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Steven Atme’s parents kept telling him that good things happen to those who wait, and this was Atme’s experience after being honoured at Quebec’s National Assembly.

The honoree is an autism advocate and a self-taught musician, and he was celebrated for his years of service in the arts, humanitarian work, and Legislative Article Proposal for Special Needs & Mental Health across Canada.

Atme playing the piano. (Submitted by: Steven Atme)

The proposal that he wrote was shared with every health minister across Canada. Ministers across the country have responded, saying they’ll consider the proposal. His letter has five key proposals, including: increase housing and financial support for independent living.

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Steven Atme’s letter to Parliament.

Atme explained that the proposal wasn’t just to advocate for legislative changes in support of individuals with special needs and mental health challenges, but also to share his story in the hope that it resonates and inspires meaningful reform.

He believes that we all have a common purpose and that anybody can make a change.

Atme explained that as a kid he couldn’t speak and he was afraid when he got his autism diagnosis, yet he grew up to be a public speaker with a message, “Special People Have Dreams”. Now, he follows his passion. He is studying piano at McGill Conservatory of Music and teaches piano and acting.

“Anything you set your heart and mind to, you go for it. You are all loved, you’re all appreciated, you truly do belong. Anybody can make that difference,” said Atme.