We are excited to share an early look at the 12th Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS) 2026, taking place April 14–16, 2026, in Ottawa and via livestream.
CALS brings together Autistic self-advocates, family members, researchers, policymakers, service providers, and community leaders from across Canada to strengthen our collective voice and advance priorities under Canada’s Autism Strategy. CALS is where ideas turn into action, and where Autism Alliance of Canada listens, convenes, and drives impact.
This year’s program is grounded in dialogue, accountability, and systems change, with space for deep discussion on what is working, what must change, and how we move forward together.
Program Highlights:
Across the Summit, our panels will explore critical systems shaping Autistic lives across the lifespan:
- Precision, Not One-Size: Personalizing Care
Exploring what personalized, needs-based health care could look like when systems adapt to people, not the other way around. This panel will examine access, equity, accountability, and the role of lived experience in shaping precision care in Canada. - System Navigation & Care Pathways: Finding the Way – What Works, What’s Missing, and What We Can Build Together
Focusing on one of the most persistent challenges for Autistic people and families: navigating fragmented systems. This session looks at what works, what’s missing, and how navigation can become a measurable, accountable part of service delivery nationwide. - Equity as Infrastructure: Community-Driven Autism System Design Exploring how equity must anchor Canada’s Autism Strategy implementation. This panel highlights Indigenous leadership, culturally grounded approaches, and accountability for communities who continue to be excluded from autism systems.
- Education Futures: Supporting Autistic Learners Beyond the Now
Highlighting education as an early connector and systems anchor, this discussion explores inclusive design, educator training, transitions, and how schools can better support Autistic learners beyond the classroom.
- Mental Health & Wellbeing: Beyond Labels – Mental Health Care That Understands Autism
Reimagining mental health care that genuinely understands autism, across communication styles, support needs, and the lifespan. This panel will address late diagnosis, non-speaking individuals, caregiver wellbeing, and neuro-affirming care.
Why This Matters
Each panel is designed not just to inform, but to shape Autism Alliance of Canada’s advocacy, policy monitoring, and accountability work. Together, these conversations will help us:
- Identify clear indicators to track Canada’s Autism Strategy implementation
- Elevate Autistic voices and community-defined priorities
- Strengthen federal, provincial, and community-level accountability
- Build shared direction for more inclusive, equitable systems across Canada
Special Feature for the 12th Canadian Autism Leadership Summit
CALS 2026 also includes One Day AI Symposium: AI & Autism: Innovation for Inclusion – The symposium will highlight emerging technologies, community-driven solutions, and meaningful applications of AI that support Autistic people and their families.
We look forward to welcoming you, whether in Ottawa or online, for meaningful discussion, connection, and collective action. CALS is a space to listen, challenge, and move forward together.
Join the conversation!
Join us April 14-16, 2026 at the Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa, and livestream.