2. Canadian Autism Leadership Summit

11th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit

Thank you for attending CALS2025!

April 28-30, 2025, in Ottawa and livestream, we explored and discuss the five priority areas of Canada’s Autism Strategy. We also identified gaps and discussed the next steps.

Platform

Livestream: Zoom

In-person: Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7.

Member Showcase

We hosted the CALS2025 Member Showcase. The Showcase welcomes people with Lived Experience, members displays and academic posters.

Theme: From Strategy to Action – Elevating Every Voice

Research Lightning Round Presentations

Emerging researchers shared innovative ideas that have the potential to drive real-world impact!

Even though the 11th annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit is now over, you can still explore our comprehensive program.

We explore Canada’s Autism Strategy, hosted our first Evening of Art and Advocacy, and the recipient of the 4th annual Jim & Ginette Munson Award was revealed!

CALS2025 is brought to you by:

  • The Joyce Family Foundation
  • Sinneave Family Foundation
  • Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
  • Azrieli Foundation
  • Geneva Centre for Autism
  • Autism Home Base
  • McMaster Autism Research Team
  • Autism Nova Scotia
  • Autism Ontario
  • Air Canada Foundation
  • Kristin Light

Our Dedicated Summit Volunteers

  • Headshot of Cindy Gerlach

    Cyndi Gerlach

    Self-Advocate and Parent, Member of the Summit Planning Team and the Munson Award Committee

    LinkedIn
  • Headshot of Whitney Hodgins

    Whitney Hodgins

    Self-Advocate, Recipient of the Munson Award, Member of the Munson Award Committee

    LinkedIn
  • Headshot of Tom Jackman

    Tom Jackman

    Self-Advocate, Recipient of the Munson Award, Member of the Munson Award Committee

  • Headshot of Anne Kresta

    Anne Kresta

    Member of the Summit Planning Team

    President/Executive Director of Level It Up, Manitoba

    LinkedIn
  • Headshot of Margaret Whelan

    Margaret Whelan

    Member of the Munson Award Committee

    Founding member of Autism Alliance of Canada

    LinkedIn

  • Elizabeth Plouffe

    Dedicated advocate and Parent, Member of the Munson Award Committee

    Founder at Spero Careers Canada

    LinkedIn
  • Headshot of Kimberley Ward, PhD

    Kimberley Ward, PhD

    Member of the Munson Award Committee

    Executive Director, Society for Autism Support and Services

    LinkedIn
  • Siyu Suzanna Chen on stage during CALS2024

    Siyu (Suzanna) Chen

    Self-advocate, Recipient of the Munson Award, Member of the Munson Award Committee

  • Charlene Somers

    Member of the Summit Planning Team

    Executive Director, Autism Resources Miramichi Inc.

  • Emi Linds

    Member of the Summit Accessibility Advisory

  • Yvonne Spicer

    Member of the Summit Accessibility Advisory

  • Amy Lonsberry, MPA

    Member of the Summit Accessibility Advisory

    Policy, Privacy and Project Officer The Sinneave Family Foundation

  • An abstract figure with its hands up

    Brooklyn Ehler

    Member of the Summit Accessibility Advisory

    Self-Advocate

  • Sharon McCarry

    Member of the Summit Accessibility Advisory