From the left: Shylo (top) and Suhair Clarke at a market with Luxx Body Beauty products. Michael Santos (right) with his mother Christine
By Janice Bennink
Nowhere does the phrase “it takes a village” have more meaning than to families raising a child with autism. Following diagnosis, parents navigate through a maze of health, education and support systems to guide autistic children through their early years. On reaching adulthood, parents describe the “post-18 cliff” when many services become unavailable. Families find themselves facing overwhelming gaps that include access to post-secondary programs, employment, housing, health and social supports.
Needed change happens in our own neighbourhoods. It starts with families, allies, advocates – and with young adults like Centennial residents Shylo Clarke and Michael Santos.
19 year old Shylo, supported by her family, started Luxx Body Beauty, a business of hand-crafted candles, bath and beauty products with the vision of creating opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Combining Shylo’s love for luxury bath items and mother Suhair’s medical training, they craft and sell high-quality self-care products on their website luxxbodybeauty.com. They also sell at markets like West Rouge Artisan Market, Sarah’s Place, Ran’s Closet, and enjoy the support of another local artisan, Stephie’s Stuff.
For Shylo, starting the business is about doing something positive. She feels it is “more than just candles and skincare. It is about creating opportunities and showing that people with disabilities can make meaningful contributions to the community.” Luxx also allows Shylo to express herself. “I love being creative and designing eco-friendly products that help people relax and feel good,” she says.
Although autism is diagnosed due to challenges in social communication, Shylo enjoys interacting with others. She feels “very happy when I have a table at a market. Setting up my products and talking to customers is exciting.”
Suhair understands how meaningful work is to her daughter, since only 33% of autistic adults are employed compared to their non-autistic peers. “The business allows my daughter to contribute, whether it’s helping prepare products, managing social media, or interacting with customers. Seeing customers appreciate something she made boosts her self-esteem and shows her that she is capable and valued.”
Michael Santos is a 20 year old autistic youth and valued parishioner at St. Joseph’s Parish in Highland Creek. He proudly serves in multiple ministries at St. Joseph and says that “being involved makes me very happy because it allows me to support my community in every way I can.”
Michael enjoys volunteering at Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care as “the residents show how much they appreciate my help in leading the para-eucharistic service and distributing communion”. While he misses his grandmother, Michael says that “being with the residents brings me comfort, as it feels like I am spending time with her again.”
Michael’s mother Christine is “grateful for the pastors and the dedicated organizers of the ministries Michael belongs to. Each one of them has embraced him fully, his strengths, his challenges, his diagnosis, and everything that makes him who he is.” Wilderness and community service programs with the Federation of the North American Explorers youth movement increased Michael’s independence, confidence and social connections, earning him recognition with peers.
Michael thanks his many teachers and mentors for guiding and supporting him, and offering employment and volunteer opportunities. He also credits his special education teachers and assistants at St. Brendan Catholic School with making elementary school experiences meaningful and successful, paving the way towards future success. Currently, he is pursuing creative studies in fine art, music and performance at Centennial College. A huge basketball fan, he is passionately involved in Special Olympics and Nike Sports Camps.
Formerly known as Autism Awareness Day, World Autism Acceptance Day is celebrated on April 2. The change to acceptance represents a growing recognition of autism as a natural variation in people like Shylo and Michael, just two of many autistic adults for whom inclusion has made a big difference. By fostering a more compassionate community, full inclusion of autistic people benefits us all.