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Waves of Changes for Autism

• Stella Ram • Season 1 • Episode 11

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🌍 In Celebration of World Autism Awareness Month


Empowering Autism Awareness with Ellen Contardi, Founder of Waves of Changes for Autism


Welcome to a heartfelt and impactful episode of The Stellar Talk Show with your host, Stella Ram — proud mother, award-winning REALTOR®, and passionate community advocate. In honor of World Autism Awareness Month, we're shining a spotlight on a journey filled with love, resilience, and community strength. 💙✨


In this special episode, Stella shares her personal story as a mother of a child diagnosed with autism at 3.5 years old. From the emotional hurdles to the proud moments of breakthrough, she opens up about what it truly means to walk this path as a parent and advocate.


Joining her is the inspiring Ellen, President of the incredible nonprofit Waves of Changes for Autism. Together, they dive deep into:
🔹 The story behind Waves of Changes and its life-changing impact
🔹 How autism awareness and support systems have evolved over the years
🔹 Uplifting success stories from children and adults with autism
🔹 The importance of early intervention and accessible therapies
🔹 The financial challenges families face—and how to find support
🔹 How YOU can help build inclusive communities that empower individuals with autism


Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply someone eager to learn and support—this episode will inspire, inform, and move you.


👉 Tune in to discover powerful insights, expert advice, and real stories that celebrate the strength of families and the importance of inclusion.


📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness and amplify voices within the autism community!


🎧 Listen now — your heart will thank you. 💙

Support the show

 Hello and welcome to Stella Talk Show. I'm your host Stella Ram, and today we have a truly special episode dedicated to World Autism Awareness Month. This episode is deeply personal to me because my own son was diagnosed with autism when he was just three and a half years old. He is now six and thriving.

As a mother, I've experienced the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. I know firsthand how important awareness, resources, and community support are for families navigating this journey. That's why I'm incredibly excited to welcome a remarkable guest who has dedicated her life to supporting families and individuals with autism.

She's the president of Waves of Changes for Autism in War. A nonprofit organization committed to making a meaningful impact in the autism community. Please join me in welcoming Ellen Tati to the show.

Hi Ellen. Hi Stella. I, uh, wanna just begin by saying thank you very much for inviting me to join you on this platform. Um, this. You know, it's critical when we have community people that, um, you know, champions like yourself that wanna spread the word about our organization, about autism, bringing awareness that, that's incredible.

So thank you very much for the opportunity. You're welcome. You're most welcome. It's my pleasure. And it's an honor to have you as well, because I understand the amazing work that you and waves of autism the team Yeah. Has done. Yeah. So it's definitely an honor to have you as well. Thank you. So let's dive deep in.

Yeah. Um, I wanted to, uh, ask you how did this all started? And, you know. What made you, uh, decide to join, uh, this force in 2016? An opportunity presented itself mm-hmm. To me, and, uh, I decided to, uh, run with it. Mm-hmm. And, uh, I felt that, you know, it was my duty to, to give back in some Yeah. In some way. Yes.

So I thought, okay, let's, let's go with this. Mm-hmm. And, uh, here we are, we're in our 10th year and, uh. I haven't looked back. It's been so rewarding and we've, we've, we've accomplished so much in the past, uh, nine years. Mm-hmm. And I'm very excited about this next year ahead. That's amazing. That's amazing.

Tell me a little bit about the work that you do, uh, with this non-profit organization. Well, you know, I have to be, um, you know, uh, very, um. Transparent here. I could not do the work I do without the team. Mm-hmm. Our team is, uh, incredible. I have, uh, you know, um, a board and uh, team members that work very passionately mm-hmm.

And are very dedicated Yes. To helping these families in, in Vaughn with autism. That's amazing. Yes. We have a great team. Mm-hmm. We're all volunteer led. Mm-hmm. Like no one is compensated on this in this organization. Mm-hmm. So, um. It, it really, um, I'm very, very fortunate to work with these individuals and, uh, you know, um, we, we've.

We've come such a, a long way, you know? Mm-hmm. Like in the past, uh, nine years, we've raised over $2 million. We funded over 600 eligible applications. That's amazing. These monies go towards, mm-hmm. These, um, specialized therapies and treatments and, uh, communication devices. And I know Stella, you have a very um.

Deep interest in this, uh, as a parent. Mm-hmm. And you know, the challenges that are faced I do. And you can appreciate. Mm-hmm. Uh, you know, any help. And these families are so. Um, thankful and, um, you know, they, they, they can't express enough how important it is for them to have some sort of help, you know?

That is true. That is true. Coming strong together as a community Yes. Is what matters the most. Yes. So I definitely see that. I have to ask, like, when it comes to awareness and progress in there, um, over the years there has been, you know, a lot of research and a lot of, uh, you know, uh, talk around about, you know, what.

Autism is, and you know what the part that it has in the community that we live in today. Mm-hmm. What's your thoughts on how far we have come, um, in progress about the awareness that we have for autism and, you know, how far do you think that we should be working more towards building? Well, I think we have, uh, you know, much more work to be done.

Mm-hmm. I believe that, but I, I have to say that, um, in Vaughn where we, uh, work. I can, um, definitely say that the, uh, the impact is powerful. Mm-hmm. We have made a great impact. Yes. And I think that, um, moving forward, uh, we need to continue this work. Mm-hmm. Um, it has become a little more, well, perhaps not a little, but, uh, it has become more aware.

Mm-hmm. You know, I think that, um. Uh, perhaps, you know, um, I don't, you know, like we have three events. Mm-hmm. So at these events, we, we showcase, uh, these children and I think that that helps to build awareness that helps to, you know, showcase these individuals and to the community that they are very capable of things.

Mm-hmm. And that, um. It, it's important to, you know, to continue that work. Yes. And uh, I think that, uh, we've come a long way. Mm-hmm. You know, we, in our community here, I think that people, you know, autism now is at the forefront. I think that we have. Really, uh, made a name. Mm-hmm. Uh, for building awareness.

Yes. We, uh, have flag raisings, which is coming up April 2nd. Mm-hmm. So we, you know, raised the flag at the City of V here. Mm-hmm. Our, uh, mayor is a, a very strong supporter of Waves of Change. His predecessor is also a very strong, you know, was a strong supporter. Mm-hmm. They both sit on our, our board as honorary chairs.

Mm-hmm. So I think that. With the city of Vaughn and the counselors and all the dignitaries, I think they're very aware of, of the work we're doing. Yes. And I think that helps to build, uh. A stronger community around that. Yes, yes, most definitely. And I think that people are, you know, now they've, you know, oh yes, waves have changed.

I've heard of, you know mm-hmm. The organization and what they do. Yeah. That's amazing. You know, when I heard about the organization myself, I was very impressed with the work that you were doing, because building that awareness, um, when we talk about autism, we always think of their, the negativity. Exactly.

But they're so much positive. Like, these children are brilliant. They're, they've mastered. Certain crafts and, and they work so hard at it. And I think that that's where our job is to, uh, empower them. Yes. You know? Yes. And showcase that. Exactly. Exactly. You know, it's not a disability, it's an ability. And they're, they're, they're wonderful.

We have ambassadors that, you know, are, are master of ceremonies. Mm-hmm. Uh, some are artists. Mm-hmm. Some are singers like it, it's. It's such a, a plethora of different, uh, crafts that they have that is just so wonderful to see. And our community loves seeing them at every opportunity, you knows? Yes, yes. I have to share, like, you know, when my son was first diagnosed, he was non-verbal.

Mm-hmm. Uh, he was three and a half years old. Such a small guy. Um, but he has evolved, I have to say, he has grown up to be this very handsome, very cute individual, but he's no longer identified as non-verbal. He, he does speak. He does speak. Yeah. And that's wonderful. And the things that he surprises with me, uh, Ellen, like, you know, he plays the piano.

He's a self-taught pianist. Um, and the way that he, he's very impressed with the fonts and languages, so. Mm. He surprises me every day. Yeah. So when you tell me the, the creativity that they bring and, you know, they are, they're not disabled, they're differently able Yes. And their uniqueness is, and that's a strength to the community that we definitely need to celebrate.

Absolutely. Yeah. You know, every child learns at their own pace. Mm-hmm. And I think that we, given. Giving them the tools to do that. Yes. They will reach their God potential. That's, I'm given potential. That 100% true. Yeah. That's amazing. Our, um, one of our musicians that sings at our events mm-hmm. Um, he was nonverbal.

I, his mom told me he was nonverbal till five. He came down the stairs one day. Mm-hmm. And he, um, started singing. Oh, wow. Yeah. Yeah. So it's like, what a joy for that mom to hear that voice. Yes. And he's singing and, and now he's. He's, you know, performing at different events all over the city of V and he does, like he does, he's amazing.

