Making Space for Adults with Autism

Many of us follow a similar path when we graduate high school: we might pursue post-secondary education, search for a career, and take on adult responsibilities. For folks with autism and other exceptionalities, however, that reality can look a bit different.

“If you’re a person with autism, say you leave high school when you’re twenty years old and live to be eighty – that’s sixty years with nothing to do,” says Rowan Tree Collective Co-Founder, Michelle Murdoch-Gibson.

When Michelle’s son, Rowan, first left high school, they struggled to find places for him to spend his time.

“If you’re an individual in Thunder Bay that has autism or other exceptionalities, you have this very service-rich childhood, where you’re regularly accessing special education, speech and language, and occupational therapy. Once you graduate high school, that just sort of disappears,” she says.

She decided to leave formal employment and spend her days with Rowan, searching for opportunities to get involved in the community. Upon coming up short, Michelle decided to do it herself. Thus, Rowan Tree Collective was born, providing social and recreational opportunities for young adults with autism and other exceptionalities in an inclusive and welcoming space that fosters friendship, belonging, and a sense of community.

The program opened its doors in 2022 and has since gone from serving six families to over 30. The group consists of diverse individuals with a wide-spectrum of ability and develops participant-led programming under five branches of service: Life Skills, Active Citizenship, Health & Wellness, Employment & Volunteerism, and Entertainment & Recreation. Activities are wide-ranging and are chosen by group members – from holding cinema circles to learning how to vote.

One of the participants, Jimmy, is passionate about playing piano, and dreams of having his own concert one day. Asia is into health and wellness, and enjoys exercise, yoga, and anything musical. Chelsey enjoys fashion, going for walks, and attending sporting events.

Will is a huge sports fan, acting as local sports reporter for Rowan Tree Collective’s news program, and is himself an accomplished Special Olympics athlete. He also likes to play cards, jokingly admitting that he tries to cheat.

The most popular activities are anything related to food. Many participants have showcased strong emerging kitchen skills, some of whom may have never put those skills to use at home.

Rowan Tree Collective partners with Dew Drop Inn every Wednesday to prepare sandwiches for vulnerable people in the community. Ingredients are provided by the RFDA, and Rowan Tree participants prepare and package hundreds of sandwiches every week, hand delivering them to Dew Drop Inn.

This enthusiasm for food also prompted Rowan Tree Collective to purchase Both Hands Wood-Fired Pizzeria & Bakery in 2023. When the bakery, situated across the street from Rowan Tree headquarters on Park Ave., went up for sale, Michelle saw it as a match made in heaven. Not only is it an income source for the organization, but it has also allowed Rowan Tree Collective to develop its own employment training program. They currently have five participants employed at Both Hands, where they can build job skills, learn customer service, and earn their own paycheques.

The bakery, now infused with a charitable mission, serves as a cornerstone for their employment training program. By offering hands-on experience in food preparation, customer service, and business operations, Both Hands equips participants with the skills and confidence to pursue independent careers. This unique social enterprise bridges the gap between community engagement and professional development.

In fact, with the experience he’s gaining from Both Hands, Will is planning to attend culinary school at Confederation College to become a chef.

The organization is still young but has big plans for the future. The long-term goal is to expand their kitchen; they’d like to acquire some commercial equipment to run their own in-house lunch program.

Unfortunately, equipment is expensive, and Rowan Tree Collective is completely privately-run, with Michelle and her family paying out of pocket for anything that isn’t covered by membership fees (which are subsidized by the government).

For now, Rowan Tree Collective intends to continue providing a welcoming space, inclusive activities, and hopes to increase their profile locally. Last summer, their participation in the CommUNITY BBQ, hosted by United Way of Thunder Bay, highlighted the role they play in local food security and youth empowerment efforts. Collaborations like these amplify their impact and bring them closer to their goal of expanding programming and facilities.

When asked what advice she has for other parents of children with autism, Michelle encourages a shift in perspective, emphasizing “presumed competence”. She admits that while it can be difficult, it’s important to step back and let adults be adults – they have opinions, even if they aren’t able to voice them directly.

“Here, we’re really moving towards the goal of presuming competence. Let them give it a shot before stepping in,” she says. “Rowan Tree Collective is a safe, welcoming space to do that, and the support is here if they need it.”

For more information about Rowan Tree Collective, visit rowantreecollective.ca

You can also visit their Facebook page to learn more about their activities, and to see Jimmy play piano!