Meet Kiki C.

Kiki Chambers is an advocate and practitioner who is deeply committed to improving the lives of children, youths, and families. Her work, which extends across diverse settings, from emergency shelters to mental health services, has equipped her with a unique and comprehensive perspective on the challenges that children and youths face, particularly those with autism. Kiki is passionate about developing accessible content to connect individuals with free resources and support.

Kiki was diagnosed with autism in 1991. A single mother raised her alongside her four siblings. Her family struggled with the diagnosis due to the lack of support. Many times, they faced the choice between basic necessities and her care. Kiki’s mother’s main goal was to keep the family together to the best of her ability. 

When Kiki’s mother sought help, she felt overlooked by the medical field. She was told that Kiki’s ability to live independently was not a realistic option. Afterward, she attended school and became a psychologist, balancing her children and studies. Later, Kiki’s mom opened a psychological services center, where they have been supporting others as a family. 

Today, Kiki is the founder of a nonprofit organization called Neovia Wellness. Driven by the desire to create a community hub and provide the resources her family needed during difficult times, Kiki and her team at Neovia have successfully provided mental health services to individuals at little to no cost. Additionally, they have connected parents of newly diagnosed children with those who have been navigating the system for some time. The goal is to make resources accessible for families in Canada. 

We had the privilege of sitting down with Kiki to learn more about her advocacy and crucial work for the community. 

Q&A with Kiki C:

What inspires you to advocate for the autism community?

Growing up with few resources available, I learned the importance of community. I experienced firsthand how a strong community can provide the determination to overcome adversities. My family was accepted into a community where sharing and connecting created a foundation that helped me navigate my diagnosis of Autism. Community can determine endurance when starting a new journey. Now, I am inspired to give back and contribute to the same community that offered us strength and hope.

Tell us more about Neovia Wellness:

Neovia focuses on building a community where resources are easily accessible. We have been truly fortunate in our efforts to create a community hub that connects us with others who share our passion for mental health. By coming together with those who embrace our vision, we can leverage our diverse skills, education, and experiences to foster a community that offers various programs designed to support individuals in need.

Through this collective effort, we have provided affordable assessments for both children and adults. Our team, with diverse backgrounds and expertise, can navigate an extensive array of resources, including school support, addiction services, mental health care, and housing assistance. We offer guidance throughout the application processes to ensure that they receive the support they need.

As we continue to build and expand our services, we identify gaps and respond by creating additional resources, such as support groups, mentorship programs, and school educational initiatives.

Tell us more about the challenges you have seen in your profession supporting the community.

The mental health community is exhausted from meeting the additional needs of individuals facing challenges. When we are barely surviving, we are tasked with finding and accessing adequate support and resources. These resources often require revamping to ensure they are properly distributed and effective. Many of our cases involve people who are in crisis—overwhelmed individuals who lack the capacity to seek better alternatives for themselves.

We see children and youths struggle within the school system without the financial means to obtain a diagnosis that would give them access to needed support and resources. The wait lists are long, with no indication of their exact length. 

The only immediate care for individuals occurs when they enter the emergency room. They are often treated in the emergency room and then sent home without any follow-up care or bridging interventions. Consequently, the challenges we face in the field compound as we attempt to establish a standard of care that currently does not exist. 

What areas do we need to work on in order to better support people with autism? 

Autism is a diagnosis that is unique to each individual, necessitating various types of support. People often feel unsure about the care needed to enhance their lives before, during, or after a diagnosis. There are many questions but no clear guidance. Access to therapy after a diagnosis is crucial, as it enables individuals to reflect on how the diagnosis alters their perspective on past experiences and future possibilities. This process can assist them in understanding the support they need moving forward.

How does the stigma surrounding mental health impact the services that the community needs? 

Individuals struggling with mental health frequently encounter the stigma linked to untreated mental health conditions. These individuals face a heightened risk of incarceration, homelessness, addiction, and other difficulties. When they seek assistance, they are often seen as too far gone due to their circumstances. For example, those with addiction issues are frequently viewed as not helping themselves and preferring that lifestyle. They confront multiple layers of stigma before they can even begin to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health itself. 

The need for support is interconnected across various areas. If we only address one part, we risk diminishing the chances of addressing the underlying mental health condition.

We call this series “Community Supporter.” What does it mean to you to be an ally or support of the autism community?  

The autism community consists of individuals, each with distinct support needs. As individuals, we are limited by our disabilities. However, together, we can leverage our strengths to assist one another within the community. As we contribute what we can, everyone int his community, whether a parent, autistic individual, professional, or loved one, has something valuable to share. Even those who cannot self-advocate have stories that can enlighten us. 

What advice would you give to people who want to be an ally of the autism community?

There is a place for everyone within the autism community, and we should strive for inclusivity. There is a clear need for support for parents of individuals with high support needs and a space for self-advocacy. While some may believe only one group should be highlighted within the autism community, this narrows what constitutes autism representation. We should strengthen our community, not fight over who should be heard. 

Learn more about Neovia Wellness.