Is someone close to you affected by, or living on, the autism spectrum? For both the individual and family, this complex neurobiological condition can prove to be a daily challenge. Autism Spectrum Disorder, otherwise known as ASD, affects the normal function of various parts of the human body including gastrointestinal, immune, hepatic and nervous systems. Children and adults living with autism often struggle to communicate and can also find difficulty with common social interactions. Autism does not discriminate against gender, the country you come from, the language you speak, or the social class you are a part of. In some form or another every one of us are either directly or indirectly affected by autism.
Many are unaware of the fact that autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it is on a continuum of severity. While several of the characteristics in one individual can be similar to another, the degree of developmental impairment differs drastically. According to most recent estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, around 1 in 68 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder and the disorder is about 4.5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than girls (1 in 89) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016).
Statistics show that approximately one percent of Canada’s population is affected by the autism spectrum disorder as the prevalence of autism is on an alarming rise with some studies suggesting an increase of 10 to 17 per cent annually in the last several years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016).
It is integral that both children and adults living with autism are provided the necessary guidance and support in order to reach their individual fullest potentials. This is exactly what the Elpida Autism Foundation strives to accomplish and the prime reason for their establishment. Once a grassroots initiative, Elpida has grown to be a well-recognised and respected non-profit foundation.
It is with admiration and pride that I share with you the story of the Elpida Autism Foundation. This foundation was created by my family in response to the diagnosis of my first cousin Matthew Koutrakos before his third birthday. The word Elpida in Greek means hope. The Koutrakos family found that the definition of this word perfectly described their reality, the reality that there will be some challenges along the way, but the reality that their hope, commitment and determination will ensure Matthew lives a good life.
The organisation is dedicated to raising awareness, funds and support for children living with autism and their families. Beginning in 2013 the foundation’s team hosts an annual gala with the aim of raising funds for the Autism Research Centre at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation hospital in Toronto – where Matthew goes to get his medications modified. At its most recent gala, the Elpida Autism Foundation also partnered with the Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental disorders organisation (ISAND). The Elpida team understands the utmost importance of ensuring long-term growth and success for children living with autism and ISAND’s commitment to providing a wide range of comprehensive supports and services will help achieve this goal.
What are the 3 main goals of the Elpida Autism Foundation?
- Increase autism awareness.
- Increase support for research and development.
- To provide an opportunity for those living on the spectrum to discover what they do best in order to live a fulfilled life.
Starting off small with the support of several members of Toronto’s Greek community, the foundation has now gained regional coverage and acknowledgment. Most recently Paula, Matthew’s mother, and Matthew were featured on CTV Toronto. During this segment Health and Wellness reporter Pauline Chan shared their story, the story of Matthew and the story of millions of children all around the world (see below).
On November 4th the Elpida Autism Foundation hosted its third annual gala. The galas included a delicious three course meal, midnight spread, accessorised photo booth, live music/entertainment and of course the highly anticipated lucky draw. This year three members of the Cypriot community of Mississauga dance group otherwise known as “the dance group of the people” put on an incredible performance, the perfect way to open up the dance floor for the night. Guest speakers included Matthews’s father and Board of Director Themy Koutrakos, his brother James Koutrakos, former police official and Canadian politician Julian Fantino, Senior Clinician Scientist Dr. Evdokia Anagnostu, and Member of Parliament Mike Lake. Each speaker brought a different perspective on autism and its impact on their lives. Mike Lake shared personal stories of parenting his 16-year-old son Jaden who lives with autism and Dr. Evdokia presented some research on autism to help guests gain a better understanding of the disorder. Year after year Elpida’s sponsors generously donate various prizes. This year’s prizes included a Louis Vuitton and Chanel purse, a Rolex watch, diamond earrings and your choice of a red or white Jeep Wrangler purchased by, family owned (platinum sponsor) Astoria Shish Kebob House provided by (gold sponsor), Peel Chrysler.
In total, the past three galas have raised over an astonishing quarter of a million dollars that will contribute to an increase in funding for research and support services. This year alone Elpida celebrated its most successful fundraiser with total donations of $105,000. Half of this amount was donated to ISAND and the other half to the Holland Bloorview Hospital.
In her one-on-one interview with Pauline Chan, Paula says, “When you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve only met one.” There is no way to speak of autism in general terms, every case is different from the other and the needs of children and adults differ based on their skill sets and abilities. Becoming aware is the first step and this begins the very moment you realize a new definition of amazing and that your perception of the world isn’t the only one that exists. Always remember to not let your eyes deceive what your heart is capable of knowing.
*To learn more about autism and the specific initiatives of the Elpida Autism Foundation follow their social channels @ElpidaAutism or check out my personal website at www.jeaninepapach.ca. If you would like to donate directly to the Elpida Autism Foundation please visit www.elpidagala.com/donations now.
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