With limited options, innovative parents go the extra mile to help their kids — and others — with autism
Occupational therapist Lori Howell uses feeding therapy with Sage. Photo Courtesy Lori Howell
Neither Vincent nor Martel knew very much about autism when Sage was diagnosed. Even getting that diagnosis was a challenge. “We waited a year for a second opinion,” says Martel. “And that just confirmed what we suspected all along.”
“I don’t think either one of us understood the hardships we were going to face,” says Vincent. “It turned out to be harder than I thought.”
The couple brainstormed the idea of selling special needs products, and they founded Ability Hive in March — born out of both the desire to give back and to raise awareness.
The idea behind Ability Hive was not just to sell items, but to bring people and resources together and meet their needs. The e-commerce website features oral motor therapy tools, fine motor development products, fidget items and sensory seating, as well as other items geared to those with autism and other disabilities. There are also free resources on the site that feature visual communication boards that help non-verbal individuals communicate (by tapping on or pointing to one of the images on the board to help them express what they want).
“These are often hard to find products,” says Vincent. “We just wanted to make it easier for parents and caregivers to have access to items geared to special sensory needs and development.”
As Vincent and Martel point out, autism and disabilities are unique, and each individual is different. Sage is non-verbal, says Martel, “but she understands everything. Other parents will have different challenges.”
Josee Martel and Kim Vincent of Ability Hive were exhibitors at the Spring 2024 Parent and ChIld Expo in Ottawa. Photo Credit Tracey Tong
Both emphasize how important it is to practice self-care and not get overwhelmed.
“By taking care of yourself, you’ll be the best caregiver for your child,” says Martel. “Just know that things will get easier,” adds Vincent, “and your child will surprise you in beautiful ways.”
Lori Howell, registered occupational therapist with Howell Occupational Therapy Professional Corporation, has been working with Sage since her diagnosis. Vincent and Martel can attest to how beneficial therapy has been, especially feeding therapy.
Lori Howell. Photo Courtesy Lori Howell
Howell also has good things to say about Ability Hive — that the company makes it easier for parents to get tools to support their child’s therapy.
“You know your child best,” says Howell, “and if something feels like a struggle or a challenge, don’t do the ‘wait and see’ approach. Get an assessment so you can rule out any underlying issues.”
Howell says that many children entering kindergarten this year are going to need support. “Children who were infants or toddlers during and post-pandemic seem to have increasing needs,” says Howell. “If you think your child might be challenged, get them on a waitlist now.” Her team offers parent training groups for feeding therapy and strategies if they are waiting for direct intervention.
Katie Emde created A Journey for Avery, a Facebook page to provide support and understanding for parents dealing with children with autism. Her son Avery was officially diagnosed with autism at age five.
“We have limited support here in Saskatchewan,” says the Midale resident, “so I’ve used my voice to advocate for not just our son but other families that have a child on the autism spectrum. As Avery has aged, we’ve found it harder to find resources and support for him.” Emde has had the opportunity to do presentations both locally and on a global scale. She works closely with government officials and schools. She encourages families and caregivers to share their stories. “Knowledge is power,” says Emde. “By understanding, we can better support and help families with loved ones with disabilities and those on the autism spectrum.” She discovered the Ottawa-based Ability Hive through a friend and has found their products helpful for her son, now 13. “There is such a need for these kinds of products,” says Emde. “They’ve really helped my son and I know helped others with disabilities.” She hopes that parents’ efforts, such as A Journey for Avery and Ability Hive will help those that need it. “Never in a million years would I have thought my life would look like this,” says Emde. “But if our voice can help others on this lifelong journey, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Martel says she and her husband felt alone in their process and “wished things were different. Ability Hive was born to not just sell items, but to bring resources and people together, to include our daughter and create opportunities for other families dealing with autism,” she says. “And with the positive feedback we’ve been receiving,” Vincent adds, “I think we filled a need.”
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Useful websites
For kids, teens and adults with ADHD: additude.com
For general resources related to ASD: www.genevacentre.ca
Free mental health resources and services for children under 12: crossroadschildren.ca
“My biggest piece of advice for parents? Never stop advocating for your child.” -- Lori Howell