Our Mission Statement
The Mission of the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism is to provide educational, therapeutic, life skills and family support services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD. The aims and purposes of these services include the following:
- to assist the family in understanding the individual’s special needs and to ensure the integration of the individual into the family unit;
- to assist other members of the family, teachers, professionals, and paraprofessionals to participate effectively in the individual’s educational program or employment opportunities;
- to assist the individual to develop to his/her fullest potential;
- to integrate the individual into the community, home, school, and/or work environment;
- to maximize the individual’s capacity for independent living;
- to advocate for more comprehensive services for individuals with ASD; and
- to act as a resource for other community services.
The Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism Society believes that all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder should have the opportunity whenever possible to integrate into their school, community and become fully participating members of society.
Our Sources of Funding Sources
Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism receives funding from School District #73, CISKD, The Ministry of Children and Family Development, Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way, The Province of British Columbia, Community Living British Columbia, The Ministry of Education, various community groups, service clubs and local businesses. Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism is a member of the Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way. We are also grateful for the assistance of Variety, the Children’s Charity of BC‘s Sunshine Coach program that allows us to transport our youth.
Our History
In September of 1989, with the encouragement and assistance of parents and educators, Giant Steps West, a program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, was established in Kamloops. It was the first satellite of Giant Steps Montreal.
In 2002, the Centre in Kamloops took on a new name, the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism, as we were no longer associated with Giant Steps Montreal.
About Chris Rose
The Centre was named after Christopher Rose. For 50 years, Christopher Rose has served British Columbians, young and old, with the greatest distinction as teacher, school principal and school trustee. His greatest focus has been to support those with special needs.
As an advocate for children with special needs and after he retired from the School District in 1996, Mr. Rose accepted the position of Executive Director of Giant Steps West. He rebuilt the Giant Steps West into a stable organization and a strong influence in our community.
Mr. Rose founded the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism Foundation, which has continued to be instrumental in raising funds for the Centre. Mr. Rose also organized biennial international conferences on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Mr. Rose has also served over 10 years as an elected member of the City of Kamloops Mayor’s Task Force for People with Disabilities and has travelled to Armenia several times to help develop programs and supports for special needs children in that country.
Mr. Rose has earned many awards including the Rotary International Scholarship for Teachers of the Handicapped, and the Hazel Davy Award for Outstanding Service to Handicapped Children. Christopher Rose is an Order of British Columbia recipient.
In 2010 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Thompson Rivers University and in 2012, received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
Some information about ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviours. They include Autistic Disorder (sometimes referred to as “Classic Autism”), Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, and Asperger’s Syndrome. Since the intregration of these diagnoses into Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2013, many of these terms are not used to diagnose new cases, but remain in older diagnoses. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Autism has its roots in early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of Autism and symptoms of Autism tend to emerge between 12 and 18 months of age.
Autism affects around 1 in 68 children. Studies also show that Autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls.