About Pamela Olsson, M.Ed., B.A., SSWK

My personal experiences having ASD - as well as having loved ones on the spectrum - has granted me with a deep understanding and respect for neurodiversity and its infinite presentations. These presentations can have a negative impact on quality of life, as they sometimes mimic adverse choice behaviours. My philosophy is that there is no choice in adverse behaviours that socially isolate these individuals. Each and every behaviour is a functional mode of communicating dysregulation and unmet needs, or a form of protesting an environment that contrasts significantly with the individual's ability to cope. 

I see the world through a lens of alternative possibilities for those living with neurodiversity and see the many gifts we have to offer when we are regulated as individuals, and represented within society.  Neurodivergent forms of thinking deserve equitable representation in society. My goal is to replace accommodation with representation and to support those with neurodivergent thinking in identifying ways to meet their full potential in social environments that complement and celebrate their unique abilities and contributions. 

I believe that systematic and institutional change comes from acknowledgment and acknowledgement comes from inquiry. So we must ask further questions about the individual's regulation needs and whether their behaviours are protesting a stark contrast between their capabilities and the social, emotional and academic demands of the environment.  

Each individual living with neurodiversity deserves to feel understood and to have the best chance possible in meeting their potential. My services are designed to support and advocate for you while you voice your unique truth and your unique reality.  

Education and Employment 

I earned my Master of Education (M.Ed) from Thompson Rivers University (TRU), where I acquired a passion for diversity studies and supportive counselling services. I completed my Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Social Service Worker Certificate also through TRU, and have many years experience working in the field of child development and with vulnerable populations in the field of social services, human resilience and diversity.