When Steven Atme received his autism diagnosis as a child, he and his parents began a shared journey of understanding and growth. That path, built on patience, curiosity, and compassion, later guided him from his first job at McDonald’s and his many volunteer roles to the person he is today.
Working in busy public settings introduced Steven to many people and personalities. While he formed strong bonds with colleagues, he also encountered moments of unkindness from customers. Even so, he focused on learning and growing through each experience.
“My very first paying job was at McDonald’s,” he recalled. “It was a different kind of environment, dealing with a lot of backgrounds. I got along with the people very well, but when something was bothering me, I didn’t know how to stand up for myself.”
Alongside his paid work, Steven volunteered regularly in residence homes and community spaces such as St. Marguerite, Château Westmount, and the Temple Emmanuel Beth Shalom in Westmount, Montreal. There, he helped run a weekly club for stroke patients, serving food and supporting participants with patience and understanding, qualities he attributes to his naturally empathetic personality.
His faith and empathy continued to guide him while volunteering at St. Joseph’s Oratory, where he connected with a new and very different community.
“Dealing with the French language was difficult for me. My mother tried to talk to me in Arabic, but it didn’t work, it was the same with French. English was easiest for me.”
By engaging with a largely Quebecois community, Steven improved his French and grew in confidence, especially while continuing his studies.
He transformed challenges into lessons, moving from struggling to express himself to thriving in diverse environments. Through those early work experiences, he developed resilience and deep self-awareness.
“Working at those places were the best times of my life,” he said.
Discovering Voice and Leadership
Now in his thirties, Steven channels his creativity and lived experience into a meaningful career. He works as a musician, performer, and creative arts teacher who helps people of all ages, with and without disabilities, find joy in learning.
“I teach piano, vocals, and drama,” he said. “I approach lessons with clients based on their methods of comprehension, their own method of learning and progression. I make learning not just interesting but also a lot of fun.”
His work extends beyond music. As a humanitarian and public speaker, Steven advocates for compassion and dignity in mental health and special needs inclusion. When he hears about someone struggling, whether an adult dismissed for their challenges or a young student enduring bullying, he acts immediately.
He recalls the story of a fourth grader who endured daily bullying for being “different” and for his fascination with bugs. Seeing how deeply it affected the child, Steven made it his mission to meet him and offer support.
“Lives are very important,” he emphasized. “When things like that happen, I drop everything. I want to meet the person right away. Even when I have an upcoming engagement, the kid is my priority.”
Steven also runs his own business as a self-employed artist and educator. He chooses to work six days a week, traveling to schools and communities across Montreal.
“I’m a one-man show with a lot of responsibilities,” he explained. “I consider myself a nice person, but sometimes it takes more to get me upset, like a constant change of plans at the last minute. That used to frustrate me, and I didn’t know how to talk about it. Now I’ve learned to stand up for myself and say, ‘I will not tolerate being treated that way.’”
Learning self-advocacy took time and reflection. For years, Steven feared speaking up, worried about how others might react. Inspired by his father’s resilience and his advice to “never walk on eggshells,” Steven realized that self-advocacy means protecting dignity, not causing conflict.
Finding Balance and Centering Calm
Despite his busy schedule, Steven prioritizes balance and rest. Although he occasionally feels emotionally drained, his active routine keeps him energized and helps him avoid burnout. By the end of the day, his natural rhythm helps him unwind.
His demanding work tests his stamina, yet his purpose and family values keep him grounded.
“Family is very important,” he said. “I truly value the closeness of my family and my best friends, who I also consider my extended family. Being there for them, that’s important.”
When he faces frustration, Steven centers himself through silence and mindfulness. He walks, cycles, prays, and meditates to clear his mind before calmly addressing the situation.
Respecting Identity and Dignity
Steven emphasizes the importance of respecting how individuals want to be described.
“There is one thing people tend to forget, opinions are not facts,” he said. “There are still debates about how every individual is labeled. For example, the difference between an individual with autism and an individual who is autistic.”
He believes that language carries real weight and shapes how society perceives people with special needs and disabilities.
“For me, I loathe the word ‘autistic’,” he continued. “Not because I’m in self-denial. I’m very proud and blessed for being diagnosed with autism, because there are a lot of gifts that bring us these strong abilities with memory or some involuntary skill that can be beneficial. But for me, when you hear the word ‘autistic’, it carries a tone of severity, as if it implies a lack of self-control. Of course, that isn’t the case and it doesn’t make anyone less capable or worthy, but still, I never refer to people as ‘autistic’, I will always say ‘with autism’. I’d rather respect their dignity by their names and by their talents rather than the neurological diagnosis side.”