You know, that's very impressive. Yeah. And, you know, bless him and bless the family. Yeah. 'cause it's for, and um, for someone that you know, who is not very familiar with the journey, so his family's take. Mm-hmm. Uh, it may be another day for them. Yeah. But for those families, those parents who has been waiting to hear that first.

Voice word or the voice. Exactly. Yeah. That's a milestone. It is. And and to hear that he hasn't been, and then all of a sudden one day he started. Exactly. That's inspiring. And that's so heartwarming. Yeah. You know, like, and to know that, you know, we fund evidence-based therapies. Mm-hmm. So, uh, you know, occupational therapy mm-hmm.

We take for granted, you know? Yes. We put on our shoes, tie them up, we zip up our jacket and away we go. Mm-hmm. These children have to learn these skills and that moment that they learned how to do their. Their jacket up on their own is like, so exciting and it's just wonderful. It needs to be celebrated, you know, when you're telling this like, you know, I can see my son doing.

Yeah, yeah. No, it, it is a and he'll, he'll reach all those milestones. We just have to be patient and we need to give them the opportunities and the, uh, tools and they will That's true, that's true. I believe that most definitely these success stories is what keeps us inspired for looking forward for tomorrow, and it gives parents like yourself hope.

We need to give hope to families. Mm-hmm. It's very, d life with autism is difficult. It is. It's, and not everybody is, um, at certain levels. Mm-hmm. You know, some may be a little, um, more challenged, but we, we try to give, you know, these families hope. Mm-hmm. And, and know that they have, um, us here Yes. For them Yes.

To support them. Mm-hmm. And, uh, you know, hopefully their child will reach that. That point. Well, definitely, definitely as well. You know, that is a very inspiring thing that you're doing there with the community that you have built with waves of, uh, changes for autism. Um. Giving back to those families, uh, for what it's needed most to bring that child to where that child needs to be.

Yeah. That is very important. And that is very em, empowering in other way. Yes. So I'm, I'm very happy to see the, your community that's doing that, uh, level. And I can speak for the whole team. They all are on the same page. Yes, yes. They all wanna do. What's best for these children. Mm-hmm. They, they work so passionately and they're so driven.

Yeah. You know, at every, uh, turn, every event, uh, they're, they're right there. Mm-hmm. You know? Right on. Helping and, yeah. Yeah. Most definitely. Um, and I wanna also touch on like, you know. In history, we have come a long way in understanding autism as a spectrum, uh, you know, and how it is being diagnosed, you know, and there's a lot of research that was put into it as well.

Um, and I know that you have, uh, collaborated, um, as a, as a, um, community society with research in, in certain extents. Can you tell me a little bit about, you know, you know, what are the recent, uh. Uh, you know, evolutions around that. And you know, what he has come to, well, clinically I can't speak to Yeah. Uh, autism itself.

Mm-hmm. But I know that we were invited down to, um, the Peter Gilbert, uh, research center Okay. Where they, uh, do all the research for autism and, uh. They have made, uh, great strides. Uh, you know, from what I've been told through the doctors there, Dr. Cher, Dr. Wintel, they were, um, very, um mm-hmm. You know, happy to, uh, to share all their progress.

Mm-hmm. And I think that, uh, you know, parents can, you know, reach out and, and. You know, explore that more. Mm-hmm. As an organization, uh, what we do in particular mm-hmm. Is we, um, fund families. Mm-hmm. So we're basically doing fundraisers mm-hmm. To help pay for these specialized therapies and treatments.

Mm-hmm. So. Um, I can't speak on behalf of, you know, the research center mm-hmm. What they've, you know mm-hmm. Uh, found what they, you know, what their, um, evolution. Yeah. I can't speak to that. Yeah. But I think that parents, you know mm-hmm. Should be able to, uh, contact them. And, uh, I know one of our team members, um, he actually joined one of their, um.

Groups where they were doing trials. Okay. So he was able to join the group with his, uh, child mm-hmm. And they, um, you know, did trial basis with this child and, and they can explore, you know, families can explore that avenue with them. Yes. You know, there are different, uh, options there. Yeah. Programs with the research center down at it's affiliated with sick kids.

