CALS2025 Program

12:15 – 12:35 PM
Livestreamed

Opening Remarks from Dr. Deepa Singal, Scientific Director, Autism Alliance of Canada

Keynote, The Hon. Marilou McPhedran, Senator
In this keynote, Senator McPhedran will draw on her personal experience to explore how to effectively mobilize civil society, academia, and the research community to shape and influence autism policy in Canada. She will highlight the importance of collaboration between grassroots organizations, researchers, and policymakers to create meaningful change for the autism community. Senator McPhedran will also discuss the crucial role the Canadian Senate plays in advancing advocacy efforts, supporting research, and influencing policy decisions.

12:35 – 12:50 PM

Audience Q & A

12:50 – 1:00 PM

Break | Transition time

1:00 – 2:30 PM
Livestreamed

Breakout Panel | Housing connections: An afternoon chat with supporters of neuroinclusive housing

Objective of the Session
This session brings together people in different roles, who are advancing neuroinclusive housing. We will explore their experiences building homes, finding homes and experiencing home. Panelists will share their motivations, strategies, and lessons learned, offering insights into how collaboration across roles -can drive meaningful progress.

Attendees will explore the relationships and practices that make inclusive housing successful, and consider how these efforts can shape the housing priorities of a National Autism Network.

An interactive Q&A will follow, offering participants a chance to engage directly with panelists and deepen the conversation

• Presentation (10 minutes)
• Fireside Chat (60 minutes)
• Audience Questions and Answer (10 minutes) 

1:00 – 2:30 PM

Breakout Panel | Bridging Research and Policy: Aligning Canadian Research with National Priorities
The panel will feature leading Canadian autism researchers who will explore the intersection between research and policy, with a focus on aligning Canadian autism research with the priorities of Canada’s Autism Strategy. Attendees will gain insights into how research can inform and drive actionable  policy change, address systemic challenges, and foster collaboration between diverse community leaders, including researchers, policymakers, and advocacy groups. The discussion will also examine  the evolving Canadian research landscape, focusing on the integration of both biomedical and social models of autism research and implications for supporting autistic people and their loved ones. 

Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with panelists during an interactive question and answer session to deepen the discussion.

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Networking | Break

3:00 – 4:30 PM
Livestreamed

Breakout Panel | Integrating the Education System into Canada’s Autism Strategy
Canada’s Autism Strategy currently lacks policy actions focused on education — a critical oversight, given that schools are often where autistic children are first identified and supported. Despite the central role of the K–12 system, many schools remain unequipped to meet the needs of autistic students, creating barriers to learning and long-term success.

This session will explore the current educational landscape and highlight how federal leadership can help advance equity and consistency across provinces. Participants will gain practical insights into how education can be meaningfully integrated into autism policy efforts — and why it’s essential for the future of Canada’s strategy. 

Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with panelists during an interactive question and answer session to deepen the discussion.

3:00 – 4:30 PM

Lightning Talks | Research Aligned with the Canadian Autism Strategy
In this fast-paced session, organizations, early-career investigators and trainees will present their research in quick, 3-minute lightning rounds, showcasing studies aligned with the five priority areas of the Canadian Autism Strategy: (1) Improving Diagnosis and Early Intervention;  (2) Enhancing Access to Supports and Services; (3) Promoting Employment and Community Inclusion, (4) Advancing Public Understanding and Acceptance; (5) Supporting Lifelong Well-Being.

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Quiet Viewing | Member Showcase and Posters Reception

Anyone attending one or more days of the Summit may attend the Member Showcase.

We would like to thank our supporters for their contributions:

• Autism Home Base
• Canucks Autism Network
• Geneva Centre for Autism
• Kids Brain Health Network

8:00- 9:00 AM

Networking | Breakfast
Breakfast will be provided for all Summit attendees at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

9:00 – 9:30 AM
Livestreamed

Opening Remarks

9:30- 9:50 AM

Introductions | MC

9:50 – 10:15 AM
Livestreamed

Overview: Where We Are Now

10:15 – 10:30 AM
Livestreamed

Keynote, The Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard, Senator
Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard will explore the critical role of intersectionality, equity, and inclusion in shaping autism policy and advocacy—at a time when diversity practices are increasingly under threat. She will discuss how diverse experiences—shaped by race, culture, faith, and community—must be recognized within the autism movement to ensure no one is left behind.

