Waves of Changes for Autism: Empowering Autism Awareness and Transforming Lives with Hope
Waves of Changes for Autism is making a significant difference for families in Vaughan who have a child with an autism diagnosis.
According to the most recent government statistics from 2019, one in 50 (or 2.0%) of Canadian children between the ages of one to 17 have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the rates are continuing to grow, with 57.7 % diagnosed before they’re five years old. Males are four times more likely than females to have ASD, and based upon the population in Ontario, that means there are about 135,000 autistic people in the province.
Besides the emotional cost of having an autistic child, there are very real monetary costs of raising a child with autism, such as ongoing therapies, specialized programs and communications devices. This is why non- profit organizations like Waves of Changes for Autism play such an important role in the Vaughan community at large.
Waves of Changes’ mission is to provide unwavering support and financial assistance to Vaughan-based families who have a child under the age of 13 living with autism. This financial assistance will help these families to access children’s therapies, specialized programs, communications devices and other personal assistance. Since its founding in 2016, it has raised $1.8 million and has funded 468 applications that families have made for financial assistance. In 2022, the organization was awarded a Queen’s Jubilee Platinum Pin and received that year’s Non-Profit Charity Award winner at the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards.
But rather than be complacent about all its accomplishments and awards over these past eight years, Waves of Changes’ passionate Board of Directors, executive team and compassionate volunteers are redoubling their efforts to make an even greater positive impact on families in the Vaughan community.
The organization has entered a new phase of its journey. “We need to wrap our minds around expanding and, at the same time, solidifying our efforts for a sustainable future,” says Michelle DeBuono, co-chair of marketing and communications for Waves of Changes for Autism, in a recent interview with City Life. “Among all the eligible applications we receive, funds are allocated equally to help pay for the services or tools that families need. What we hear from parents is that we’ve been able to help them and give them hope. For them, it means a little bit less stress when it comes to paying the bills, knowing they can rely on some financial assistance from Waves for their child who needs special care and attention.”
Through its community engagement, collaboration with local partners and dedicated fundraising efforts — including its success in attracting 90 generous corporate sponsors — Waves of Changes for Autism is making a positive impact in the community by creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children with autism can thrive.
The president of Waves of Changes, Ellen Contardi, was first approached to get involved in 2016 and says that since then the experience has changed her life. “I felt empowered to seize the opportunity to help these families and my community,” Contardi tells City Life. “I also believe it is my duty to serve my community as I think giving back is very important. The group that we’ve managed to put together all believe in that same mindset and mission. This wouldn’t be possible without such a dedicated team who truly believe in the vision to create something extraordinary. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to be where we are. It’s changed my life tremendously as it’s so rewarding. I’m very proud and humbled.”
“What we hear from parents is that we’ve been able to help them and give them hope.”
Registration this year for funding applications will be open from June 20 through September 30. The organization’s biggest fundraising event, its annual Gala — this year’s theme is “Empower” — is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, at the Terrace Banquet Centre in Vaughan. It’s sure to be an evening of celebration for this grassroots community movement, filled with conversation, fine food and entertainment.
It’s also a chance to be together and shine a light on autism. President Contardi explains that one of the biggest battles they face is against general misconception that people living with autism don’t have special abilities. “Some people think that they’re very limited, and they are not,” she says. “They are beautifully gifted individuals that need to be shared with everybody, and they need to be celebrated, and they need to be seen, and that’s what we do at our Gala. We’re trying to educate everyone that these children are capable.”
Special causes need strong voices. Waves of Changes for Autism is just such a voice, and families living with autism in Vaughan should be proud that some of the strongest and most passionate voices are its compassionate members, making a difference in their own community.