Mm-hmm. So, um. Yeah, they can contact them. Yes. And, uh, speak to them about that. That's amazing. For sure. That's amazing. You know, it's, it's very like, um, uh, inspiring to learn about the, the growth that the children are receiving. Mm-hmm. From continuous research and also the therapies, um, with early intervention.

So definitely the. Parents should be, uh, paying more attention there and see what they can achieve. I, I think so. And I, I also believe that, uh, that's why we do early intervention. Mm-hmm. We fund children under the age of 13. Nice. Okay. And, uh, you know, having spoken to these professionals mm-hmm. They felt that early intervention is key.

Yes. So, uh, you know, evidence-based therapies, again mm-hmm. A b, A i, BI, occupational therapy, those kind of things. Mm-hmm. Um, early. Mm-hmm. I is key for, you know, a success for these children, success for this. Yeah. Most definitely. That's why they say like the moment that you know, you have that doubt in your mind, it's best to speak to your family doctor.

Yes. Or or specialist to see Yes, hey, what this is. So you can get that early intervention and help the child as much as you can. As soon as you can, as soon as you can for that growth. I believe that. Yeah. I know. Me too. Me too. Most definitely. And uh, and like you said. Probably your family doctor, your pediatrician mm-hmm.

Is your, your first contact. Mm-hmm. And I think that would be your best contact. Yeah. They can direct you Yes. To where you need to. Most definitely. Yeah, most definitely. Um, I wanna also, uh, touch a little bit of like, you know, as a parent myself too, um, raising a child with autism is not easy. Yeah. Um, especially like, um, if you're not aware about.

This whole new world of autism, and when you get getting that diagnosis, you are starting to learn with your child. Mm-hmm. Um, I, myself, as a parent, I was in denial for years. Um, but now I have That's not uncommon. Exactly. Exactly. So, um. It, you know, you have been in this community for a long time with your team.

What have you seen with families? What are, what are their biggest struggles and how, what are they doing to overcome and, you know, how are they thriving today, like you said. Mm-hmm. Some are in denial. Mm-hmm. Some, uh, don't wanna talk about it. Uh, some, um. But I think, you know, uh, Stella, I think that you'll do more, um, justice to your child if you can overcome that.

Mm-hmm. And try to get them the help they need and, and, and try to explore different things for these children. Mm-hmm. What I hear from these families is, uh, they just wanna help their child whatever way they can. Yes. Financially it's a burden. Mm-hmm. They, uh, they're very expensive, these therapies, and I think that these families need help with that.

Mm-hmm. So that's what we do as an organization. Yes. Is we help them mm-hmm. Financially to offset their costs. Mm-hmm. Some chi, some families have two or three children on the spectrum. Mm-hmm. So that's, you know, aside from trying to put food on the table mm-hmm. Uh, paying the mortgage or rent, um. And then therapies.

Mm-hmm. It's overwhelming. Yes. Parents lose sight. It, it, it becomes very hard. Yes. It's a struggle. Mm-hmm. I get it. And, and this is what we try to do. Yes. Just help in any capacity. It might be just a small capacity. Mm-hmm. Could be 10 sessions of speech therapy. Mm-hmm. But whatever we can do for them, that that's what we need to do.

Mm-hmm. And that's what the parents, uh. You know, have expressed mm-hmm. The thankfulness Yes. That they can now continue with their programs, with their children. Mm. You know, like that. Mm-hmm. I think that's important. Um mm-hmm. You know? Yeah. I understand the, the challenges that these families Yeah. We, we read about them.

They mm-hmm. They send us these applications 'cause they have to apply for funding. Mm-hmm. And one of our, um. Executive members, Leah. Mm-hmm. She works with sick kids and with the, uh, school board. Mm-hmm. And she, uh, is so, um, talented and, and she, she looks at these children and she's like, she evaluates each and every application.

Mm-hmm. She, she, um, you know, some years something comes up like, um. A car seat, something we've never done before. Yes. It was a safety issue for this family. Yeah. So she brings it to the board and she says, listen, you know, we haven't, uh, funded a safe, you know, a, a. Uh, a car seat for this child. Yeah. But this mom is beside herself because she can't take this child anywhere.

Mm-hmm. Because he's jumping in and outta seats, so safety first. Mm-hmm. So she reevaluates everything yearly. Mm-hmm. She, she looks at every detail, makes sure that she's, you know, helping each and every child the best we can, you know? Yes. She's so, so. We're so blessed to have her. That's amazing. Honestly, she's, she's wonderful.

