Overview
Canadian Autism Leadership Summit 2026
April 14–16, Ottawa
Preliminary Program
Canada’s national leadership forum shaping the future of autism policy, research, and inclusive systems.
Autistic leaders, families, researchers, policymakers, clinicians, educators, and innovators convene to drive evidence-informed change.
Confirmed sessions and themes are listed below. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Program details will be updated as the Summit approaches.
Tuesday April 14, 2026 – AI and Autism Symposium: Innovation for Inclusion
8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
A full day examining the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its implications for research, public systems, and service delivery. The Symposium advances responsible AI that centers Autistic people and diverse communities.
Participants who attend the full day will receive a professional development certificate from Autism Alliance of Canada.
MORNING
Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Opening Leadership Addresses: Inclusion and the Future of AI
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
Leadership Perspective: BrainPower: You Shall Decide
Tara May, Chief Executive Officer, Aspiritech
National Leadership Dialogue: Responsible AI for Inclusion
National leaders in technology, design, and innovation explore how AI initiatives can be designed and deployed in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and aligned with public values, while also demonstrating operational value to neurodivergent people and their families.
Featuring:
- John Weigelt, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada
- Sadi Khan, Managing Director, IBM Canada
- Dr. Jutta Treviranus, Director and Founder, Inclusive Design Research Centre and Professor, Faculty of Design, OCAD University
Moderated by The Honourable Jim Munson, former Senator, Senate of Canada
Innovation in Action: AI in Real World Settings
What’s Possible Now? Using AI Innovations to Support and Empower Autistic People, Families, and Caregivers
Canadian innovators will showcase the AI tools they have designed to support inclusion for Autistic people, families, and caregivers. They will discuss real-world considerations for the use of these tools, including data safety, bias, and opportunities.
Featuring:
- Jonathan Dubuc, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, dvrgntAI
- Erica Hayes, Co-Founder and Chief Designer, UniquelyND
- Ian Hayes, Co-Founder and Technical Lead, UniquelyND
- Dr. Rageen Rajendram, Chief Medical Officer, NeuroAI and Developmental Paediatrician, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
LUNCH
Industry Skill Building Labs
Led by technology leaders from Microsoft Canada and IBM Canada
Participants will select one of two concurrent sessions.
Led by technology leaders from Microsoft Canada and IBM Canada, these interactive labs explore practical applications of artificial intelligence.
Lab Option 1: Microsoft Session
Lab Option 2: IBM Session
AFTERNOON
Applied Innovation and National Implementation
Spotlight Innovations & Skills Building
• Spotlight: An AI-Driven Sound Management System for Decreased Sound Tolerance
Dr. Elina Birmingham and Dr. Behnaz Bahmei, Simon Fraser University
• Spotlight: Frugal AI: Motor Signatures for Transdiagnostic Adaptive Profiling
Fatima Karim, Carleton University
• Spotlight: Allia : un outil conçu pour alléger la charge administrative des familles
Catherine des Rivières-Pigeon et Bianka Corbin, Université du Québec à Montréal
• Skill-Building Lab: Demystifying AI for Everyday Life
Maxwell Huffman, Vice President of Operations, Aspiritech
In Partnership with Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute
Responsible AI and Canada’s Autism Strategy
This session explores responsible AI principles, governance, and practical applications for autism inclusion. The workshop includes a leadership dialogue and hands-on strategy session examining how decision makers can leverage AI to advance progress across each priority area of Canada’s Autism Strategy.
Featuring:Clara Maître, Responsable du studio IA pour l’Humanité / AI for Humanity studio lead, Mila – Québec Artificial Intelligence Institute
Closing Reflections: What’s Next for AI and Autism in Canada?
Networking: Member Showcase and Research Posters
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – National Policy and Systems Leadership
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
A day dedicated to advancing Canada’s Autism Strategy through evidence, collaboration, and systems-level reform.
MORNING
Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
National Leadership Forum
- Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
- Opening Remarks
- Leadership Address: The Honourable Leo Housakos, Senator, Senate of Canada
- National Autism Network Update
- Munson Award Presentation
MIDDAY ENGAGEMENT
Lunch Break
Participants may attend “Autism on the Hill,” a concurrent parliamentary engagement event, hosted by QuickStart Autism
AFTERNOON: National Reform Panels
System Reform Panel I
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Needs-Based Care, Identity, and the Future of Support Systems
System Reform Panel II
Rethinking System Navigation
Closing Reflections
Networking Session: Member Showcase and Research Posters
EVENING
Parliamentary Reception
6:00 PM
Inclusion and Innovation in Action: Celebrating Autistic Leadership Across Canada
Hosted by:
- The Honourable Leo Housakos, Senator
- The Honourable Peter M. Boehm, Senator
- The Honourable Mike Lake, Member of Parliament
- Michael Coteau, Member of Parliament
Attendance is limited to registered Summit participants and requires advance registration.
Thursday, April 16, 2026 – Equity, Education and Mental Health
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
A forward-looking day grounded in equity, community leadership, research, and neuro-affirming care.
MORNING
Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Equity and Community Leadership Forum
The Honourable Kim Pate, Senator, Senate of Canada
Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum
Panel: Equity as Infrastructure — Community-Driven Autism System Design
From Evidence to Systems Change
Data-to-Policy Fellowship Presentations
The Economics of Autism: Emerging evidence on economic impact and service system redesign
Networking Lunch
AFTERNOON
Education Future Dialogue – Supporting Autistic Learners Beyond the Now
Mental Health and Well-Being Dialogue – Moving the Needle Towards Neuro-Affirming Mental Health Care and Well-Being
Summit Closing Address