Thinking About Representation In Young People’s Books

For years, April 2nd, World Autism Day, has been an extremely important day for me. Nearly twelve years ago, less than a month before my fourteenth birthday and my elementary school graduation, my occupational therapist told me I had what’s now called level one Autism. It’s interesting how one sentence can throw an entire life for a loop. The world could never look as it did before after that news ever again.

But to tell you the truth, I was happy. The last two years of elementary school were tough and it was then when I really started to realize that I was different from my peers, and I wasn’t sure how. Have you ever felt like the whole world knew a secret about you, something huge, that only you didn’t know? It was enough to put my overactive imagination into a frenzy. So when I finally knew the truth, I was happy that I had an answer. I wasn’t alone. There are other people out there like me. 

I’ve always had a passion for writing, too, and after learning I have Autism, I decided that I wanted to write Autistic characters so other Autistic kids could see themselves and Non autistic kids could see that even though our brains are wired differently, we’re not that different at all. There’s also another reason I wanted to write Autistic characters, for a less optimistic reason than the above two. 

When I was a teenager, I had no Autistic representation. It was nearly nonexistent. And when I did read about a child with any kind of disability, they were mocked by the main character who was supposedly supposed to be “likable”. It was always a punch in the gut. I thought to myself, do kids really think that way? Did the authors really believe that kids think that way? I think that, when adults are writing these kinds of hurtful things, they are justifying the mistreatment of people with disabilities, which could cause their readers to act the same way in their own lives. In which case, adults should know better. But are they learning from these mistakes? 

When people say that authentic representation matters, that is something I can vouch for. Authentic representation, ones that are respectful, personal, and uplifting, is a necessity for any child or any person period. There are many reasons why Autism representation matters, but here are three huge ones that people should really know about:

1) It Defies Hurtful Stereotypes.

All reasons for why representation matters are important, but this particular reason is probably one of the most important reasons. Hurtful, untrue stereotypes can cause stigma, and stigma can lead to mistreatment of Autistic people. There have been many cases of hurtful stereotypes in the media, and they need to be undone. Having authentic representation will combat all the damage done and show people the truth behind Autism, which is way different than what has been conveyed.

2) It Shows Readers That They’re Not Alone.

From personal experience, constantly reading books without Autistic characters- or disrespectful Autistic rep- took a real toll on me. It made me feel like society didn’t want people like me around. It’s an awful feeling, and no person should ever feel that way about themselves. However, when there are authentic Autistic characters in books, Autistic people can start seeing themselves by relating to the characters. They can see that there are other people like them out there, and that there’s nothing “wrong” with them after all.

3) It Promotes Acceptance And Understanding. 

Acceptance and understanding are crucial goals for Autism Awareness. Not only is having authentic Autistic characters good for Autistic people, but they are also good for nonautistic people, too. It can give them a whole new perspective that they otherwise wouldn’t have. They can start seeing the world through an Autistic person’s eyes, and see that, like I mentioned before, that even though their brains are wired differently, Autistic people and nonautistic people are not so different from each other.  

It is so extremely crucial that people have proper, respectful Autism representation. We need to work together to make this representation common, to help show the world the true beauty of Autism. Through real stories and voices, let’s make Autism shine the way it’s meant to.

Happy World Autism Day, and Happy Autism Awareness Month!

Cristina Morriello is the office assistant at Aspire Services. She has been passionate

about Autism Awareness since she found out she’s Autistic right before her elementary

school graduation and her fourteenth birthday. She loves to write Autistic characters,

and hopes to publish Young Adult novels starring lovable, relatable Autistic characters

that she never had as a teenager.

Now Offering: Mental Health Counselling

At Aspire Services, our goal has always been to support and empower our community. To continue building on that commitment, we’re excited to introduce counselling services designed specifically for neurodivergent individuals. 

Research across Canada shows that 50–70% of neurodivergent individuals experience co-occurring mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Statistics like these show a significant need for  neuro-affirming counselling services, both within our community and across the country.

