This World Autism Day, there is much to celebrate. We even made a list! 

The over 1,000 members of Autism Alliance of Canada.

On top of our list is applauding the exceptional work our members do each and every day to make Canada a welcoming, inclusive, supportive and prosperous place for Autistic people to thrive. Throughout Autism Acceptance Month we will be sharing stories from our members and the impact they are making in their communities. Keep your eye on our socials! 

Canada’s Autism Strategy is now a reality. 

After decades of advocacy efforts from Alliance members from across the country, the federal government announced Canada’s Autism Strategy – a plan to address the systematic gaps in services, and to determine the right resources, to provide the right support, at the right time for Autistic people in Canada and their families, throughout the lifespan. You can learn more at the Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS), it’s not too late to register! Learn more here.

Introducing the National Autism Network – Powered by Autism Alliance of Canada and The Sinneave Family Foundation.

While we welcomed the launch of the Strategy, we have been eager to see direct action follow . Recently, we were encouraged to see a meaningful step forward: The federal government shared that the National Autism Network – a keycommitment outlined in Canada’s Autism Strategy – would move ahead effectively immediately. In great news for our community, after a competitive request for proposal process, Autism Alliance of Canada will partner with Sinneave Family Foundation to build and power the work of the Network. This network will centre the experiences of Autistic people living in Canada and their families in the implementation of Canada’s National Autism Strategy, while also bringing together experts and community organizations from across the country to strengthen the network’s impact. 

Get out the vote.

There is incredible momentum right now to continue to move forward with the actions outlined in Canada’s Autism Strategy – and we don’t want that to stop. This federal election has come at a crucial time, and while there are lots of issues to ask your candidates as they come to your door, we’re hoping you will also ask their position on supporting Autistic people living in Canada, and what their plans are to implement Canada’s Autism Strategy. We have created an election toolkit to make that conversation as easy as possible for you. A coles notes for elections, if you will! Have a look at the toolkit, and feel free to share it with your friends and family! 

We get to see lots of you soon! 

In just a few weeks we will be welcoming many of you in-person and online as we kick-off our 11th annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit. This year’s event will be full of dynamic conversations and presentations – including panel discussions where we will talk through each of the priority areas identified in Canada’s Autism Strategy. On Monday, April 28, we will highlight initiatives in housing, education, research, as well as the first ever Lightning Round Presentations at CALS2025. On Tuesday, April 29, the 4th annual Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award will be presented to the winner. On the same day, Dr. Michèle L. Hébert and Krista Leitham will host a Francophone Lunch & Learn to discuss language preference within the francophone autism community in Canada. We will end the day with an evening of celebration: a silent auction showcasing the work of Autistic people, families and caregivers. On Wednesday, April 30, all CALS attendees will have the opportunity to attend Autism on the Hill, hosted by QuickStart at lunch time. You can check out the full list of events on the CALS site! 

Resources to Check-out and Share with Family and Friends

A great way to acknowledge and celebrate World Autism Day is to learn more about the ways in which Autistic people in Canada are making a difference. Here are a few resources to check-out, and share with your networks! 

• The Canadian Journal of Autism Equity is an open-access e-journal focused on critically engaging with a variety of equity discussions within the autism community and public policy. Seeking authorship primarily by first-voice Autistic people or people with lived experience with autism and intersectionality, CJAE seeks to offer a platform to amplify marginalized voices and share these perspectives with decision-makers and Canadians alike.
• Honest Conversations is a podcast featuring Alliance of Canada Board Members sharing their perspectives on the priority areas within Canada’s Autism Strategy. 
• Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) is a national employment initiative, funded by the Government of Canada, and delivered in partnership between Inclusion Canada and Autism Alliance of Canada.
• National Disability Network: The National Disability Network (NDN) Collective Impact Project brought together over 30 disability organizations across Canada: Learn more about how disability organizations in Canada are working together and supporting one another.
  Until next time!