CALS2024 Program

The first day of the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit kicks off with a dynamic agenda centered around the theme “Inform.” Decision-makers and experts will convene to provide key updates on the National Autism Strategy and the development of a comprehensive national disability policy tailored to address the diverse needs of Autistic people in Canada and their families.

Throughout the day, attendees will delve into autism policy and advocacy on multiple fronts. From federal developments to regional initiatives across provinces and territories, the Summit will offer a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape. Global perspectives will also take the stage, with insights gleaned from examining policies from Peru, Australia, the United States, India, and the United Kingdom.

The program features engaging sessions designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Panels will explore topics such as harmonizing national and local autism policy, perspectives from community organizations, and global insights shaping the future of autism strategies. Attendees will have ample opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into innovative projects driving progress in the field.

The day culminates in an evening of celebration at a parliamentary reception, commemorating a decade of collective impact in advancing the rights and well-being of Autistic people  and their loved ones. Attendees will come together to honor the contributions of the Autistic community and celebrate milestones achieved through collaborative efforts.

• Jonathan Lai, Ph.D., Executive Director, Autism Alliance of Canada
• The Hon. Mark Holland, Minister of Health of Canada

• Karen Bopp, Ph.D., Executive Advisor for the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth of British Columbia, Adjunct Professor, Director of Provincial Outreach at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA), University of British Columbia (UBC), and Co-Chair of Autism Alliance of Canada

• Sally Scott, Executive Director, Division of Children and Youth, Public Health Agency of Canada
• Suzi DeBlois, Autism Coordination Project Lead, Department of Education and Early Years, Prince Edward Island
• Margaret Spoelstra, Chief Executive Officer, Autism Ontario

• Kim Ward, Ph.D.,  Member of Munson Award Committee and Board Member of Autism Alliance of Canada
• Whitney Hodgins, Recipient of the First Munson Award
• Tom Jackman, Recipient of the Second Munson Award
• The Hon. Jim Munson, former Canadian Senator, and Ginette Munson
• Recipient of Third Munson Award: To be announced during the Award Ceremony.

• Shino Nakane, Provincial Director, Autism Society Alberta, and Co-Vice Chair of Autism Alliance of Canada

• Paul Walsh, Chief Executive Officer, Autism Society of Newfoundland & Labrador 
• Liette Lanteigne, ED Autisme Péninsule acadienne. Présidente Centres en Autisme du NB Autism Centers
• Eric Douglas, President and Peer Group Facilitator,  Asperger Manitoba Inc. (AMI)
• Suzanne Perreault, Executive Director, Autism BC
• Rebecca Fenton, Executive Director, Autism Yukon

• Britt Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Canucks Autism Network
• Stephanie Jull, Vice President, Programs, Training & Community Engagement, Canucks Autism Network

• Mark Nafekh, Director General, Centre for Health Promotion, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada (In-person)
• Andy Shih, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks (United States) (Online)
• Pru McPherson, Director, Autism Policy, Foundational Support and Early Childhood Reform Branch, Department of Social Services of the Government of Australia (Online)
• Menan Abd El-Maksoud, M.D., General Director of Hospitals, General Secretariat for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, Ministry of Health and Population of the Government of Egypt (Online)

• Joshua Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., Director, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Chair, IACC (Online)

• Deepa Singal, Ph.D., Scientific Director, Autism Alliance of Canada (In-person)
• Susan Daniels, Ph.D., Executive Secretary, IACC; Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) National Autism Coordinator; Director, Office of National Autism Coordination, NIMH (Online)

• James Cusack, Ph.D., Chief Executive, Autistica (United Kingdom)  (Online)
• Gauri Divan, Ph.D., Director, Child Development Group, Sangath (India) (Online)
• Liliana Mayo, Founder and Chief Executive, Centro Ann Sullivan del Perú (Online)
• Amina Abubakar, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University (Kenya) (Online)
• Clare Gibellini, Co-Chair, National Autism Strategy Oversight Council (Australia) (Online)

The second day of the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit is dedicated to the theme of “Implement.” This day focuses on translating knowledge into action, embracing a rights-based approach to true inclusion for Autistic individuals across Canada. Join us as we roll up our sleeves and take action to implement inclusive policies that empower Autistic people and their families.

Throughout the day, attendees will engage in discussions and presentations aimed at identifying policies, programs, services, and supports with the potential to strengthen the impact of the National Autism Strategy. Government officials will provide insights into the latest developments on disability policy in Canada, including transformative changes such as the Canada Disability Benefit and the Disability Tax Credit.

A panel discussion titled “Breaking Barriers: Promising Practices for Inclusion in Autism” will bring together diverse perspectives to explore promising practices for inclusion at all levels, from frontline services to governance. Attendees will gain valuable insights into lessons learned and opportunities for improvement through actionable steps.

Interactive sessions will invite participants to dive deeper into autism policies in their respective provinces or territories. Through regional roundtable discussions, attendees will identify gaps, opportunities, and policy ideas, culminating in the development of tailored autism action plans. Facilitated workbook activities and a keynote address will guide attendees in crafting actionable measures for implementation.

The day concludes with a networking session featuring visual displays showcasing stories of lived experience, community initiatives, and research projects. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect, share insights, and foster collaboration in a supportive environment.

• The Hon. Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of Canada
• The Hon. Mike Lake, Member of Parliament, Edmonton-Wetaskiwin
• Tanya McLeod,  President, The Sinneave Family Foundation (Champion-level Supporter of CALS2024), and Board Member of Autism Alliance of Canada

• The Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue of Canada
• Gillian Pranke, Assistant Commissioner, Assessment, Benefit and Service Branch (ABSB) in the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Sujata Verma, Director General of the Disability, Indigenous and Benefits Outreach Services Directorate, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

• Alexia Ostrolenk, Ph.D.,  CIHR Postdoctoral Health System Impact Fellow, Autism Alliance of Canada

• Courtney Weaver, Learning & Development Technical Assistant, CASE, Self-advocate
• Cyndi Gerlach, Trustee North Vancouver School District, Director Inclusion BC, Self-advocate, Parent 
• Marie-Claude Leblanc, Parent and partner, Executive Director, Autisme sans limites
• Sharon McCarry, Parent, Executive Director, Little Red Playhouse, and Director of the Engagement Program, Child Bright Network

• Deepa Singal, Ph.D., Scientific Director, Autism Alliance of Canada

• Alexia Ostrolenk, Ph.D., CIHR Postdoctoral Health System Impact Fellow, Autism Alliance of Canada
• Marina Schor, Research Coordinator, Autism Alliance of Canada
• Angela MacDonald-Prégent, Ph.D.(c), Data-to-Policy Fellow, Autism Alliance of Canada

• Adrienne Lipsey, Co-founder, Springboard

As we embark on the third and final day of the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit, our focus turns to the theme of “Innovate.” This day is dedicated to exploring valuable processes, promising practices, emerging ideas, and groundbreaking research that can propel our collective work forward in supporting Autistic people and their families.

The day begins with opening remarks, setting the stage for a series of engaging presentations and parallel sessions. Federal updates on disability policy in Canada will be provided by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, shedding light on their pivotal role in supporting Autistic people and their loved ones.

Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the findings of the Pathways in Autism Study, a 24-year journey examining policy, clinical practice, and research. Presenters will share key insights and recommendations for more flexible, developmentally appropriate policies supporting children on the autism spectrum.

Parallel sessions will offer deep dives into innovative topics such as neuro inclusive housing and the development of a potential National Autism Research Network, as outlined in Bill S-203, Federal Framework on Autism Act. Additionally, workshops will focus on cultivating neuro-affirming mindsets and addressing the distinct issues faced by Autistic people across the lifespan, including aging perspectives.

The day concludes with closing remarks, reflecting on the wealth of knowledge shared and the collaborative spirit that has permeated the Summit. Together, we will leave equipped with innovative strategies to continue advancing our collective work in supporting Autistic people and their loved ones across Canada.

• Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum,  Deputy Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)
• Phillip Rizcallah, CEO of Accessible Standards Canada

• Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Interim Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission
• Carleen McGuinty, Acting Manager, International Cooperation and Monitoring, Canadian Human Rights Commission

• Dr. Peter Szatmari, Chief, Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and The Hospital for Sick Children and Director of the Division of Child and Youth Mental Health at the University of Toronto

• Mike Chong, Knowledge Mobilization Officer, Accessibility Institute, Carleton University
• Tara Connolly, Accessibility Institute Lead, Accessibility Institute, Carleton University
• Roxana-Maria Barbu, Research Lead, Accessibility Institute, Carleton University

• Deepa Singal, Ph.D., Scientific Director, Autism Alliance of Canada
• Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Professor and Director of Autism Research, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta

• Cyndi Gerlach, Trustee North Vancouver School District, Director Inclusion BC, Self-advocate, Parent
• Mallory Solomon, Oshkaatisak Youth Council Member, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
• Dr. Melanie Penner, Senior Clinician Scientist and Developmental Pediatrician; Bloorview Children’s Hospital Foundation (BCHF) Research Chair in Developmental Pediatrics, Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Autism 
• Mélanie Couture, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Université de Sherbrooke, and Co-director of Transforming Autism Care Consortium (TACC)
• Susan Daniels, Ph.D., Executive Secretary, IACC; Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) National Autism Coordinator; Director, Office of National Autism Coordination, NIMH

• David Nicholas, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Dean of Research and Partnerships, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, and Board Member of Autism Alliance of Canada

• Mackenzie Salt, Ph.D., Postdoctoral fellow, Autism Alliance of Canada
• Terri Robson, Autistic Self-Advocate
• Fakhri Shafai, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, AIDE Canada
• Margaret Bauman, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine (Online)

• Brian Foster, Ph.D., National Manager of Policy and Resource Development, Ready, Willing and Able (RWA)

• Heather Brown, Ph.D.,Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta
• Patty Douglas, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Disability Studies and Inclusive Education, Brandon University
• Margaret Janse Van Rensburg, Ph.D.(c), Carleton University
• Briano Di Rezze, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University