Raising Different – Hope is a dangerous mindset when life happens

When asked about our life parenting two children with autism, I have become accustomed to providing the same answer time and time again. I am a realist. For some, reading this, you are not going to agree or maybe even like how I approach…

The Gap – Sometimes, perspective is not as clear as it should be

The gap and the gain is a coaching tool that was introduced to me almost a decade ago. It identifies the human tendency to focus on what we haven’t achieved instead of how far we’ve come. In simpler terms, it is easier to see the glass half…

Without Misinformation, Would We Have Any Information at All?

The double-edged sword of social media and influencers. They bring context and attention to world events and important aspects of society, but they do it in a way that spreads misinformation and often further divides the public perception. Autism…

Raising Different – Episode 4 with Olivia O’Neal

In this episode of Raising Different, Evan and Amy talk with Olivia O’Neal from Autism Services about the support available for individuals with ASD and their families. From flexible counselling and support groups to anxiety, emotional regulation,…

Raising Different: Episode 3 – Why Mike Hanson Runs: The Story Behind 10in10in10

In this episode of Raising Different, we dive into 10in10in10—a bold coast-to-coast challenge where Mike and running partner Dave Morin take on 10 marathons in 10 days across 10 provinces. Their goal? Raise as much as possible for organizations…

Saying the Hard Part Out Loud – Not Easy When It’s Your Life (Part 2)

What do you do when somebody asks you to stand up and tell your story to a room full of strangers: fight or flight.  If I ran from every uncomfortable situation in my life, I probably would be halfway around the world by now. Over the past…

Saying the Hard Part Out Loud – Not Easy When It’s Your Life (Part 1)

A quick shoutout to my friend Dan Aberhart—sometimes, we have to do things that are uncomfortable to truly be comfortable. Forced Extroversion Definition: The ability of a selective introvert to exhibit signs of extroversion when compelled…

Raising Different: Episode 2- So you’ve got a diagnosis, now what?

https://youtu.be/77daJdL97cg   Autism support isn’t one-size-fits-all—it grows and changes with every stage of life. In this episode of Raising Different, we dive into the Autism Intervention Program (AIP), a crucial service…

Helpless – The Truth About Parents of Children with Autism

Picture this - a roller coaster you did not choose to ride, with no way of getting off, no seatbelts, you pay every time it passes go, and you get a few pictures along the way.  For parents of children with autism, this may be truer than…

Raising Different: Episode 1- Alex Scott with Autism Services

Autism Services in Saskatoon provides a diverse range of programs and support designed to help not just your child, but your entire family. Having experienced these programs firsthand, I can attest to their incredible impact on family life. Amy…

A Message – What I wish the public knew about our family

Do not judge those who already judge themselves. The hardest part for me about being a parent of children with autism is other people. I can stand up and speak publicly in front of a room of hundreds at work, but walking through the mall…

A Long Term Vision – When Reality is More Important than Emotion

Once you see the signs, it is hard not to. As parents of children with autism, you become extra sensitive at identifying signs in other families. Even in the early stages of our journey, we become quite acute at seeing signs in other children…