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By Marty Hastings

THE ASSEMBLY

Kamloops’ Verhoeff using national TV spotlight to advocate for non-speaking autistic individuals

Nov 20, 2025 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Luke Verhoeff of Kamloops is experiencing a brush with national TV fame on The Assembly, the show seen on CBC and CBC Gem.

He’s using the spotlight to advocate for non-speaking autistic individuals across the country, along with his friend and fellow cast member, Damon Kirsebom.

On the show, a roomful of autistic and neurodivergent interviewers pose questions to Canadian celebrities. They often provoke humorous, profound and emotional moments.

The final two episodes of the series are scheduled to debut on Thursday (Nov. 20) night.

CFJC Today caught up with Verhoeff and Kirsebom on Thursday morning.

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MORE ON VERHOEFF

Diagnosed with mild-to-moderate autism and global developmental delay at three years old, it was not until age 19 that Luke Verhoeff found his voice, able to express himself with the help of Spelling to Communicate methods.

Click here and here to see past CFJC Today stories on Verhoeff. Find his website and poetry here.

Those wishing to learn more about Spelling to Communicate can reach out to Brittney Ritchie and Alyssa Dennis, two practitioners in Kamloops.