Burnaby teen David Roy is, in many ways, a model student.
The 16-year-old gets good grades, loves social studies and sports, and is never late for class.
Unlike most teens, Im very responsible, he says. I always come to school on time, while a lot of the time other people are either late or skipping.
But for David and his family, life hasnt always been so orderly.
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at age four, he struggled with behavioural and learning challenges throughout his childhood, and it took time for him to discover that new things, like travelling and exotic foods, could be exciting rather than overwhelming.
Today, David enjoys a variety of interests, and, being highly self-aware, he is eager to help others understand what it means to live with autism.
This week he will be speaking on a panel with a handful of other teens with autism at Monarch House an assessment, diagnosis and treatment centre in Burnaby on Wednesday, April 24, as part of Autism Awareness Month.
The event is open to the public and will serve to give information and insight into the disorder, which is generally diagnosed as a lack of communication and socialization skills in early childhood, as well as repetitive motions or actions, but which can manifest itself differently among those on the spectrum.
Ive heard people say, If you know one child with autism, you know one child with autism, says Davids mother, Susan Roy. I think for parents who have a child whos diagnosed, Id want to just be able to tell them to try to just be open and not to try to think about the future. Youre not going to know what the futures like. Youll be surprised in many ways by how much growth and change there is along the way.
The teen panel will run from 6:15 to 7 p.m. with the youth answering questions about autism and how it affects their lives.
Following a break for refreshments, there will also be another presentation from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. by autism expert Gloria M. Satriale on effective transition programming for people with ASD.
Monarch House is located at 3185 Willingdon Green in Burnaby. Admission to the panel discussion is free, but registration is requested. To register, or for more information, call 604-205-9204.
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