10:30 – 10:45 AM
Livestreamed

MC

• Kristin Light

10:45 – 11:15 AM

Networking | Break
Exhibitor Booths

11:15 – 11:30 AM
Livestreamed

Keynote, The Hon. Jim Munson, Senator
Senator Jim Munson will celebrate the milestone of Canada’s Autism Strategy and emphasize the urgent need for government action to bring it to life. He will discuss the critical next steps required to ensure the strategy is more than just a plan.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Livestreamed

Ceremony | Fourth Annual Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award
Join us as we announce the recipient of the Fourth Annual Munson Award, recognizing the leadership, determination and values that reflect a commitment to the creation of a National Autism Strategy. The winner will be presented with a piece of artwork crafted by an Autistic artist, symbolizing their outstanding contributions and impact.

12:00 – 1:30 PM

Networking | Lunch
Exhibitor Booths
Lunch will be provided for all Summit attendees at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

12:30 – 1:15 PM

Francophone Lunch & Learn | Uniting Francophones: A conversation about language preferences
An opportunity to discover and give your feedback on the French Language Guide, a working document. Explore the current use of preferred language by francophone communities in Canada. Share your comments in small groups and on how to use the guide in your community. The Alliance is committed to strengthening and uniting the francophone collective voice across our country.
Note: This session will be in French with simultaneous interpretation available in English

1:35 – 3:05 PM
Livestreamed

Session 1 | Unpacking Priority Area One of Canada’s Autism Strategy –  Improving Screening, Diagnosis and Services

1:35–2:20 | Panel: Breaking Barriers –  Achieving Equitable Autism Services in Canada
This session will take a forward-looking perspective into Priority Area 1 of Canada’s Autism Strategy. Speakers will identify what bold steps the government could take to make autism screening and services more accessible, what the challenges and opportunities are in providing diagnosis and support across the lifespan, and what success and progress would look like for this priority area

2:20–3:05 |  World Cafe: Pathways to Progress: Bridging Gaps in Autism Diagnosis and Services
In this interactive session, participants will engage in discussions at their table to reflect on the insights shared during the panel and explore practical actions aligned with Priority Area 1 of the National Autism Strategy. 
Through a guided World Café format, participants will consider key takeaways, identify short- and medium-term actions, and share what may be missing in the current dialogue. The session will also explore how the National Autism Network can play a role in supporting community engagement and advancing real progress. Participants will discuss and brainstorm actionable steps towards improving access in autism screening, diagnosis, and services at regional and provincial/territorial levels, and recommend how the federal government can support equitable access to diagnosis and services. 

• Table Discussion (20 minutes)
• Group Sharing (10 minutes)

3:00 – 3:30 PM

Networking | Break
Exhibitor Booths

3:30 – 5:00 PM
Livestreamed

Session 2 | Unpacking Priority Area Three of Canada’s Autism Strategy –  Advancing Data Collection, Public Health Surveillance, and Research
This session is proudly supported by Autism Ontario

3:30–4:15 | Panel: Data for Inclusion – Shaping Policy and Research for Autistic people in Canada
This session will take a deep dive into Priority Area 3 of Canada’s Autism Strategy. Speakers will discuss current mechanisms for public health surveillance for autism and the current realities of the Canadian Autism research landscape.  Speakers will identify areas where advancements and investments could be made to improve data collection, advance autism research and discuss opportunities for gathering meaningful data that would directly benefit autistic people and their families. 

4:15–5:00 |  World Cafe: From Numbers to Action
This interactive session invites participants to explore the connections between data, research, and real-world impact for the autism community. Building on insights from the preceding panel, participants will reflect on the challenges, opportunities, and bold actions needed to strengthen autism-related research and public health efforts in Canada.

Through collaborative table discussions, participants will consider key takeaways, identify short- and medium-term actions, and share what may be missing in the current dialogue. The session will focus on how to bridge evidence with practice and move from data to meaningful outcomes across systems and communities.

• Group Sharing (10 minutes)

• Table Discussion (20 minutes)

5:00 – 7:00 PM

Reception | Empowering Perspectives: An Evening of Art & Advocacy, Member Showcase and Posters Reception

Hosted by Kristin Light — neurodivergent advocate, award-winning speaker, and unapologetically authentic voice for inclusion — this powerful evening is open to the public and brings together members of the autism community, artists, and advocates to celebrate creativity and call for meaningful change.

