Occupational Therapist Anita Ferri remembers the moment well when she came to the realization that her son may have autism.
"We were watching him ignoring us, super engaged in his book, and both whispered to each other at the same time, as neither of us could stand to say the word out loud, 'I wonder if he has Autism,'" she recalls. "I'll remember that moment forever."
This significant realization occurred while Anita was a student in the Occupational Therapy (OT) program in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the U of A, from which she graduated 1987.
Since that pivotal moment, Anita has devoted many hours to helping people with autism spectrum disorder. During her 20 years volunteering for the Autism Society of Edmonton Area, she has been involved with the planning of many beneficial programs such as a summer program for kids with Autism, which also provides OT students with some valuable experience. Anita joined on the Autism Society board 20 years ago, with her father, Gino Ferri, and has worked in many roles, including President. Together they organize the bi-annual "Opening Doors for Autism" Gala, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for programs and awareness around the disorder.
In addition to her work with the Society, Anita has been chair of a cross-ministerial committee called the Children's Autism Collaboration Team, which meets at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and involves representatives from the Ministries of Health and Education, as well as from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. She is now focusing on improving services for adults with autism.
"Anita's many years of involvement in advocacy efforts in the autism community, along with the high esteem in which she is held by health care professionals and other members of the professional community are a testament to her dedication and commitment," says Karen Philips, who sits on the Autism Society Board with Anita and has worked with her during fundraising activities.
Anita believes that autism does not have to be a debilitating condition.
"As an OT (occupational therapist), it's absolutely devastating seeing kids not realizing their potential," she explains. "Everything in me believes that kids with autism can grow up to be adults with autism who have a meaningful, contributing life, doing things they love to do."
"With the right support, they can have really satisfying, productive lives," she adds.
About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
As the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.