Families evacuated from Fort McMurray who have autistic children are receiving much needed support in learning to cope with new and unfamiliar routines, thanks to the Edmonton Maier Centre. The Centre is offering resources 24/7 to families who have these children with very special needs. Around 180 families in the Fort McMurray area have an autistic child, and these children require predictability and strict routines in order to be comfortable. The recent wildfire and emergency evacuation has shattered the valued routines that these autistic children thrive on. According to Maier Centre executive director

Terri Duncan “The evacuation has really effected [the kids] in a really profound way. So much more so than typical kids. Their whole world is out of control, they don’t understand what is going on and they need to try and control things so their world is more predictable.” This can lead to a child acting out because they feel unable to cope, or regression due to the trauma and the changes in the normal daily routine.

Fort McMurray families who have autistic children can take advantage of a variety of resources and services at the Maier Centre. Respite services are offered so that parents can get some temporary relief and a break from the strenuous demands of caring for an autistic child. Cots are available, as well as cooked meals, and there are shower facilities that families can use as well. Centre staff member Peggy Duncan explained that “Many families left without sensory needs for their children and that’s a very important aspect of it to keep the kids calm. We’re equipped for whatever comes up. People have been super generous.”