*Feature interview with ANCA Co-Founder Leonora Gregory-Collura for the month of August 2015, for Autism Daily Newscast in 2014 (ASDigest – The magazine for those on the spectrum by those on the spectrum)
ANCA HISTORY
Prior to our inaugural INAP Awards in 2010, ANCA Consulting facilitated programs to support our young clients to have real life experiences in the community. At the end of each year we would gather with family and friends to review our activities and experience ‘The Stage’.
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.
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.
2010 – 2015 ANCA World Autism Festival Print Media
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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!!
Naturally Autistic ANCA: A Short 15 Year History
Testimonials
“This system that this team of autistic people has devised for human development is profitable for anyone to learn. If your purpose is to facilitate learning and human development with people who have communication or perceptual problems, this course is for you!”
— John Kydd, adult support worker
Testimonials
“I feel very confident to recommend ANCA Consulting Inc. As a member of the Early Childhood Educators Community, I am very excited that an opportunity exists to promote a shared understanding between parents and professionals that recognizes each child’s uniqueness and our need to honour their diversity.”
— Patricia Hilton, pre-school teacher