CALS2025 Program

12:15 – 12:30 PM

Opening Remarks and Keynotes

1:00 – 2:30 PM
Livestreamed

Housing connections: An afternoon chat with supporters of neuroinclusive housing
In this session, we will be joined by guests from different places and playing different roles in moving neuroinclusive housing forward. We’ll discuss strategies and motivations, goals and successes, and sustaining this momentum in communities.

1:00 – 2:30 PM

Bridging Research and Policy: Aligning Canadian Research with National Priorities
This session will explore the intersection between research and policy, with a focus on aligning Canadian autism research with the priorities of Canada’s National Autism Strategy. Attendees will gain insights into how research can inform and drive actionable  policy change, address systemic challenges, and foster collaboration between diverse community leaders, including researchers, policymakers, and advocacy groups. The discussion will also examine  the evolving Canadian research landscape, focusing on the integration of both biomedical and social models of autism research and implications for supporting autistic people and their loved ones.leaders in the community to provide inclusive, autism-affirming services.

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Networking | Break
Exhibitor Booths

3:00 – 4:30 PM
Livestreamed

Integrating the Education System into Canada’s Autism Strategy
Currently, Canada’s Autism Strategy does not include policy actions for the education of autistic children, leaving a significant gap in the support system. The K-12 education system plays a crucial role where children are often screened, identified, and supported in their early years. Despite this, the reality is that many schools are not adequately equipped to meet the needs of autistic children, which can limit their potential to learn, succeed, and thrive in later life.

While education is delivered at the provincial and territorial level, national strategies can play a vital role in fostering consistency and equity across the country. This session will discuss the current educational landscape for autistic children and adolescents,and explore  how the federal government can play a pivotal role in enhancing Canada’s Autism Strategy by addressing the crucial intersections with education.

Participants will gain insights into how education can be prioritized in the current political landscape and actionable ideas for linking education with broader autism policy efforts.

3:00 – 4:30 PM

Research Lightning Round Presentations
In this fast-paced session, early-career investigators and trainees will present their research in quick, 3-minute lightning rounds, showcasing studies aligned with the five priority areas of the Canadian Autism Strategy:

• Supporting Lifelong Well-Being
• Improving Diagnosis and Early Intervention
• Enhancing Access to Supports and Services
• Promoting Employment and Community Inclusion
• Advancing Public Understanding and Acceptance

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Quiet Viewing | Member Showcase and Posters Reception

Anyone attending one or more days of the Summit may attend the Member Showcase.

7:30- 9:00 AM

Networking | Breakfast
Breakfast will be provided for all Summit attendees at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

9:00 – 9:45 AM
Livestreamed

Opening Remarks

9:45 – 10:00 AM
Livestreamed

Keynote

10:00 – 10:30 AM
Livestreamed

Overview and Elections Asks, Data-to-Policy Fellows Announcement

10:45 – 11:15 AM

Networking | Break
Exhibitor Booths

11:15 – 11:30 AM
Livestreamed

Keynote

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Livestreamed

Ceremony | Fourth Annual Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award
Join us as we announce the recipient of the Fourth Annual Munson Award, recognizing the leadership, determination and values that reflect a commitment to the creation of a National Autism Strategy. The winner will be presented with a piece of artwork crafted by an Autistic artist, symbolizing their outstanding contributions and impact.

12:00 – 1:30 PM

Networking | Lunch
Exhibitor Booths
Lunch will be provided for all Summit attendees at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.
Trainee Lunch Option.

12:30 – 1:15 PM

Francophone Lunch & Learn | Uniting Francophones: A conversation about language preferences
This engagement session is an opportunity to discover and give your feedback on the French Language Guide, a working document. We will explore the current use of preferred language by francophone autism communities in Canada. Participants are invited to share their comments in small groups and think about how to use the French Language Guide in their community. The Alliance is committed to strengthening and uniting the francophone collective voice across our country, which is only possible with you.

1:30 – 3:00 PM
Livestreamed

Panel | Advancing Access: Addressing Challenges in Screening, Diagnosis and Services
Part 1: Panel: Breaking Barriers:  Achieving Equitable Autism Services in Canada.
This session will take a forward-looking perspective into Priority Area 1 of Canada’s Autism Strategy. Speakers will identify what bold steps the government could take to make autism screening and services more accessible, what the challenges and opportunities are in providing diagnosis and support across the lifespan, and what success and progress would look like for this priority area.

Part 2: Table Discussion: Pathways to Progress: Bridging Gaps in Autism Diagnosis and Services.
Participants will work together at their tables to reflect on the previous panel discussion. Participants will discuss and brainstorm actionable steps towards improving access in autism screening, diagnosis, and services at regional and provincial/territorial levels, and recommend how the federal government can support equitable access to diagnosis and services. 