She's been with, uh, you know, sick kids over 33 years and, and she's got so much, uh, talent and, uh, information that she can bring back to mm-hmm. Us as a, you know, a charity. Yes. Yes. That we're very fortunate to have. Yes. Her on the team. Yeah, most definitely. And you know, when you, when you talk about the car state, like, and I'm thinking even my son, like, you know, he's, he's um, very into electronics.

Mm-hmm. He's very fascinated, you know, I don't know to do half his things here. Yeah. But he does. Yeah. At six years old you can do Aren't they incredible? They are incredible. Yeah. But the fun part is, you know, like they have their moments too. Uh, my son gave, took her his iPad to bath time a couple of times.

Yeah. So like, you know, so that is a additional cost. Yes. Because, you know, and, and you know, every child, yes. It's not just a child on the spectrum. They all have their meltdowns. They all have their moments where they're, you know, like, yeah. That's not uncommon, you know? Yeah. So, so for families that, you know, that that is.

You know, having those kids. Yes. And especially for, like, for an example, my son, like, he's very connected to his iPad. He likes it to, he, he, he plays a lot of educational games. He learns from it a lot. Um, so the moment it got water damage and for a couple of days he didn't have it, he was not happy. So like, you know, for an.

For an average family, a middle class family, you know, replacing that overnight in a couple of days can be burden. It's costly. Exactly. So I'm costly. I'm very fortunate to see that, you know, you as a community has created this for families like, you know, who are bringing up kids with autism because it is not an Easys for anybody.

Right. No, the surprises keep surprising us. Yes. On a daily basis. Yeah. There are, there are highs and lows, so any support is big support for these family. So it's amazing what you and your team is doing and that's, I think, how the team looks at, you know, we do the best we can. We have not let left any child behind.

Mm-hmm. Since we started. Yes. So we have been so fortunate in our community. Mm-hmm. Which is an overwhelmingly generous. Community mm-hmm. That they have, uh, supported us mm-hmm. So that we can then turn around and support each and every, every eligible application. Yeah. That has crossed our table. Yes. So that, for that we are so grateful.

Mm-hmm. Because, uh, that would be a sad day. Mm-hmm. When we can't help each child. That's true. So we just keep pressing forward and trying to do the best we can. To help these children. Yeah. And and the community understands that. Yeah. They, they see that and they know and they, and it speaks to the need.

Yes. Our success speaks to the need. Yeah. You know, that, that's amazing in this community's So I think that everyone mm-hmm. Truly believes that there is a need for this and they come out and they fully. That's amazing. That's beautiful. Yeah, it is. You know, we've been blessed in a, a very, very generous community.

Yeah. Yeah. And I also wanna, um, when it comes to society, um, creating more inclusiveness mm-hmm. Uh, for these children growing up, especially like, you know, if you go to the playground in the evening to play with the other kids that are. Lot of kids, and you know, sometimes for a kid with autism that can be a little bit overwhelming.

Mm-hmm. Um, so making awareness among other kids and among other parents, among other society members, what do you think, like, what are your thoughts around that? Do you think that's important to make, make this more inclusive? Absolutely. I think, you know, that's the whole premise of our charity mm-hmm. Is to be, you know, inclusive and, uh, to welcome.

All you know children. Yes. And no matter what their learning ability is. Mm-hmm. And I think that, you know, in this city of Vaughn mm-hmm. That is a very big mandate as well. Inclusivity is something that they, uh, champion. Mm-hmm. And they do very well. That's amazing. So I think that, um. You know, I think that that's very important.

Yes. And I think that Vaughn has done a very good job mm-hmm. With making sure that everyone is mm-hmm. Included. Yeah. Everyone is welcome. Mm-hmm. No matter, you know. Mm-hmm. Any gender. Mm-hmm. You know, everything is equal. Mm-hmm. For everyone. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's what I've seen in Bond. That's true, that's true.

Um, I know we already talk about therapies, uh, that is, uh, involved with autism and, you know, the cost involved with autism and how you are helping families. Can you talk a little bit more about that with the. Well, what, uh, our charity does is once we raise an, uh, the funds mm-hmm. You know, through our three events mm-hmm.

