Accept those with Asperger's syndrome, don't pity them
Re: Embracing autism and finding peace.
I want to thank Michael Bardouniotis for shining a light on Asperger's syndrome, a term that was actually discontinued in 2013 and now falls under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have heard, repeatedly, that “human social interaction is necessary for happiness and an overall sense of well-being.” Hearing this mantra on an almost daily basis from the so-called experts, I started to wonder what was “wrong” with me for experiencing a seeming increase in happiness, with no feelings of isolation or loneliness whatsoever during the many lockdowns. So I dug deeper and learned, at age 51, that I have high-functioning ASD. I was unsure how to feel about it at first but eventually overcame any feelings of shame and, like Bardouniotis, have come around to fully embracing the fact that my brain is simply wired differently from that of most other people.
Sure, I'm lousy at making small talk at large social gatherings and I have numerous quirks and eccentricities that can sometimes pose challenges (just ask my wife!); however, on the plus side, obsessive detail-orientation, the persistence to succeed at almost any cost and high integrity are all typical ASD traits that have served me well in my recent foray into the world of entrepreneurship, as they have similarly done with Elon Musk, who revealed that he has Asperger's during his recent SNL-hosting gig.
So, please don't pity us. Just accept us for who we are.
Eric Lofgren, founder, Next Level Foods Inc., Lions Bay
Skilled trades certification very much welcomed
B.C. Premier John Horgan announced that skilled trades certification is an important government initiative and the government will be launching a new certification system in the coming months for 10 skilled trades. In 2003, the B.C. Liberal government was duped into believing that “Red Seal” was synonymous with “red tape” and quashed the “compulsory” requirement, deregulating the province's apprenticeship system.
The new skilled trades certification will legally require the 10 specific trades, like industrial electricians, construction electricians and power-line technicians, to go through a standard training program known as an “apprenticeship.” Apprentices will rotate between training in college and working in the field for four to five years before they earn their Red Seal certificate.
This used to be the minimal requirement to do electrical work, which ensured a high standard of quality and safety. B.C. is the only province that doesn't require trade certification for electricians. Skilled trades certification will instil confidence again in investors, lower liability for employers, result in safer construction sites and fewer customer complaints and justify higher wages.
B.C.'s NDP government has committed to supporting skilled-trades-workers and we look forward to seeing the government implement the new certification system, which will address skilled labour shortages and help rebuild our economy.