Our goal is to ensure that individuals have access to specialized counselling that understands and supports neurodiversity.

Why is Access to Specialized, Neuro-affirming Counselling Important?

• 40-56% of youth with autism have an anxiety disorder or experience intense anxiety symptoms (Aide Canada, 2024). 

• 29-50% of young adults with autism have an anxiety disorder, compared to 9% found in the general population (Aide Canada, 2025).

• 38% of neurodiverse post secondary students report having multiple mental health diagnoses (The Conference Board of Canada, 2024).

• Suicide attempts are five times more likely in individuals with an autism diagnosis (Statistics Canada, 2022).

• 62% of neurodiverse youth are estimated to also be part of the LGBTQIA+ communities, creating unique, intersecting identity challenges (Future Skills Centre, 2026)

What Makes our Counselling Services Neuro- Affirming?

Our counsellors have specialized training and experience in supporting neurodiverse individuals. We believe services should feel accessible and supportive, and be flexible to meet specific needs. This means:

• We use clear, direct language and visual supports

• We provide structure and predictability within sessions

• We offer virtual and in-person counselling options across Ontario and British Columbia

• We are mindful of pacing and individual processing time

• We offer accommodations to support sensory preferences, including fidgets, movement breaks, alternative seating, and adjusted lighting as needed.

• We aim to reduce barriers throughout the counselling process by ensuring documentation and communication is straightforward and accessible. 

• We adapt traditional counselling approaches and techniques to support various learning styles

Areas We Support

• Navigating self acceptance, identity, and new diagnoses 

• Understanding anxiety and depression and managing symptoms

• Exploring emotional regulation & coping strategies 

• Understanding social experiences & masking

If you or someone you know is looking for a supportive space, we would love to connect. We offer a free 15-minute consultation. It's a chance for us to connect and see if our counselling services are a good match for what you need. 

Click here to book your consultation and learn more about our counsellors. 

Creative Prompts for Spring

Spring is just around the corner, which means warmer weather, melting snow, and saying goodbye to Winter! It’s also the perfect time to get creative! Creativity is really important to health, as it can reduce stress, promotes mindfulness and is good self-care. It’s also a fun alternative to screen time before bed!

So whether you love to write creatively, draw, make crafts or even just journal, here are some Spring-themed prompts that you can interpret however you’d like to help you get started.

5 Creative Writing Prompts

1. Write a story about characters doing your favourite spring activity.

2. Write a poem about three things that come to mind when you think about spring.

3. Write a story about an Easter egg hunt.

4. Write a story from the perspective of an animal coming out of hibernation.

5. Write a story about what a character sees on a Spring day while going for a walk.

5 Drawing Prompts

1. Draw yourself doing your favourite Spring activity.

2. Draw your favourite Spring animal.

3. Draw a Spring landscape.

4. Draw a vase of your favourite flowers.

5. Draw a scene of a rainy day outside.

5 Craft Prompts

1. Paint Easter eggs based on your favourite character.

2. Use spring-themed or pastel tissue paper to make outfits for Barbies.

3. Make baby animals out of pom-poms.

4. Press flowers and make a picture.

5. Make a design on a t-shirt based on your favourite Spring animal.

5 Journaling Prompts

1. Write about how Spring makes you feel.

2. Write a list of your goals for the season.

3. Write a list of your favourite things about Easter.

4. Write about your favourite Spring activities.

5. Write about a happy memory of Spring that you hope to recreate.

Most of all, have lots of fun! Happy Spring!

By Cristina Morriello

The Importance of Peer Support: How You Can Be a Supportive Peer

What is a Peer? 

The term Peer can be used in many different contexts, but here at Aspire, we consider it to be individuals in our lives who share similar interests or lived experiences. For example, members who attend the same social club or cooking class. A peer can also be a classmate, co-worker, or even someone within the same culture or gender. 