Three main events, we have a Sip and Saver, which is a ladies event. Mm-hmm. We have a golf tournament. Okay. And then we have our gala in September. Every year. Every year. Mm-hmm. And through these three events mm-hmm. Uh, all the monies raised. Mm-hmm. Um, because no one is compensated on this charity. Mm-hmm.

All monies after, uh, you know, expenses. Obviously when you have a, a gala, there's expenses that go with that. Mm-hmm. All monies raised goes towards the cause, and I'm, I'm very proud to say that we are, uh, amongst the 1%, uh, uh, one of the, uh, charities that gives back more than, uh, 60% to the actual cause. Wow.

That's amazing. Yes. Yeah. So I'm very, uh, pleased with that. And, um, then what the, the families do is we have an application process. Mm-hmm. And it opens in June and it closes in the end of September. Mm-hmm. And families go online. Mm-hmm. Um, now with our new, uh, website and updates through the, uh, red Cross grants that we were offered last year, we now have an online process that parents can go on.

Mm-hmm. Apply for funding, download all their information, and then, um, they're vetted. Through, uh, someone like Leia, which is on our team, and, uh, they, um, now, um, in turn have to, you know, they'll, they'll get a pre-approval letter from us mm-hmm. And then they have to show us that they paid for their service.

So it's not like we just give money out. Mm. So it's almost like a reimbursement mm-hmm. To the, the, the therapies that they've already. Um, had for their child. Okay. So we reimburse them the eligible amount for that year, and every year it changes depending on our fundraising dollars. Mm-hmm. So, um, last year in particular, we had 136 eligible applications.

Mm-hmm. Um, and, uh, each family was awarded, uh, $1,900. Mm. So, in the grand scheme of things, perhaps that doesn't sound like a lot, but mm-hmm. Every little bit helps. And that goes, every count goes towards and, and you know what the costs are. Yes. Because you're a parent. Uh, this is very helpful. It is. You know.

Mm-hmm. And, uh, that's what we get from families. They are so, mm-hmm. Uh, happy and so thankful mm-hmm. That we can offer them this money so that they can encourage the, now that encourages them to go out and purchase another 10, you know, special therapies, uh, programs or, you know, for their child. Yeah. No, that's very impressive what you're doing there.

Um, Ellen, with your team because, um, as a realtor myself, you know, um, yes I am an autism mom as well, but I do work very closely with families who has kids with special needs and also on spectrum of autism and, you know, the challenges they go through to get the support as early as they can for these children.

I have seen families actually sell their home and use their equity towards. Purely therapy for their kids. Yes. Um, I have seen some people who actually take their life savings out, um, to make sure that they give the support when it's needed to, for a better future for their kids. And, you know, sometimes even like, you know, relocating, uh, because you know, where they are is more expensive, so they want to now budget things down so they can contribute towards the therapies the child needs, child needs the most.

Yeah. And, and that, you know, that. That's wonderful. Mm-hmm. Because, you know, what else should we be doing? Exactly. We should be giving these children mm-hmm. The, the best possible, um, you know, thing help to get help that they can get. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. I I've heard the same thing, Stella, some families have mentioned that they've had to sell their house, move in with their parents.

Mm-hmm. Or, um, like you said, relocate. Mm-hmm. Having to cash out certain funds and stuff. Yes. Mm-hmm. It, it, it's difficult. Yeah. It's really difficult. Yeah. And I feel for all these families. Yeah, because. Life is hard as it is, and then add a special needs child on, on top of that. You know, this is a very challenging time we're facing, you know, in, in, in this world.

Mm-hmm. So I can appreciate the struggle from these families, you know? Yeah. So like whatever that you're doing, like in a large scale, as you mentioned, you know, it may sound small, but that every dollar to us that, you know, early intervention for those kids to thrive in their life. Exactly. It. It's massive.

It's massive impact that you are building in those families, and that's what we get the feedback from these families is they're just so thankful that they can continue these programs for their child. Yes. You know, most definitely, because you know, once you are in therapy, it's important to continue it, so you need to financially.

As a parent, you need to financially plan it long term. Not like, you know, hey, I, I'll send them for three months and I'll figure it out. Because autism is lifelong. Exactly. There's adults that are coming out now mm-hmm. Saying that they are on the spectrum. Mm-hmm. So, you know, it's a lifelong Yes. Um, journey commitment.

