, energetic, and determined folk who are giving their heart and soul to ensuring that children and adults on the spectrum enjoy dignity, freedom of expression, and inclusion as we make strides toward understanding our complex minds.

Charities to consider

In donating your vehicle this month keep these folks in mind:

The Geneva Centre For Autism

The Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary

Autism Canada 

Autism Dog Services 

You’ll find local branches near you:

Autism Home Base Durham 

Autism Nova Scotia 

and

Autism Ontario

The Autism Resource Centre

Autism Services Inc. of Windsor

Maybe even closer to home:

Autism Society of Edmonton Area

Autism Society of BC 

or

Autism Society of Newfoundland & Labrador

And, of course

Autism Speaks

and Janus Academy

Your car offers valuable donation dollars

Receiving gifts from $100.00 all the way up to 5 digit amounts, these charities are a loving choice. We have a pending donation of $674.00 for Autism Canada! The Autism Calgary Association will receive $300.00 from their Toyota 4Runner donor at the end of November. And we can’t wait to see how J.B.’s 2010 Sonata does at auction in the next couple of weeks! His gift will go to Autism Ontario. Every car, truck, van, or motorcycle donation makes a difference!

I had the privilege of working with other autistic children and adults in my later years, too. Each taught me something of wit and intellect, patience and goodness. From M who would patiently stare me in the eye until I got the so-subtle joke he was willing me to catch on to (Sorry, M! Sometimes I just don’t think that quickly!), to C who had my mind racing to keep pace with her busybusy hands and fast-as-lightning feet. And right back to Amir.

Amir is a man now. Just a few years older than my oldest son. No doubt he’s won the hearts of many professionals and teachers and fellow students alike. Here’s to the ones you love who know the many challenges and hopes of this spectrum. In the words of Amir’s beloved Raffi, may they “swim so free.”

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Autism has probably touched your life in one way or another. With rates of diagnosis climbing (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 68 children are being identified as having the disorder) we know that the unique beauties and challenges of the spectrum have far-reaching impact.

Prior to joining the team at Donate a Car Canada I had opportunity to work in different respite and rehabilitation roles. Working and playing alongside children and adults impacted ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) was a joyful challenge and delight.

The mysterious beauty of scrambling to keep up with quick minds and unique trains of thought inspired me to look at the world in entirely new ways. The frustrations of our limited language, and the need to express everything from a fast food order to a complex emotion became riddles of unimaginable proportion! I was witness to the power of music to soothe and restore equilibrium. The stark beauty of the interplay light and color and movement and how those things can fully engage – or distress – took on new meaning. The simple (oh, so not simple!) act of communicating a want, a need, a tenderness? Gifts to be cherished!

Autism Speaks is at the forefront of research and support.

Autism Speaks, along with Autism Speaks Canada, has grown into North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. They are dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure. They are increasing awareness of ASD, and advocating for the needs of individuals and families impacted by the spectrum. 

What are the causes of autism? Who is impacted by it? What is being done in the fields of research and support? Check out this helpful link at Austism Speaks for helpful answers to tough questions! Enrich your life by expanding your understanding of ASD. Consider offering your kind support to Autism Speaks Canada by donating a vehicle to raise a charitable donation for them. You can donate on-line today at www.donatecar.ca or by calling us at 1-877-250-4904.

The post Speaking Out for Charity: Autism Speaks appeared first on Donate A Car.