What is Peer Connection? 

Regardless of age, gender, or neurotype, connection is at the cornerstone of being human. The term “peer connection” describes the social bonds, relationships, and interactions formed between peers. We want to highlight the importance of peer connection because we know that neurodivergent individuals are more likely to feel isolated, misunderstood, or the pressure to “fit in.” So if you are wondering how to be supportive to your peers and create a welcoming environment, here are 3 ways you can achieve this:

• Respect Different Communication Styles 

Some of your peers may prefer to communicate differently than you. This could look like communicating through text, rather than talking, needing more time to process before responding in a conversation, or giving direct or very straightforward responses. To make sure you and your peers have successful conversations, be sure to ask them how they prefer to communicate, allow for extra time to respond, and remember that tone, eye contact, and body language can look different for everybody. 

• Validate Experiences 

We know that neurodivergent individuals are more prone to feeling misunderstood or the need to mask in specific environments. This can be exhausting! When a peer is sharing an experience with you, be sure to support them, rather than question or provide judgement. This could sound like “it makes sense that you would feel that way”, “that sounds exhausting”, or “I appreciate you telling me about this”. It might also be helpful to share your experience navigating a similar situation. 

• Be Consistent 

One of the most important aspects of any relationship or connection is consistency. This means being a reliable presence, whether through checking in over text, following through on commitments, being there when it matters, and not going back and forth between being super close and absent. It is also important to consider that you and your peers may have different energy limits or boundaries. For example, just because a friend cancels plans at the last minute, doesn't mean they don't want to see you, it could just be that they are feeling burnt out and need some time to themselves. It is important to communicate openly and honestly about these boundaries to maintain trust in the relationship.

Spreading Kindness like Confetti

This year, we celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 14-20th. Led by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, this week is dedicated to highlighting the powerful impact that small, simple acts of kindness can have.

We all know how good it feels when someone does something kind for us, such as offering help with a chore or offering a thoughtful compliment. But did you know that when we are the ones offering kindness, our brains get a boost of feel-good chemicals and we feel more connected to the people around us? Random acts of kindness benefit both our communities, and ourselves!

Here are some ways that you can practice random acts of kindness:

• Leave a positive note for a friend, co-worker, or family member to find

• Donate clothes or household items that you no longer need

• Listen to someone who needs to vent

• Bake a treat for a friend, family member, or neighbour

• Compliment someone's hard work

• Call or text an old friend to check in

• Send or repost a funny meme

• Collect garbage that you see on the ground while you're out and about

• Hold the door open for someone

As we focus on spreading kindness to others, it's also important to remember yourself. Showing compassion to yourself can reduce stress, build resilience, and support overall wellbeing. And remember, self kindness can look different for everyone, there is no “right” way to do it.

Here are a few ways to practice kindness towards yourself:

• Make your favourite meal

• List all of the things you love about yourself

• Allow yourself to take a deep breath and reset

• Put down your devices and do something creative

• Use positive affirmations

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation website has monthly kindness calendars to make spreading kindness even easier!

Life Skills Needed for the Holidays (and Tips to Prepare for a Busy Holiday Month)

For neurodivergent folks the holiday season can be fun, but it can also be overwhelming—extra social events, changes in routine, travel, sensory overload, and pressure to “be on.” Building a few key life skills can help you move through the season with more confidence, comfort, and control.

1. Planning & Time Management

Why it matters:
Schedules can fill up fast—family gatherings, school or work deadlines, shopping, and errands. Without a plan, everything can pile up and cause stress.

Helpful skills:

• Using a calendar or visual schedule system

• Setting reminders for tasks, events, and downtime

• Breaking big tasks (like shopping or preparing for guests) into small steps

Tips:

• Choose one place to keep all your holiday plans—digital or paper, whichever works best for your brain.

• Build in “transition time” between events so you can decompress.