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Networking | Breakfast
Breakfast will be provided for all Summit attendees at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

9:00 – 9:15 AM
Livestreamed

Welcome

9:15 – 9:30 AM
Livestreamed

Keynote, The Hon. Leo Housakos, Senator

In this keynote, Senator Housakos will discuss the urgent need for federal action to improve the health and wellbeing of Autistic people in Canada. He will highlight how Bill S-203 provides both a  framework and legislative power to drive meaningful policy change. 

9:30 – 11:15 AM
Including a 15 minute break 

Session 3 | Unpacking Priority Area Four of Canada’s Autism  Strategy —Creating a more inclusive Canada: Public Awareness, Understanding, and Acceptance 
This session was made possible thanks to the support of the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation.

(Part 1)
09:30–10:15 | Panel: Building Awareness, Understanding, and Belonging
This session will explore Priority Area 4 of Canada’s Autism Strategy. Speakers will discuss what challenges and opportunities for creating more understanding of autistic people in society look like, and what outcomes, such as reduced stigma and inclusion, would indicate success in promoting autism acceptance.

10:15 – 10:30 AM

Networking | Break
Exhibitor Booths

10:30 – 11:15 AM
Livestreamed

(Part 2)
10:30–11:15 |  World Café: Bridging Hearts and Minds — Advancing Acceptance for Autistic people in Canada

At their tables, participants will reflect on the panel discussion and engage in meaningful conversations about empathy, awareness, and inclusion. Together, they will explore what true acceptance means for Autistic people in Canada, identify short- and medium-term actions, and share what may be missing in the current dialogue. The session aims to surface concrete steps that can help foster more inclusive communities, systems, and policies.

• Group Sharing (10 minutes)
• Table Discussion (20 minutes)

11:15 – 11:30 AM
Livestreamed

Keynote, Stephanie Cadieux, Chief Accessibility Officer
Ms. Cadieux will provide insights on the implementation of Canada’s Autism Strategy and the importance of bringing cohesion and oversight across multiple jurisdictions and ministries.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Networking | Lunch
Exhibitor Booths
Lunch will be provided for all Summit attendees at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.
Please note that QuickStart Autism is hosting Autism on the Hill during lunch time. People who want to attend will have the opportunity to do so.

1:00 – 2:30 PM
Livestreamed

Session 4 | Unpacking Priority Area Five of Canada’s Autism Strategy –  Navigating Success: Implementing Tools and Resources for Autistic People

1:00–1:45 | Panel: Equipped for Success – Tools for Autistic people in Canada and their Families
This session will dive into Priority Area 5 of Canada’s Autism Strategy: Tools and Resources. Speakers will discuss initiatives and implementation activities that the Federal  government could support to ensure autistic individuals and their families have equitable access to tools and resources, as well as what results would show that Canada is improving support for autistic people.

1:45–2:30 | World Café: Sharing Strategies for Empowering Autistic Individuals
Participants will reflect on the panel discussion and explore practical tools and resources that support autistic individuals and their families. Discussions will focus on sharing real-world strategies, identifying current gaps, and proposing solutions to improve access to impactful supports. Participants will also be encouraged to identify short- and medium-term actions, and highlight what may be missing in the current dialogue.

• Group Sharing (10 minutes)
• Table Discussion (20 minutes)

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Networking | Break
Exhibitor Booths

3:00 – 4:30 PM
Livestreamed

Session 5 | Unpacking Priority Area Two of Canada’s Autism Strategy –  Strengthening Economic Inclusion for Autistic People in Canada

3:00–3:45 | Panel: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures – Economic Inclusion for Autistic people in Canada
This session will take a deep dive into Priority Area 2 of Canada’s Autism Strategy: Economic Inclusion. Speakers will discuss what government initiatives or policies at the Federal Level could help Autistic people in Canada economically, and identify key opportunities that could be leveraged to increase economic inclusion.

3:45–4:30 | World Café: Advancing Economic Inclusion for Autistic people in Canada
At their tables, participants will collaborate to discuss practical and actionable strategies to improve economic outcomes for Autistic people in Canada. Building on insights from the panel discussion, they will consider how their organizations and local governments can contribute to national momentum. Participants will also identify short- and medium-term actions and reflect on what may be missing from current conversations about economic inclusion.

• Group Sharing (10 minutes)

• Table Discussion (20 minutes)

4:30 – 5:00 PM
Livestreamed

Closing Remarks
The closing remarks are presented by the Sinneave Family Foundation as part of their support.

• Tanya McLeod, President at Sinneave Family Foundation