Welcome to National Autism News - World Autism Month 2024
This World Autism Month, we extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated Autistic members, colleagues, and teammates, whose engagement, perspectives, and leadership, serve as the driving force behind our vision: A Canada where Autistic people exercise their full rights and realize their full potential.
United as a shared leadership movement, the Alliance represents a diverse membership that includes Autistic people and their loved ones, families, support persons, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, and organizations across Canada.
“I joined the Alliance’s Board of Directors in 2021 after a year of meaningful involvement in the planning of the Summit and through participation in policy development committees. It has been a great experience. Four years in, the Alliance continues to be an amazing organization that centers on making a difference in the lives and future of Autistics.” says Maddy J. Dever, Co-Vice Chair of the Autism Alliance of Canada’s Board of Directors.
As we advocate for the rights and well-being of Autistic people in Canada, we remain steadfast in our commitment to informing the development and enhancement of Canada's first-ever National Autism Strategy.
Together, let us continue our journey towards a Canada where every Autistic person is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
We are proud to share findings from the first part of the Canadian Autistic Adult Needs Assessment Survey, an Autistic-led research project focused on understanding the real-life needs of Autistic adults in Canada.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in our efforts to understand and address the needs of Autistic adults in Canada. It represents the first survey tailored specifically for Autistic adults, with the design and leadership being spearheaded by an Autistic researcher, Dr. Mackenzie Salt, alongside members of the autism and Autistic communities.
To the Autistic people whose participation, insights, and leadership have shaped the very fabric of this initiative, we extend our deepest thanks. Furthermore, our sincere gratitude extends to our partners and generous funders: the Public Health Agency of Canada, the McMaster University Autism Research Team, Institute of Health Services & Policy Research, The Azrieli Foundation, The Offord Centre for Child Studies and The Sinneave Family Foundation.
We invite you to read the report, “Fostering Inclusion: Exploring the Needs of Autistic Adults in Canada,” to learn how we can better support the health and wellbeing of Autistic adults in this country.
With only two weeks left until the 10th annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit, we eagerly look forward to gathering with participants to contribute to shaping policies that make a tangible difference in the lives of Autistic adults.The Summit, our signature event hosted in recognition of World Autism Month, is taking place from April 17th to 19th, 2024, at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa and livestream.Over 200 participants have registered to attend! We hope that you will join us!
Check out the preliminary program
Autism Alliance of Canada conducts and supports autism health services and policy research in priority areas identified by Autistic people and those who support them. We aim to generate evidence that can shape inclusive policies.Taking our guidance from Bill S-203, we want to hear our members' insights on a potential national autism research network that would support research that shapes important national policies and services.We are reaching out to gather your input on the value that a network could bring to you. Your thoughts and experiences are important to us and will play a key role in shaping this network.Your insight matters: we extended the deadline to make sure you have the time you need to share any comments you have on this. This survey should take you 5 to 10 minutes to complete and will close on April 19th, 2024.
Share your thoughts on shaping a National Autism Research Network