3:00 – 3:30 PM

Networking | Break
Exhibitor Booths

3:30 – 5:00 PM
Livestreamed

Panel | Advancing Data Collection, Public Health Surveillance, and Research that Benefits Autistic Canadians and their families
Part 1: Panel – Data for Inclusion: Shaping Policy and Research for Autistic Canadians
This session will take a deep dive into Priority Area 3 of Canada’s Autism Strategy. Speakers will discuss current mechanisms for public health surveillance for autism and the current realities of the Canadian Autism research landscape.  Speakers will identify areas where advancements and investments could be made to improve data collection, advance autism research and discuss opportunities for gathering meaningful data that would directly benefit autistic people and their families. 

Part 2: Table Discussion – From Numbers to Action: Advancing Research and Public Health for Autism
Participants will discuss connections between data, research, and practical outcomes that benefit the Autism community, and reflect on the panel discussion to consider bold actions, challenges, and opportunities in research and public health.

5:00 – 7:00 PM

Reception | Empowering Perspectives: An Evening of Art & Advocacy, Member Showcase and Posters Reception

Open to everyone, Empowering Perspectives: An Evening of Art & Advocacy will bring together members of the autism community, artists, and advocates  to celebrate creativity and call for meaningful change.

• Art, Silent Auction & Door Prizes
• Poster Displays & Member Showcase – Explore creative displays and engage with members showcasing their research, advocacy and journeys through lived experience

7:30 – 9:00 AM

Networking | Breakfast
Breakfast will be provided for all Summit attendees at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

9:00 – 9:15 AM
Livestreamed

Overview

9:15 – 9:30 AM
Livestreamed

Keynote

9:30 – 10:15 AM
Livestreamed

Panel | Creating a more inclusive Canada: Public Awareness, Understanding, and Acceptance (part 1)
Part 1: Panel: Building Awareness, Understanding, and Belonging
This session will explore Priority Area 4 of Canada’s Autism Strategy. Speakers will discuss what challenges and opportunities for creating more understanding of autistic people in society look like, and what outcomes, such as reduced stigma and inclusion, would indicate success in promoting autism acceptance.

10:15 – 10:30 AM

Networking | Break
Exhibitor Booths

10:30 – 11:15 AM
Livestreamed

Panel | Creating a more inclusive Canada: Public Awareness, Understanding, and Acceptance (part 2)
Part 2: Table Discussion: Bridging Hearts and Minds: Advancing Acceptance for Autistic Canadians
Participants will take time with their groups to reflect on the panel discussion, and will be encouraged to create meaningful dialogue around empathy, awareness, and actionable steps towards inclusivity.

11:15 – 11:30 AM
Livestreamed

Keynote

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Networking | Lunch
Exhibitor Booths
Lunch will be provided for all Summit attendees at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.
Please note that QuickStart Autism is hosting Autism on the Hill during lunch time. People who want to attend will have the opportunity to do so.

1:00 – 2:30 PM
Livestreamed

Panel | Navigating Success: Implementing Tools and Resources for Autistic People
Part 1: Panel Discussion: Equipped for Success: Tools for Autistic Canadians and their Families: This session will explore Priority Area 5 of Canada’s Autism Strategy: Tools and Resources.  The speakers will discuss initiatives and implementation activities that the Federal  government could support to ensure autistic individuals and their families have equitable access to tools and resources, as well as what results would show that Canada is improving support for autistic people.

Part 2. Table Discussion: Toolbox Talk: Sharing Strategies for Empowering Autistic Individuals: Participants will work together to discuss practical applications of tools and resources that benefit autistic people in their families, reflect on the panel discussion, and discuss gaps and solutions to ensuring autistic people and their families have access to impactful tools and resources. 

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Networking | Break
Exhibitor Booths

3:00 – 4:30 PM
Livestreamed

Panel | Strengthening Economic Inclusion for Autistic People in Canada
Part 1: Panel: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Economic Inclusion for Autistic Canadians
This session will take a deep dive into Priority Area 2 of Canada’s Autism Strategy: Economic Inclusion. Speakers will discuss what government initiatives or policies at the Federal Level could help autistic Canadians economically, and identify key opportunities that could be leveraged to increase economic inclusion. 

Part 2: Table Discussion: Opportunities for All: Advancing Workplace Inclusion and Economic Equity
Participants will collaborate to discuss actionable and practical strategies to improve economic outcomes for Autistic Canadians and consider the opportunities discussed in the panel discussion and what their organizations and local governments can do to align with national momentum. 

4:30 – 5:00 PM
Livestreamed

Closing Remarks
This session was made possible with the support of the Sinneave Family Foundation.

• Tanya McLeod, President at Sinneave Family Foundation