Steven’s beliefs reflect his commitment to individuality and compassion.
“Ask before you jump,” he said. “Not everybody reacts the same way. There are no right or wrong answers, but better safe than sorry.”
His experiences as a volunteer and student at Summit School, combined with personal hardships, including loss, illness, and misjudgment from professionals, deepened his empathy and compassion. These moments taught him to value humanity and kindness above all.
A Message for Leaders and Colleagues
When asked what he wants more leaders and coworkers understood about neurodiversity, Steven answers without hesitation.
“Don’t judge a book [people] by its cover,” he said. “You have to get to know the person before you even judge. They will surprise you. We’re all humans with strong ambitions.”
He urges workplaces to grow into environments rooted in respect and authenticity and encourages leaders to take meaningful action beyond statements.
Steven’s journey embodies perseverance, empathy, and faith. Through music, teaching, and advocacy, he builds a life that represents inclusion and hope.
“We’re all here on this earth for a reason.”
Turning Advocacy into Action
Steven’s advocacy extends far beyond the stage and classroom. In July 2025, he drafted and submitted a Legislative Article Proposal for Special Needs and Mental Health to Canada’s ministers of health, education, higher education, families, and social services in every province and territory. Grounded in his personal experience, the proposal reflects his lifelong mission to build a more compassionate and inclusive society.
“My message is rooted in hope, faith, and love for all people,” he wrote, “especially those facing unique challenges.”
In his proposal, he outlined five key reforms designed to support individuals with special needs and mental health challenges.
1. Inclusive Education Must Embrace Individual Learning Styles
Steven urged schools to adapt to different ways students learn, communicate, and process information. He called on teachers to be patient, observant, and flexible, creating environments that nurture growth and self-confidence.
2. Respect Special Needs’ Dreams and Ambitions
Too often, he explained, the dreams of people with special needs are dismissed. “They are not disabled; they are differently abled,” he wrote. He challenged schools and organizations to offer internships, mentorships, and scholarships tailored to each individual, celebrating unique abilities instead of limiting them.
3. Anti-Bullying and Emotional Support
Steven’s advocacy around bullying is deeply personal. He shared the story of the fourth-grade student who endured daily bullying for being different. “He told me, ‘You are my hero,’” Steven recalled. Through this, he demonstrated the power of empathy, storytelling, and advocacy, urging more emotional education and peer support programs in schools.
4. Family Support Services
He encouraged policymakers to expand affordable counseling, respite care, and emotional resources for families. “People take for granted that their children will be born without any issues,” he wrote, “but when faced with this issue, the stress and anguish it causes is unimaginable.”
5. Increase Housing and Financial Support for Independent Living
Finally, Steven called for greater financial aid and supported housing programs. He highlighted that “In Quebec, the $1,673 Social Solidarity amount plus the $200 Disability Benefit is not enough to live,”and proposed life-skills programs that teach budgeting, cooking, and independence.
He closed his proposal with hope, writing that this initiative represents “a step toward building a more compassionate, supportive, and empowering Canada.”
“I was fortunate to have a family that did not accept the limitations put on me by society,” he wrote. “Instead, they pushed and encouraged me, knowing I could be more. Imagine what the world would be like if we all did this.”
Recognition from Across Canada
Several provincial governments recognized Steven’s proposal and praised the impact of his advocacy.
In Nova Scotia, the Office of Addictions and Mental Health commended his commitment and shared that they partnered with Autism Nova Scotia to strengthen mental health and disability services through the Autism Action Plan. The Acting Senior Executive Director thanked Steven Steven and shared his proposal internally with key decision-makers.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Minister of Health acknowledged Steven’s efforts to raise awareness about the systemic challenges faced by people with autism and their families, especially in education and caregiving. She explained that the province is improving accessibility within health and disability services and promised to consider his insights.
The ministers of Health and Social Services of Saskatchewan highlighted their continued investments in autism and mental health programs. They allocated $14.3 million to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Individualized Funding program for 2025–26, adding millions more for diagnostic services, consultants, and community-based organizations.
Across every response, officials recognized Steven’s impact. His voice continues to spark national dialogue on accessibility, inclusion, and compassion.
Through his advocacy, Steven bridges the gap between policy and humanity, reminding Canada’s leaders that inclusion begins with dignity, opportunity, and belief in every person’s potential.
👉 To learn more about Steven’s advocacy and creative work, visit his Facebook page.