Yes. And journey to these children. Yes. So, you know, I, I understand. Yeah, no. So like, you know, the, the waves of changes for autism, actively supporting these families, that is huge. And I know that you are, um, inclusively in one. Um, are you. In the future, are you, you know, thinking or maybe exploring of expanding or are you partnering with any other non-profit outside one, uh, to expand?

Are you, wouldn't that be wonderful? In a perfect world, you know, um, we, we get asked all the time yes. If we could open up different chapters. Mm-hmm. We don't have the manpower right now. Mm-hmm. And I think that, um. The group of people that are in, uh, on this team. Mm-hmm. We all, um, feel very passionate about helping our community.

Yes. And that's not to say we wouldn't wanna help other communities, it's just we don't have the funds or the, the manpower. The manpower. Mm-hmm. It does take a lot. We would love to have someone come up and say, mm-hmm. You know, um. Let's say from Richmond Hill, we wanna start up a new chapter. Mm-hmm. You know, like waves of changes.

We'll, we'll, we'll be there every step of the way to help them. Mm-hmm. Every step of the way. Mm-hmm. It's just, uh, yes. I don't have enough hours in the day. I wish you do. I think I wish we, I wish we could. Yeah. You know, I really do. Yeah. Yeah. But I think it's important that every community mm-hmm. Uh, should have something like waves of change.

Yeah. That they can, uh. You know? Mm-hmm. You know, reach out to and get some help for their child. Mm-hmm. Because I think that's important. Mm-hmm. That's what makes a community whole. That's what makes V whole. Mm-hmm. We're such a strong community here in Von. Mm-hmm. Um, because of that. Yes. I think that everybody working together mm-hmm.

Is what makes this community whole that that's amazing. That's beautiful, Ellen. Because coming together as a community to support back the families who needs the most is very beautiful and very empowering. I think so too. Yeah. Amazing, amazing. Um, lastly, I'm gonna ask you, what's one powerful message you like to share with the families navigating autism and the border community on how we can collectively uplift and empower those impacted by autism?

You know, I think again, just continuing this work mm-hmm. Continuing, uh, building awareness mm-hmm. To the cause, um, uh, you know, the community spirit, I think is, is, is powerful. And I think that, uh, we just have to stay on track mm-hmm. And, and do the best we can for these children mm-hmm. Uh, for autism.

Mm-hmm. And I think that, uh, these children will benefit and, uh. Moving forward, I hope we can help more and more families each and every year and, uh, you know, make a, an impact on a child's life. There's nothing more rewarding Yes. Than making an impact on a child or a family's life. Mm-hmm. This is, you know, humanity at its best.

And I think that that's what we need to do as human beings. We have to make, uh. Um, a choice to help these, these families and, and children. Like, there's a lot of deserving causes. Mm-hmm. We're, we're with autism and we stick with autism, and, uh, we just do the best we can to empower these children. Mm-hmm.

We give them platforms to be able to showcase their ability at all our events. Mm-hmm. Um, I think that's, that's key, you know? Yes. Just keep doing all these. Mm-hmm. Uh. Important things and, and I think that, uh. These children will benefit, you know? Yeah. And, and each child coming up mm-hmm. You know, that, you know, gets, you know, diagnosed.

They, these families know that we're here for them. Yeah. And, uh, we can help them. Of course, of course. That's beautiful celebrating art. Yeah, it is. It is definitely a gift from God. That's how I see it. Um, as I mentioned before, like I was in denial when my son got, you know, diagnosed, which is not uncommon.

Yeah. But you know. In the end, what I realized was he was given to me for a purpose. Mm-hmm. Right? So I want to understand that purpose and celebrate that with him. And also, you know, being a part of the community, creating awareness and building community and awareness, you know, around that to uplift each family and each individual who's.

Going through the gym. I agree with you. And you know, one thing I'm most proud of is, you know, that we haven't left any child behind. Mm-hmm. But I also wanna say that we in 2022, received the nonprofit, uh, charity award at the Vaughn Business, uh, the Vaughn Chamber Business Awards. That's amazing. And that same year, we also received the Queen's Platinum Jubilee pin from, uh, MP Francesco Silvera.

And he, um. For the work that we've done in the community helping children with autism. Yes. And uh, I think. Those kinds of things, um, are very important. And I think keeping up with initiatives like we do our part here mm-hmm. Through, uh, you know, the city of Vaughn, our mayor and the council mm-hmm. And they all come out and we raise the flag on behalf of all these children.

