FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2025 – This World Autism Day on April 2, Autism Alliance of Canada celebrates decades of advocacy from our members that resulted in the launch of Canada’s first ever Autism Strategy.
In September 2024, the federal government released Canada’s Autism Strategy to help unite efforts across the country to make sure Autistic people in Canada are accepted, included and supported throughout their lives. The Strategy identifies actions to support Autistic people and their families across five priority areas; Screening, diagnosis and services; economic inclusion; data collection; public health surveillance, and research; public awareness, understanding and acceptance; and tools and resources. You can learn more about the actions in detail through our recent podcast series, “Honest Conversations”.
“You don’t have to look closely to know that significant gaps in support and barriers in accessing resources exist for Autistic Canadians and their loved ones in Canada,” said Dr. Jonathan Lai, Executive Director of the Alliance. “It’s important to celebrate the wins – but it’s equally important to continue to press forward – and with the voices of over 1,000 of our members, we will continue to guide and work alongside the government to accelerate implementing the actions across the priority areas so we can see real, meaningful changes.”
The Strategy also included the intention to develop a National Autism Network (NAN) to facilitate direct and ongoing involvement from the community – involvement that is essential to effectively develop the federal policies and programs that impact Autistic people themselves, as well as their family and caregivers.
Following a formal competitive request for proposals, it was announced on March 21 that the Network would proceed and be powered by Autism Alliance of Canada and the Sinneave Family Foundation.
The Alliance, along with the rest of Canada, will have a better sense of who will be responsible for this next phase of implementing the actions in the Autism Strategy on April 28, when a new government forms following the federal election. Regardless of whether it is a returning government, or a different political party taking office, the Alliance is adamant that we can’t go backwards.
“As Canadians head to the polls, we’re calling on all political parties to show real leadership by making sure Autistic people in Canada are truly valued, included, and supported to fully take part in their communities,” said Rebekah Kintzinger, an Autistic advocate and co-chair of the Autism Alliance of Canada’s Board of Directors. “We don’t just need promises – we need action. That means real investment and a clear, accountable plan to make Canada’s Autism Strategy a reality that changes lives.”
To help champion that message, an election toolkit has been created by the Alliance which is being distributed to their member organizations so that they, in turn, can share within their networks. The toolkit, with 10 concrete policy solutions, can be found on the Alliance’s homepage.
The Alliance will be hosting the 11th annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS) on April 28-30 in Ottawa, where individuals and organizations from across Canada will participate in discussions on the necessary next steps to translate the Strategy into action.
Kintzinger says she expects dynamic discussions and ideas to emerge from the Summit, noting that she is specifically looking forward to attending the panel on building awareness, understanding and belonging.
“There’s a real sense of momentum across the Alliance right now – we know it’s time to challenge the stigma and misconceptions that still exist around autism,” said Kintzinger. “But we can’t change the conversation without Autistic people and their families at the table. The National Autism Network is an important step forward in making sure our perspectives are heard, respected, and reflected in every decision that impacts us.”
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For Information:
Allison Garber, Communications Specialist
(902) 221-5254