I first met Sheila Quinn in 2000 when I was undertaking fieldwork for my PhD in Quebec's Eastern Townships. As long as I've known Sheila she has been a strong advocate for young people in her region, both as a professional and as a volunteer. Her son Angus, now 13, is autistic and right now things are very tough for Sheila. The special school Angus attends says it is no longer able to cope with his behaviour.

Her letter, addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Ellen DeGeneres (who is the voice behind Angus' favourite character in 'Finding Nemo') has been widely shared on Facebook and has been picked up by Montreal's CTV.