Understanding the autistic mind from the inside out is what one Coast organization is striving to do both locally and internationally.
The 2011 international Naturally Autistic people awards and convention kick-off was held on the Sunshine Coast June 18.
The event was attended by ANCA facilitators, directors, community members and families as well as representatives from local government, including Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River - Sunshine Coast, Gibsons Coun. LeeAnn Johnson and Michele Haddon from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Naturally Autistic ANCA is a Langdale-based company founded in 1995 by Charlie Collura and Leonora Gregory-Collura. The company works with the communication process that autistic children, teens and adults naturally have. By supporting the processes, inappropriate behaviours dissipate.
Additionally, Collura and Gregory-Collura formed the ANCA foundation in 1998 to provide further support through information, education and public awareness. Both Gregory-Collura and her son, Anthony, are autistic.
Although held locally, the kick-off event had an international presence.
Gregory-Collura said a live radio show was run during the event, enabling Dr. Temple Grandin, official international ambassador for the company, to participate. Grandin, a well-known doctor of animal science and a bestselling author, is autistic and has been noted for her work in autism advocacy.
In addition to the radio show, the event included a barbecue, live music, swimming and games for children and a silent auction.
Gregory-Collura said the event was a success and was impressed with the donations received for the silent auction fundraiser.
"The local community here, the business community as well as the international community were incredible," she said. "It wasn't about us reaching out to community, it was about community wanting to reach out to us. It was community wanting to come in with us."
The event raised $1,000, but was more than just a fundraising event, as the kick-off helped raise awareness about autism.
