Everyday, millions of people around the world are affected by mental illness. Perhaps the most difficult circumstance is if you’re a parent of child diagnosed with mental illness. Each person and family member has a story to tell and founder of Bikers for Autism, James Baker has decided to reach out and do his part in educating communities all around Canada about Autism. Since the society’s start in 2012, Bikers for Autism has grown in following and sponsorship for the great cause. We caught up with James Baker and decided to ask him some questions about Bikers for Autism and his incredible story establishing the society.
Photo (above): Founder of Bikers for Autism James Baker. Instagram: @BikersForAutism
Q: What started it all for you with Bikers for Autism? Tell us the story.
A: There was a lot of things that contributed to the beginnings of Bikers for Autism (BFA) but it was mainly after playing witness to my own families challenges when raising their son, who was diagnosed with a high functioning form of autism. It was after the inaugural ride in 2012 that I was able to recognize two really close knit communities (bikers & autism community) and started working towards bringing the two together. It allows me to do what I love and help people out along the way.
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Q: What can someone do to help a loved one who has an autistic child or friend who has been diagnosed with autism?
A: First step is recognizing the signs and symptoms of autism and then taking action. You can find a lot of information on this if you log onto Pacific Autism Family Center website. Early diagnosis is so important in not only the development of someone with autism but also important when it comes to funds that are available. In BC a family receives 22,000 a year up until the age of 6. That drops to 6,000 after the age of 6 and $0 after the age of 18. Therefore, making the necessary steps for a diagnosis is paramount.
Q: What is your biggest hope for Bikers for Autism?
A: My biggest hope for BFA is to one day be a nationwide charitable organization that's able to provide funds and support for families and centers around the world and push our message of awareness on a massive scale to try change the way the Canadians on the spectrum are treated and taken care of.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration in doing the work you do?
A: There's a lot of inspiration to continue doing what we do. I meet people almost every day that give me fuel for the fire to keep going and continue to make a difference in people's lives. But my little cousin Jude is the reason why BFA is what it is today and is definitely my biggest inspiration.
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Photo (above): Instagram: @BikersForAutism
Q: What’s next for Bikers for Autism?
A: Gaining our charitable status is of huge importance in the coming months, but launching our grants program this fall that focuses on 3 main areas:
A) Educational iPad grant: We've been in touch with some students from University of Victoria about developing apps to load up on an iPad to give to families/people on the spectrum. E.g. A program that can help a non verbal person be able to communicate with their loved ones, facial recognition and fun learning games. People from around the world will be able to apply for this grant.
B) Recreational grant: We've been working with a gentleman by the name of Denis Nerpio who's started a program called Surfs Up for Autism. Takes place in September in Tofino and allows people on the spectrum to get in the water with an ABA therapist and a surf instructor and enjoy a day of surfing. It's so important for people to just take time to have some fun and we’re hoping to be able to provide the funds to pay for families to go take part cost free.
C) Music therapy program: We've officially entered into an agreement with MusicHeals.ca and Pacific Autism Family Center to be naming sponsors and fundraisers for the music therapy program going into the 30 million dollar state of the art, first of its kind Autism Center in Richmond BC. This facility is going to change the face of autism in BC and we’re really excited to be working with such incredible organizations to make this a reality.
D) Sailor Jerry Long Haul Cross Canada Ride: We are going on the Sailor Jerry long haul ride and it wouldn't be possible without the ambassador of Sailor Jerry spice rum Arron Thomas. He has organized 10 fundraising events over the 15 day cross Canada ride.
Finally, we want to keep riding and bringing our message to other countries around the globe. It's an ambitious goal but one that I truly believe is obtainable.
Amy Yew is a registered clinical counselor and relationship therapist. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com. You can also tweet your thoughts on Twitter @AmyYew.
