Samarth's Journey: A Story of love, resilience, and the power of inclusive support

Our younger son, Samarth (Sam), was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As a baby, he was active, affectionate, and met all his early developmental milestones. By 18 months, he had a vocabulary of 10 to 15 words and was progressing well. However, around the age of 20 months—during the time we were preparing to imigrate to Canada as professionals—we noticed changes. Sam stopped speaking, preferred solitary play, and was not interacting with his older brother or with us as he used to. Initial assessments at the time did not raise concerns, but our instincts told us something had shifted.

After moving to Canada, our pediatrician recommended further assessment. It was here that Sam received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This was a turning point for our family. While the diagnosis brought clarity, it also introduced us to a complex world of services, systems, and supports. We were fortunate to be guided toward vital resources like the Geneva Centre and the York Region Early Intervention Services, which helped us navigate the path ahead.

To help with his social development, we enrolled Sam in a daycare program a few days a week before he began schooling at Charlton Public School in Thornhill. As we observed his progress, we recognized the need for more structured, specialized support. Sam joined Giant Steps Toronto, a program that provided both one-on-one and integrated classroom support. This environment gave him the tools and confidence to build on his strengths and gradually adapt to a school setting.

He continued his education in a special-needs class at Westmount Collegiate, where he remained until he turned 21. During these years, we explored every option to support his growth. Transitioning into adulthood, we were placed on a waitlist for adult day programming. Eventually, Sam was accepted into The Centre for Dreams—a pivotal moment in his journey.

Since joining the Centre for Dreams, Sam has shown remarkable improvement in his social skills. He now interacts more comfortably with peers, participates in group activities, and feels a sense of belonging. The program has provided him with structure, meaningful engagement, and a community that understands and nurtures his unique abilities.

Sam’s story is one of resilience, love, and the power of inclusive support. Families like ours rely on dedicated services that recognize the lifelong needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. With continued support, Sam and others like him can lead lives filled with dignity, connection, and purpose.

He is now known as "Uncle Sam" to his two nephews.