Sierra has been a member of the NYAC since September 2022. He believes that, when it comes to health research, listening to the testimonies of those with lived and living experience is essential.
Sierra Lynne Vanderdeen, NYAC member
“For me, self-advocacy is about sharing my perspective,” he says. “I try to explain my situation in a way that can be understood and applied by researchers.”
Sierra, like several other NYAC members, has autism. Receiving the proper diagnosis for his disability was a challenge, he says: “I was obviously neurodivergent, but it was a matter of finding the box that I fit into.”
Thanks to his parents’ persistence, he was finally diagnosed at age 15. After moving to Montreal for a new job, he began to meet other people his age who also had autism. One of his new friends was none other than the son of Sharon McCarry, former Director of the Engagement Program at CHILD-BRIGHT. “I call Sharon my Montreal mom,” laughs Sierra. “She introduced me to CHILD-BRIGHT and said the NYAC would be a great spot for me.”
Since joining the team, Sierra has been a consultant for a variety of organizations and non-profits. He’s also helping to plan a new NYAC media series, which will aim to answer researchers’ questions on youth living with brain-based developmental disabilities. A journalism and communications graduate, Sierra is excited to explore the possibilities of audiovisual communications. “It’s a more accessible format,” he says, pointing out that some people with brain-based developmental disabilities struggle with text media.
Today, Sierra is proud to talk about his disability. “I've embraced my autistic traits,” he says with a smile. “In embracing them, I'm able to be a better self-advocate. I realized I'm able to see things in a way that a neurotypical person wouldn't—and that’s valuable.”