A resource centre catering to the needs of people with autism - and then some - will open in Prince George this summer.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Saturday for a local "spoke" for the Richmond-based Pacific Autism Family Network. It will be located at the Gateway Centre at 1811 Victoria St.
It will be open not only to people diagnosed with the condition but to those who face the same types of struggles, said PAFN co-founder Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia.
"What's important to us, the family and parents that have started this charity, is that it's not the diagnosis that matters, it's the challenge.," she said.
"What I mean by that is if the individual doesn't have the diagnosis of autism but they have the same challenge with literacy or going to the dentist or behavioral challenges, is the information we have and the support that we do have is going to be offered to everyone."
An estimated 69,000 people in B.C. are on the autism spectrum. Statistically, one in 68 children, and one in 42 boys have the condition.
A developmental condition, the effects of autism can vary but there are some common signs - difficulties with social interactions, repetitive interests and activities among them.
"One of our core values is helping those across their life span because, of course, when an individual turns 18, not a lot changes with them sometimes," Lisogar-Cocchia said. "They always continue to improve but they're still needing their supports, especially if they're profoundly affected."
The centre will include a gathering space, lending library, information technology room, quiet rooms and access to teaching aids.
As an example, parents trying to teach their children how to tie their shoes can get a toolkit that includes a big cardboard shoe with big laces that can be viewed from different angles.
It will also be home to a "capacity-building therapy centre" to develop support skills locally without sending trainers to this city at great expense.
"Right now, families have to pay autism experts to travel to Prince George to help their children - to be the program managers and to train the staff and so forth," Lisogar-Cocchia said. "It's incredibly expensive and that money should be going to their children."
PAFN plans to open eight centres across the province.