• Colour-code tasks (ex: red for social events, blue for work/school deadlines, green for self-care).

2. Emotional Regulation

Why it matters:
Crowds, noise, unexpected changes, and social expectations can drain energy quickly. Having tools ready makes it easier to stay grounded.

Helpful skills:

• Identifying early signs of overwhelm

• Having a “calm-down kit” (noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, sunglasses, etc.)

• Practicing self-advocacy and setting boundaries

Tips:

• Plan and rehearse scripts like:
  “I’m going to step outside for a few minutes.”
  “I’m not able to stay long, but I’m happy to stop by.”

• Schedule rest days after big or socially demanding events.

• Permission to leave early is self-care—not rudeness.

3. Social & Communication Skills

Why it matters:
Holidays often include group interactions, conversations, and changes in routines. Having communication tools reduces anxiety.

Helpful skills:

• Preparing conversation starters

• Being honest about personal needs (“I need a quiet space” or “Can we text instead?”)

• Understanding social expectations while honoring your comfort level

Tips:

• Make a “social energy budget”—decide how many events you can realistically handle.

• Use text or email to communicate boundaries if face-to-face feels too hard.

• Plan exits ahead of time (e.g., driving separately, safe rides, or scheduling a check-in call)

4. Sensory Awareness & Coping Strategies

Why it matters:
Holiday environments can be loud, bright, crowded, and full of new smells—often overwhelming for sensory-sensitive people.

Helpful skills:

• Identifying sensory triggers

• Preparing accommodations

• Creating sensory-safe routines

Tips:

• Bring your own comfort items: headphones, sunglasses, chewy or crunchy snacks, stim toys.

• If hosting, adjust lighting, music, or seating to suit your sensory needs.

• At gatherings, locate the quietest spot early in case you need a break.

5. Executive Functioning & Organization

Why it matters:
Shopping, budgeting, gift-wrapping, meal planning—holidays come with a lot of moving pieces. EF supports help keep things manageable.

Helpful skills:

• Using checklists and step-by-step plans

• Setting spending limits

• Preparing tasks in small chunks instead of all at once

Tips:

• Try a simple checklist like: gifts, food, travel, outfits, accommodations, schedule.

• Automate what you can: delivery, pre-made meals, digital cards, etc.

• Keep a “holiday bin” so wrapping supplies, tape, and cards stay in one place.

6. Self-Care & Rest

Why it matters:
The holidays are not a marathon you must push through—they’re a time that can be joyful only if your needs are respected.

Helpful skills:

• Recognizing burnout

• Prioritizing your needs over others’ expectations

• Understanding how your body and brain recover best

Tips:

• Protect your sleep schedule—even if everything else changes.

• Build in “no plans” days to reset.

• Choose traditions that make you feel good, not just the ones others expect.

Final Thoughts

Being neurodivergent doesn’t mean the holidays have to be overwhelming. With the right skills and supports, this season can be comfortable, meaningful, and even enjoyable. Preparation and self-understanding are key—plan what you can, protect your energy, create sensory-friendly spaces, and remember that it’s okay to do the holidays your way.

Time Management Finding Balance When Life Gets Busy

Change, deadlines, and busy schedules can be stressful — especially for neurodivergent people who thrive on structure and predictability. Whether it’s back-to-school season, midterms, assignment crunch time, or the holidays, managing your time in a way that works for your brain can make all the difference.

Here are three practical, flexible strategies to help you manage your time when things start to pile up:

1. Use a Visual Calendar to See What’s Coming Up

Having a visual overview of your week or month can help reduce uncertainty and last-minute stress.

• Try using a digital calendar (like Google Calendar) or a paper planner that’s easy to glance at.

• Colour-code your activities — for example, blue for school, green for appointments, orange for social plans, and purple for downtime.

• Set notifications that remind you in advance — some people like a reminder the day before, and again an hour before.

• If visuals help, use stickers or icons to make the calendar feel more engaging and easier to read.

