ANCA focuses on “how” the autistic mind processes information, or what ANCA terms “The Autistic Paradigm – from the inside out” – a mental/cognitive processing map that is unique and distinct to all autistic people – children, teens and adults.
By understanding the communications process that autistic people naturally have to work with and supporting this unique, inherent process, inappropriate behaviors dissipate. These behaviors are often a form of communication in an effort for the autistic individual to communicate and express themselves.
“It helped me understand why some of the kids I work with, do the things they do.” – North Shore District, Resource Center.
Founded in 1995 by Charlie Collura and Leonora Gregory-Collura, the organization values compassion, understanding and diversity. The company is driven by a desire to help children and their families grow and develop together naturally. As well, Charlie and Leonora formed the ANCA Foundation in 1998 to provide additional support through information, education and public awareness through annual conferences, camp-outs and cultural events.
“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 honor their diversity.” – Patricia Hilton, Pre-school teacher
ANCA is unique in that it understands the autistic mind from the “inside out”. All support staff are autistic and understand autism through both self-examination and extensive work with clients and can speak to the success of the ANCA approach and “The Autistic Paradigm.”
“Learning about autism from autistic people, I can’t think of a better way to learn.” – Teachers and support staff, Langley School District
Combined with 22 years of documented success in providing support, ANCA has worked with hundreds of autistic individuals and their families. They have put on numerous workshops, training and speaking engagements throughout North America to audiences including community living associations/societies, school districts and clinical professionals. Reaching over 2,000 people with their teachings, Charlie and Leonora together have over 50 years experience working in the field of special needs and autism.
What I liked about the workshop: “The insights into thought processes and the normalizing of autism…” – Teachers and support staff, Langley School District
“…We were challenged in a kind way to rethink misconceptions we may have had.” – Applied Psychology Group
Our Mission
ANCA’s mission is to support the natural development of autistic people by providing education and training to autistic individuals, their families, and the community at large.
Values and Philosophy
ANCA values compassion, understanding and diversity. The company is driven by a desire to help autistic children and their families grow and develop together naturally – Naturally Autistic.®
| Diversity | Everyone processes differently and has a unique contribution to make to society |
| Understanding | Learning to understand one another is the key to effective communication |
| Compassion | Service to others makes the world a better place |
What people are saying about ANCA
“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 honor their diversity.” – Patricia Hilton, Pre-school teacher, North Vancouver, BC, Canada.
“Learning about autism from autistic people, I can’t think of a better way to learn.” – Teachers and support staff, Langley School District, Langley, BC, Canada.
“It helped me understand why some of the kids I work with, do the things they do.” – North Shore District, Resource Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What I liked about the workshop: “The insights into thought processes and the normalizing of autism…” – Teachers and support staff, Langley School District, Langley, BC, Canada.
“…We were challenged in a kind way to rethink misconceptions we may have had.” – Applied Psychology Group, Surrey, BC, Canada.
“Has provided a framework for engaging thoughts/information; has given me language to explain gut feelings.” – High School Teacher
“Thought provoking, paradigm shifting, belief challenging program for the benefit of all students. I’ve learned to work from where the students are and not from where someone else thinks they should be. It’s their journey so we shmpose our path.” – High School Teacher
“I feel I have a much better understanding of how an autistic person thinks and feels. This will be valuable when I am working with autistic people – on a basic level I will give an autistic person more time to respond. I will try to appreciate the number of “gears” that come into play as an autistic person tries to process information and respond. This helps me to better understand how to communicate with an autistic person” – Educator
“Meeting autistic adults for the first time. Finding out their perceptions of health care professionals and their needs when meeting new people and going to a new place for the first time. All this helps me plan how to make autistic children comfortable. I feel that I have a much better understanding of what autism is. I admire….”
Audience Reviews from Official Film Festival Screenings & Private Screenings
NOMINATED “BEST DOCUMENTARY” 2016 at the Hoboken International Film Festival, NY, USA
The Film CONNECTED: A film about Autistic People – representing individuals in the arts, business, philanthropy, advocacy, technology, academia, media and so much more… from India, Australia, Scotland, England, Canada, USA, Turkey, Ukraine, Ireland…
“The movie was about people with Autism that have talent. I want to support them because I think they are just like us and I want other people to not judge them. I think the movie will help other people understand people with Autism more.”(Jane Clarke, Age 8)
More reviews from an Asperger's group in Vancouver who attended the film preview screening event: "...the film "Connected"was superb and will probably spark a lot of attention at film festivals." (Paul) - ""Connected" is the most comprehensive film that I have seen from the perspective of people on the spectrum. This documentary will have a strong impact when it becomes available to the general public. I developed a deeper understand of ANCA and what motivates Leo and Charlie Collura to establish this organization on an international level. Thank you Leo for allowing our meetup group to participate at this film debut." (Peter) - "I found the film to be inspiring, and reinforces the notion that it's better to be involved with (like) people than isolated." (Kozmo)
