PSYA02 - Guest Lecture

Introduction

  • Speaker: Mike Lake, member of parliament from Alberta

  • Focus: His experiences as a father to a son with autism (Jaden)

  • Role: Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Wellness

  • Aim: Increase awareness of autism and promote inclusion and understanding.

Speaker's Background

  • Mike Lake has been a member of parliament for 20 years and has been elected seven times.

  • Prior to parliament, he worked in the Edmonton Oilers' ticket sales for ten years.

  • Jaden, his son, was born in 1995, the same year he began working with the Oilers.

Topic Overview

  • The presentation will include six videos showcasing Jaden's life from ages 14 to 22.

  • Emphasis on autism awareness and the broader themes of inclusion and how society defines "normal."

Video Presentations

1. Current Day Video

  • Jaden is now 22 years old.

  • A clip showing a normal moment at home, filmed by Jaden’s sister.

  • Jaden remains nonverbal but connects with people emotionally.

  • The video received significant attention on social media (1.4 million views within a week).

  • Quotes the importance of connection despite communication challenges.

2. Jaden’s Early Years (Age 14)

  • The video from 2010 shows Jaden when he was 14 and Mike Lake’s political involvement.

  • Jaden was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years, received early intervention until age 5.

  • Discussion on inconsistency of autism support across Canada.

  • Initiatives for a national autism strategy emerged from media inquiries.

  • Reflection on a live interview discussing their experiences with autism.

  • explains the inappropriate use of terms such as "suffers from" and "cure" regarding autism.

    • More appropriate terms focus on understanding and mitigating challenges, rather than seeking a cure.

3. Jaden’s Experience during Challenging Situations

  • Mike shares scenarios that illustrate Jaden's understanding of routines and emotional expression.

  • Jaden struggles in the morning and faces sensory challenges.

  • Explains the way Jaden processes sensory experiences, including pain and movement.

  • Use of football provides therapeutic benefits; throwing the ball rhythmically is calming.

  • Discusses how Jaden does not communicate pain and lacks understanding of certain dangers.

4. Jaden’s Routine and Social Interaction

  • Jaden loves routine, pattern, and structure in his daily activities.

  • The importance of inclusion in social settings, notably in educational contexts.

  • Stories about Jaden's interactions, both positive and humorous, illustrating his social naivety and innocence.

  • Mike reflects on inclusion's significance for both Jaden and his peers, mentioning how Jaden’s unique personality enriches others’ lives.

5. Policy Issues Around Autism

  • Mike presents a structured framework of policy considerations for autism services:

    1. Early Diagnosis: Importance of getting diagnosed as early as possible.

    2. Early Intervention: Providing timely support post-diagnosis.

    3. Maximum Inclusion: Advocating for inclusion tailored to individual needs rather than blanket inclusion.

    4. Employment Opportunities: Acknowledging the high unemployment rate among people with autism (13% employed full-time, 6% part-time).

    5. Housing Solutions: Need for supportive housing options post-education.

    6. Future Care Considerations: Importance of planning for care and community support after parents pass away.

6. Jaden in School Productions

  • Jaden participates in the musical "Bye Bye Birdie," showing his involvement in a K-12 school.

  • The supportive teaching environment showcases how his peers learned the importance of valuing every individual.

  • Key Takeaway: Acceptance is crucial for both individuals like Jaden and their peers.

Final Reflections

  • Presentation concludes with a discussion of how perception of normalcy can shift through inclusion.

  • Mike Lake expresses the importance of working towards a community that understands and values individuals with disabilities.

  • Jaden’s story serves as a reminder of joy and resilience in life’s challenges.

Questions and Discussion

  • Encouragement for audience interaction and questions related to disabilities and inclusion.

  • Emphasis on understanding discrepancies in autism support across different policies and community perspectives.