Mm-hmm. And I think it's wonderful. We, um. Have, you know, empowerments, you know, events like this Yes. Where we can build awareness, you know mm-hmm. Through you, Stella. Yeah. Which is, is wonderful for us. Yes. Um, you know, um, macapp Day is coming up and, and you know, the Garber family here in Vaughn mm-hmm. Has partnered with waves of changes.

Mm-hmm. You know. Not only does the money go to Ronald McDonald Charity homes, but it goes to waves of changes a certain percentage. That's amazing. So, you know, he is, uh, an incredible, they're an incredible family. Mm-hmm. And I think that, uh, these kinds of, uh, outreach in our community mm-hmm. Um. We just had a gentleman do a support the Blazer campaign.

Mm. Yes. Where for 30 days he wore a blazer and the monies went to ways of changes. Yes. So these are empowering, uh, initiatives in the community that help build awareness. Yes. Which, you know, um, yeah. And also like, you know, awareness and also giving back to families who need this the most. Yes. That is very beautiful, empowering.

So we have so many different, um, meaningful commun, you know, community initiatives mm-hmm. That help. Uh, waves of Change and these families in in Bond. Yes. That is beautiful, Ellen. Yeah. Before we conclude our conversation today, Ellen, which has been inspiring, um, I really appreciate all that you do. Do you wanna take a moment to talk about your team and what their part has been throughout this journey and what you are envisioning for them going forward?

Absolutely. Um, I couldn't do what I do without this team. Mm-hmm. I have an incredible group of individuals that I work alongside with. Mm-hmm. Uh, board members, executive team members, uh, team, you know, community, uh, uh, com committee members that are just as passionate and driven and, uh, focused that, you know, they, uh, reaffirm, uh.

What this charity does as an organization. Mm-hmm. We're here. It's a noble cause and we all work together to, um, help these children in bond. And I, you know, I'm so blessed with this team. Uh, we could not do the work we do. Mm-hmm. Everyone brings something to the table. Amazing. And it's, um. We're very fortunate.

I am very fortunate to work with all these individuals. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Most definitely. Yeah. So like you, you were mentioning that you have something that you wanna acknowledge about your team. You wanna, well, uh, you know, again, just their passion. Mm-hmm. Their, their equally as driven as, uh, you know, myself.

Mm-hmm. Uh, we're all on the same page trying to help families. Mm-hmm. Uh, in April, um, there's volunteer, um. Uh, recognition. Mm-hmm. And, uh, you know, I, I would wanna recognize each and every one because each and every individual on our team brings something. Mm-hmm. They're all like-minded people who, uh, share this vision and want to help families in Vaughn.

Mm-hmm. And, uh, I take my hat off to them every, uh, you know. Time, uh, you know, volunteer recognition comes around. Mm-hmm. Because, uh, we truly could not do this without this team. Yeah. That's, they're incredible. Yeah. That's amazing. And I wanna thank them each and every one of them. Oh my God, that's amazing.

Um, thank you so much for taking the time today. Stella, thank you for this opportunity. I, uh, really appreciate that you could, uh, showcase the work that we do here in Vaughn and, uh, um. It was wonderful chatting with you. Yeah, same here. And inspiring other communities to build, to build the same kind of, um, you know, organization in their community.

Mm-hmm. Because I think that's how, you know, communities, uh, thrive. Mm-hmm. And become, uh, you know, uh, empowered. Empowered and also, uh. Give hope to families. Yeah. Yeah. Because I think hope is is very important. Most definitely. Yeah. Celebrating autism with You was amazing. Ellen, thank you so much again.

Thank you so much. You're most welcome. Thank you so much, Ellen, for sharing your wisdom and powerful insights. Your dedication to empowering families with autism is truly inspiring. To our listeners, we encourage you to learn more about waves of changes for autism in bond and explore ways you can contribute to creating a more inclusive, supportive community.

Subscribe and stay tuned for our next episode where we dive deep into discussing financial support and advice for families with autism. Until next time, let's continue to spread awareness, uplift one another, and embrace the strength that lies within every family facing this journey. Stay strong, stay hopeful, and stay empowered.

Thank you for spending your time with us on the Stellar Talk Show. We hope you found value in today's episode and gained insights to help elevate your lifestyle. If you enjoyed the discussion, please like, subscribe and share it with anyone who could benefit. It means the world to us. Until our next episode, stay inspired and I'll see you soon on our next Tel Talk show.