'Never let anyone hold you back': Quebec autism advocate celebrates album launch

As a child, Stephen Atme could not speak or follow instructions.

When he was diagnosed with autism, he was afraid of almost everything.

Today, he's a self-taught musician with a new album, Evolution, out soon.

“That's why I love music,” Atme said. “Because it makes me feel strong, alive.”

“Never let anyone turn against you,” he added. “You make your own chapters, not theirs.”

Stephen began work on the album Evolution in October 2023 – which contains 31 of his compositions – which he has made since the age of 11.

To commemorate the album, he is holding a concert March at All Saints Church by the Lake in Dorval, Montreal.

“With people coming here,” Atme explained about his upcoming concert. “They can see the quality in that person, the quality they once had.”

“They have to be part of the growth.”

At the age of 5, he could not speak, but he could sing.

Atme grew up with the unwavering support of his family and teachers.

He played the violin with a toy keyboard until he was gifted an electric piano at the age of 11.

That's when he knew he wanted to be a musician.

“I was once told that I would never have a future,” Atme said. “I will never live on my own, I will never be able to talk, read, write, even tie my own shoes.”

He said he listens to his father: “What makes you who you are is the past.”

“I accept those words,” said Atme.

He followed his passion and studied piano at the McGill Conservatory of Music.

“Never take away the beauty that makes you who you are,” Atme said.

Atme is currently a creative arts teacher.

He is good at piano, vocals, acting and more. teaches.

But he is not only a great teacher, but also an orator, humanitarian and filmmaker.

We look forward to sharing it with you evolution with Canadians — through it concert and the album premiere on March 23^rd.

“Love yourself,” said Atme. “You are an inspiration, you are superheroes.”

“You should be,” he added. “Make the world a better place in any way you can.”

“People will follow.”