Navigating Life with Neurodiversity: J. H. Riveros' Journey
In a society where understanding and support for neurodiversity is growing but still not universal, stories like that of J. H. Riveros shine a light on the importance of community and comprehensive care. An Industrial Engineer with a MSc. and an MBA from UBC, where he also received a scholarship, he obtained a formal diagnosis as neurodivergent in his early forties. His journey is one of self-discovery and community support, with his wife and three children supporting him unconditionally. He has not let his diagnosis hold him back in any sphere including the workforce where he has held several successful jobs at well recognized companies and currently works at his own consultancy.
Determined to manage and better understand his conditions, he sought support from different people, medical specialists, and organizations. Among them, Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) shined. “I live in Richmond and have driven past the network since its foundation was built, and since 2017 have been visiting for various services,” he explains.
In the Pacific Autism Family Network, he found a unique model of support offering lifespan assistance, a useful tool to use in the journey to manage his condition. This comprehensive approach helps individuals from early childhood through to senior age, addressing the significant gap often found in neurodiverse support programs of typically focussing on children or young adults. For J. H. Riveros this means, for example, access to some resources that evolve with him as his needs change.
Since becoming a Pacific Autism Friend (PAFriend), he has taken part in various gatherings and has collaborated with the organization to highlight his ideas and personal journey through various outlets like articles and media interviews, positively impacting the neurodiverse community. The events he has attended at PAFN have provided him not only with educational resources but also with a sense of community and belonging.
In addition to these events, J.H. Riveros visited the ABLE Developmental Clinic, found within PAFN Richmond, to look for further options for services like neurodiversity assessment. The clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach to care, providing assessment, treatment, and consultation for individuals experiencing difficulties with attention, behaviour, learning, and emotion.
One of the standout aspects of PAFN for J. H. Riveros is the presence of neurodiverse staff members. This representation fosters a deeper level of understanding and connection between staff and those they support. It breaks down barriers and stigma, creating an environment where individuals can feel understood and supported by those who share similar experiences.
“The staff at the center are always very friendly. It is nice to receive support there knowing that some of their team members are also neurodiverse,” J.H. shares.
His story is a testament to the importance of accessible, comprehensive care for neurodiverse individuals. His journey underscores the need for continued support throughout life. With the help of organizations like the Pacific Autism Family Network, he, and many others like him can navigate their unique paths with confidence and community.
He looks forward to more support and resources for him, his family, and colleagues in business as most of the resources focus on parents with neurodivergent children. It can difficult to find support for neurodivergent adults and their families but places like PAFN help to bridge the gap.