One year ago, on September 26th 2024, the Government of Canada launched Canada’s first-ever National Autism Strategy, marking a historic moment for the Autistic community and their families. This milestone followed decades of tireless advocacy by the community. As we reflect on this first anniversary, it’s important to acknowledge the work that has taken place, while also recognizing the urgent need for further action and investment.

A Step Forward: The National Autism Network

Since the strategy’s launch, the federal government has invested in creating the National Autism Network (the Network), funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The Network is not a delivery body; its mandate is to advise PHAC’s Autism Secretariat in the federal government on the implementation of the strategy, by bringing  together Autistic people, families, researchers, clinicians and system leaders to provide recommendations and lived-experience perspectives.  This new, independent organization reflects the government’s commitment to integrating community perspectives in the Strategy’s implementation. 

As a founding partner, Autism Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) contributes in kind support and coordination through leading the facilitation of the Network’s Strategic Priority Committees and supporting knowledge translation within the Network. 

Beyond Recommendations: The Urgent Need for Action and Funding

While the Network creates a pathway for community perspectives to reach decision-makers, it is important to understand its limitations: the Network can recommend, but it does not have the resources to  implement. Therefore, the Network cannot alone be the “be-all and end-all” solution.

The Network alone cannot fulfill the requirements of Bill S-203, nor can it solve long-standing system challenges such as diagnostic wait times or gaps in service access. For Canada’s Autism Strategy to move beyond aspiration, it requires:

• Sustained political commitment and dedicated federal investment to support the Network’s recommendations, concrete actions and programs.
• A coordinated, whole-of-government approach that engages federal, provincial, and territorial partners.
• Clear accountability mechanisms to ensure recommendations lead to results.

Without these elements, the Strategy risks remaining symbolic rather than transformative. The Alliance and its members will continue to push for these and champion actions guided by the Framework measures of Bill S-203.

The Path Ahead 

The first anniversary is a reminder of both progress and unfinished work. Establishing the Network is a positive development, but it is only a starting point.

What Canada’s autistic community and families need most is a clear signal of political will and financial commitments, sustained collaboration, and leadership that translates bold vision into tangible outcomes.  The momentum is real, but the future depends on whether Canada is ready to move from listening to acting.