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In recognition of Autism Awareness month, the University of New Brunswick College of Extended Learning is pleased to host comic, Michael McCreary, for his only New Brunswick appearance of his family-friendly comedy act “Does This Make My Asperger’s Look Big?”

McCreary may only be eighteen years old, but he’s already well on his way to fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a stand-up comedian.  

The young comic, a grade 12 student in Orangeville, Ontario, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of five. In an act of self-preservation, combined with the desire for constant attention and the inability to stop talking, stand-up comedy seemed inevitable. 

Asperger´s Syndrome couldn´t distract Michael from living his dream. He combined his love of comedy and his obsession with Hollywood movies and trained under David Granirer, counselor, stand-up comic, author, and founder of “Stand Up for Mental Health”, to create his act. 

McCreary is taking his show on the road for a Cross-Canada Tour, performing pro bono at universities, comedy clubs, and gala events to help local autism organizations raise funds for programs in their communities.

He and his family are making a documentary about their trip and are interviewing families across the country, highlighting their stories of positive experiences and messages of hope to help change the stereotype of autism. His goal is to create a better understanding of this disease and a united voice for families who are affected by it.

“Does This Make My Asperger’s Look Big?” will take place at the Wu Centre on UNB’s Fredericton Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m., with the performance starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 per person with proceeds going to support Autism Connections Fredericton. 

Since 2004, the University of New Brunswick College of Extended Learning (UNB CEL) has been facilitating opportunities for training to improve the professional support available to families and caregivers of children, youth, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and many other conditions that present behavioural challenges.

Available courses and programs include:

Applied Behaviour Analysis Credit Courses

Autism Support Training Program (Parents)

Autism Support Training Program (Public)

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Intervention Training Program

Behavioural Intervention Workshop

UNB CEL’s training programs use only evidence-based practices, such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), an established treatment that meets the National Autism Centre standards and has been proven to be effective for individuals diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

For more information about UNB’s Behavioural Intervention and Autism Training programs visit www.unb.ca/cel/intervention or contact UNB CEL at 506 458-7843 or unbcel@unb.ca.

For media interviews, contact Natasha Ashfield.