Photo project aims to increase autism acceptance in this Kanien'kehá:ka community

Rebecca Scott wants her community — and beyond — to know that her son William is just like everyone else.

"He's no different," said Scott, who is from Kahnawake, south of Montreal.

"He's more than his diagnosis. He deserves what everybody else gets, and he's awesome."

William has autism, a neuro-developmental disorder that impacts how a person communicates, and relates to people and the world around them. He is non-verbal and cannot tolerate certain smells, textures, bright lights or loud sounds, but is learning to communicate his wants and needs with Picture Exchange Cards or by using an iPad.

The eight-year-old is among dozens of Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) children and young adults featured in a photography project celebrating World Autism Month.

"It's exactly what it's like the families need," Scott said about the project.

"I want most of the community to know who he is."

Photographer Angel Horn said the project is meant to help increase understanding and acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum across Kahnawake. Throughout the month of April, she's been sharing a series of portraits on social media.

"I just want to show them happy and smiling," said Horn.

"I want to show them that they're the same as everybody else … They want to be included. They want to be happy."

Horn has photographed Scott's son many times over the years, and said her advocacy for autism is what inspired the project. She also hopes the photos will spark conversations about the challenges many of the families face.

"Every single parent that [participated] said they don't have enough resources," said Horn.

"A lot of them have to send their kids out of town to get the support and everything that they need."

That was reality for Scott, when she made the decision last year to enrol William at Peter Hall School, a private school in Montreal for students aged four to 21 with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders.