National Autism Strategy - 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.

Fostering Inclusion: Exploring the needs of Autistic Adults in Canada An Autistic-led survey Report now available

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.

Momentum from CALS2023 Drives Initiatives and Shapes Collective Action

December 13, 2023

Autism Alliance of Canada is developing an exciting agenda for the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2024), building on the core conversations that took place at CALS2023, as well as exploring new directions under our three themes: Inform, Implement and Innovate.

CALS2023 participants gathered in a Hall

A Better Way Forward

September 14, 2023

Since the Government of Canada announced its commitment to creating a National Autism Strategy, Autism Alliance of Canada has engaged in meaningful work in the autism and disability sectors, at the national, provincial/territorial and local levels. Our process supports robust collaboration, partnerships and member engagement to promote inclusion for Autistic people in Canada and their loved ones.

National Consultation Announcement: Informing the Development of a National Autism Network

July 12, 2023

Autism Alliance of Canada would like to share that an important step towards advancing Canada’s National Autism Strategy is now underway. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reached out to Autism Alliance of Canada, the Pacific Autism Family Network and Autism Speaks Canada to collaborate in outlining plans for a National Autism Network to help action the national strategy.

Inside of House of Commons during Bill S-203 adoption process

Autism Alliance of Canada Applauds Adoption of Federal Framework to Support Autistic People in Canada

March 29, 2023

On March 28, 2023, by unanimous consent, Bill S-203, “An Act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder,” was adopted at Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons.

Autism Alliance of Canada’s Response to PHAC’s National Autism Conference

December 21, 2022

Following the National Autism Conference, hosted by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on November 15 and 16, Autism Alliance of Canada and its members are cautiously optimistic about the next steps for a National Autism Strategy (NAS).

CAHS Assessment on Autism Report is Now Available

May 12, 2022

The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) releases the Assessment of the Autism report: “Autism in Canada: Considerations for future public policy development.“

A new report from the Public Health Agency of Canada: What this report tells us

February 15, 2022

An overview of the main takeaways from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)'s “Autism spectrum disorder: Highlights from the 2019 Canadian health survey on children and youth.”

National Autism Strategy

Funding change in B.C. speaks to urgent need for National Autism Strategy

December 1, 2021

Autism Alliance of Canada urges prioritization of a National Autism Strategy in the wake of BC announcing the implementation of a new service system for neurodiverse children that prevents access to individualized funding for families.