• This helps make time visible, which can support executive functioning and planning ahead — especially during busy or unpredictable times.

2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps and Use Gentle Reminders

Large tasks like “write essay” or “study for exam” can feel overwhelming or hard to start. Breaking them down can make them more manageable and motivating.

• Try turning one big task into smaller pieces, like: “choose topic,” “make notes,” “draft intro,” and “edit final version.”

• Set reminders for each smaller step instead of just the final due date.

• Consider using a reminder app or task manager like Notion, Tiimo, or Todoist — or even sticky notes in a visible place.

• Each completed step gives a sense of progress and accomplishment — which can boost motivation and reduce anxiety.

3. Schedule Downtime and Sensory Breaks
Downtime isn’t a reward — it’s a need.

• Schedule rest the same way you schedule work or study time. Put it in your calendar or planner so it becomes part of your routine.

• Think about what helps you reset — quiet time, movement, sensory breaks, time outdoors, a hobby, or time with trusted people.

• Build in “buffer time” between activities so you’re not rushing from one thing to another.

When your schedule includes moments of rest, you’re more likely to sustain focus, energy, and emotional regulation through busy seasons.
 

Time management doesn’t have to look one way — it’s about finding systems that support your brain and help you feel more in control. With visuals, reminders, and intentional rest built into your schedule, you can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and make room for both productivity and joy.

Aspire Services Featured by the City of Barrie’s Starter Company Plus Program

We’re proud to share that Aspire Services and our founder, Becky Kurtz, were recently featured by the City of Barrie’s Starter Company Plus Program — highlighting the journey of building Aspire Services from passion into purpose.

Becky completed the Starter Company Plus program five years ago and has continued to grow Aspire Services ever since, guided by the principles, confidence, and strong business network she developed during her time in the program.

Turning Passion Into Purpose

Becky’s passion for supporting neurodiverse youth and adults started early and evolved into a full career path. Her experience across education, intensive behavioural intervention, and applied behaviour analysis helped her understand the unique needs of individuals at different life stages.

After relocating to Barrie, Becky recognized a clear gap — there were very few services available for adolescents and young adults to continue building life skills. Rather than waiting for change, she created it herself.

“People don’t just stop growing at twelve years old,” Becky shared. “There was almost nothing in place to help teens or young adults develop life skills.”

Empowering Neurodiverse Youth and Adults

Aspire Services focuses on life skills coaching and group programs for neurodivergent teens and adults, both in-person and virtually. The goal is simple yet powerful — to help each person become the best version of themselves by building independence, confidence, and real-life tools for success.

“I want to be someone’s cheerleader,” Becky says. “I’m here to support people and teach them the life skills they need.”

Growing a Business in Barrie

Barrie became the natural home for Aspire Services because the community had a real and immediate need. Over the past five years, Aspire has grown from a solo venture into a full team, expanding group programs, adding virtual offerings, and partnering with national initiatives like EmploymentWorks, a federally funded program designed to help neurodivergent individuals prepare for the workforce.

“At the time, it was just me,” Becky reflected. “Now I have a whole team, and that’s helped me serve more people in more ways.”

Community and Continuous Growth

Community has been central to Becky’s success — from the support of the Small Business Centre to the network built through Starter Company Plus. Even during the challenges of COVID, she stayed connected, finding encouragement and mentorship that continues to shape Aspire’s path forward.

“It’s about finding your own cheerleaders and building a strong network,” she said. “That sense of community has stayed with me.”

Looking Ahead

As Aspire Services continues to grow, so does Becky’s vision — helping neurodiverse individuals build skills that open doors to independence, employment, and a fulfilling life.

We’re incredibly proud to be part of Barrie’s thriving small business community and grateful for the programs and people that helped us get here.

👉 Read the full feature article on the City of Barrie’s website https://www.investbarrie.ca/whats-new/latest-news-updates/becky-kurtzs-passion-grows-company.