Media
In 1998 we received a call from the CBC show The Fifth Estate; they wanted to do a show to help educate the general public about Aspergers Syndrome/Autism. They spent several days with Naturally Autistic ANCA – filming interviews with ANCA Director Leonora Gregory and members of our Children/Teen Group and their families.
The crew also spent time attending some of our meetings and training sessions; noting what they were experiencing made sense but was at odds with the often negative information being touted through various media and autism organizations. During an off camera discussion near the end of our time together, one of the crew casually observed, “I can think of several people working at CBC that are autistic.”
The show was well received – being nominated for several awards. It was placed on numerous autism resource lists by a variety of organizations dedicated to autism education.
Leonora and Anthony with CBC Film Crew
It is important to note, that while this episode was filmed in 1998, the issues and concerns raised regarding such things as how autistic children are treated, focusing solely on behaviour, the effects of isolation, the importance of ensuring autistic children have opportunity to interact with other children, are as relevant today as they were then.
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In 2000 Naturally Autistic ANCA was featured on Plugged In – produced by Shaw Cable. This short production features an interview with ANCA Client Mya Fortin, discussing how she supports her son. ANCA Director Leonora Gregory discusses her understanding of autistic people and demonstrates the Playworks Program
**Mya’s son Cole graduated from High School this year and received two awards. Way to go Cole!!
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Naturally Autistic ANCA: A Short 15 Year History
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ABOVE – ANCA Directors with MLA Nicholas Simons running for leader NDP Provincial Party – Left to Right: Nicholas, Charlie, Leonora and Dan (photo 1); 3rd photo – Nicholas speaking to those of us gathered at this event. 4th photo demonstrates the marvelous array of talent on the Sunshine Coast! – February 25, 2011
BELOW – we were guests of Dan Veniez [politician running for the Liberal Party of Canada - Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast, B.C.], at a special luncheon at the Vancouver Club with the Honorable Ralph Goodale, friend Dan Veniez and former Senator Jack Austin. – February 18, 2011
BELOW – ANCA Directors Charlie Collura (Left) and Leonora Gregory-Collura (Right with MLA Nicholas Simons at Sunshine Coast Chamber of Commerce event – January 2011.
Below, Leonora Gregory-Collura talks to Michael Ignatieff, Liberal Leader of the opposition party in Canada, sharing the Premiere issue of Naturally Autistic international magazine.- January 2011.
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Below, Leonora Gregory-Collura with the Honorable Brian Tobin, Dan Veniez and Dominique Veniez – November 2010. Here, the Honorable Brian Tobin is seen holding the Naturally Autistic international magazine.
