News - Autism Alliance of Canada

Charting a Path to Inclusion: Realizing the Promise of Canada’s National Autism Strategy

July 25, 2024

At least one million Canadians are autistic, which is approximately the population of Winnipeg or New Brunswick. Yet, despite that significant number, autistic people in Canada face significant barriers to full participation in society; encountering discrimination, stigma, poorer health and educational outcomes, and alarmingly low employment rates compared to their non-autistic counterparts. This stark reality violates their human rights and demands urgent action.

Empowering Autistic Canadians: Autism Alliance of Canada’s Key Recommendations for Federal Budget 2025

July 24, 2024

Autism Alliance of Canada is pleased to present its 2025 federal budget recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. We have created a comprehensive Pre-Budget Consultation Toolkit. This resource includes our template, guidelines, and tips to support you as you develop your brief.

A tribute to Cynthia Carroll

July 12, 2024

As Cynthia Carroll moves on to a new professional challenge, leaving Autism Nova Scotia and joining the government of Nova Scotia’s public service, we at Autism Alliance of Canada take this moment to recognize her tremendous contributions to the many successes of Autism Alliance of Canada (formerly known as CASDA) and her leading by example.

Pandemic Canadian Autism Needs Assessment Survey Results Now Available

May 17, 2024

Nationwide survey gathering responses from 1,334 Autistic people and caregivers demonstrates continuing and lasting impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Autistic people in Canada.

CALS2024 Artist Spotlight: Introducing Elsbeth Dodman

May 3, 2024

Elbseth Dodman is an autistic artist living in London Ontario. Her work was presented to Siyu (Suzanna) Chen, recipient of the 3rd Annual Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award at our 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2024).

Siyu (Suzanna) Chen Presented with Third Annual Jim & Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award (2024)

May 3, 2024

Siyu (Suzanna) Chen, an autistic person who is passionate about disability equality and youth leadership, was presented with theThird Annual Jim & Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award during the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit hosted by Autism Alliance of Canada (2024).

10th Summit Brings Together Canada’s Leading Autism Advocates and Experts, United in Their Call for a National Autism Strategy

April 24, 2024

Autism Alliance of Canada hosted the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2024), a three-day event that welcomed Autistic persons, family members, researchers, politicians, service providers and policy makers from across the country. CALS2024 focused on informing policies that addresses the diverse needs of Autistic people and their families, implementing policies, programs, services and supports with the potential to strengthen the impact of the National Autism Strategy and innovating through the valuable processes, promising and emerging practices, ideas, and research that can advance our collective work.

Joint Statement from National Disability Network’s Response to Budget 2024

April 18, 2024

Today, the National Disability Network expresses its disappointment in Budget 2024’s underwhelming investment of $6 a day for people with disabilities. Tuesday’s budget announced funding for the Canada Disability Benefit—a maximum annual amount of $2,400 or $200 per month. The National Disability Network had advocated for an adequate investment to the Canada Disability Benefit based on the recommendations proposed by the Parliamentary Budget Office. Reaction from the disability community has been unanimous that this initial investment creates little impact for removing people with disabilities from poverty. It does not consider the official poverty line nor the unique costs of living as a person with a disability. It simply is not enough.

A Gift to Establish the National Centre for Autism Collaboration (NCAC)

April 17, 2024

On April 17, 2024, the Joyce Family Foundation, The Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, McMaster University, and the Sinneave Family Foundation announced a gift towards the creation of the National Centre for Autism Collaboration (NCAC) to elevate and accelerate the impact of evidence on the care and lives of Autistic people and their families across Canada.

Autism Alliance of Canada Publishes Findings of an Autistic-led Survey Exploring the Needs of Autistic Adults

April 2, 2024

Autism Alliance of Canada is proud to share findings from the first part of the Canadian Autistic Adult Needs Assessment Survey, an Autistic-led research project focused on understanding the real-life needs of Autistic adults in Canada.

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