Click here to download the Effective Election Advocacy resource package to assist you in engaging with key decision makers at any time about the issues that matter most to you.

Click here to download our voting tip sheet on 'How to Find your Electoral District'.

This 'My Voting Support Needs' form can be completed, printed, and brought with you as a communication tool for advance poll voting or on election day. To download the PDF, click here.

David Conforti was a remarkable and caring young man who made a difference in his community and inspired others through his volunteer work in York Region, Ontario. His family has described him as someone who never thought of his autism as a barrier throughout his life; to him, autism is “a difference that makes us who we are.”

In order to recognize the importance that volunteering had on David’s life, and to further encourage and recognize volunteerism with community impact among other people with autism, his family, together with the Autism Ontario – York Region Chapter, created The David Conforti Reach for the Stars Award, as a lasting tribute and in memory of David Conforti’s life.

Applications close June 10, 2022.

Autism Ontario is excited to introduce a brand new French Facebook page for our Francophone community! The content on this page will be published entirely in French and will include both our regular programming and event updates as well as other French Language Service news and highlights.

Recognizing that there are autistic Francophones in every region of the province, Autism Ontario strives to provide resources and French Language Services of superior quality to every individual and family who requires them.

We will be gradually transitioning our French Facebook content to this new page over the next several weeks. Follow us on Facebook at Autisme Ontario Provincial using the link below!

If you have any questions, please reach out to our French Language Specialist at melanie@autismontario.com.

On May 12, 2022, the Senate of Canada went through the third reading of Bill S-203, and voted unanimously to support an adoption on 'An Act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder, as amended'. This is an important step in moving closer to making Canada's National Autism Strategy a reality.

At Autism Ontario, we recognize that language is powerful. We understand that the language we use can educate, frame ideas and perspectives, and empower, but that it can also harm and stigmatize. The use of referential language as it relates to autism is a sensitive, important, ongoing conversation.

We developed this language statement while intentionally listening to, learning from, and including all autistic voices to guide our choices relating to language. 

Sumera Garcia-Quadri and guests are making Friday nights at home FUN with virtual dance fitness classes combining easy-to-follow dances, exercises, and Bollywood tunes and rhythms. This event is for kids, youth, families, and caregivers.

Click here for 'World of Dance' night!

Do you have questions about the Interim One-Time Funding process? Have you received an Interim One-Time Funding form? Do you have questions about eligible expenses?

This workshop is available to all parents and caregivers, and is designed to empower you with information. Whether your child is registered for the Ontario Autism Program or waiting for Interim One-Time Funding, this workshop will cover what you need to know.

Do you have a quick question about the Ontario Autism Program that you need answered? This is your opportunity to ‘Ask a Service Navigator’ and speak to an Autism Ontario representative for a few minutes. Staff from various regions of the province will be present and a bilingual service navigator will be available to answer questions in French.

The circle’s mission is simple: to provide a safe and understanding environment where mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and any caregiver to a black autistic individual can share their own journey of supporting their child. Through compassion, laughter, and tears, group members share, listen, and give advice.

Ausome Moms is a new virtual support group for mothers, mother figures, and caregivers who identify as female who are looking for support and connection with other mothers who have autistic children. It’s a great opportunity to come together and talk about life’s challenges and victories, and share resources in an informal setting.

Dads and caregivers who identify as male are invited to join this casual session and socialize with others. Autism Ontario staff will facilitate group activities.

This webinar will explore various ways to integrate sensory friendly adaptations to approach food, listen to music, and participate in movement and activities. This webinar will conclude with an interactive “sensory scavenger hunt”.

Examples of strategies will include sensory tools (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools), environmental modifications (e.g., a “cozy corner”), as well as exercises and activities that can be incorporated into the daily routine (e.g., chair or wall push-ups).

In this discussion, our panelists shared their own journeys and perspectives of navigating systemic barriers while engaging in positive advocacy with elected officials and within systems to affect positive change.

Autism Ontario webinars are an interactive, easy-to-understand resource for autistic people, parents, professionals, and educators.

If you are a recipient of OAP funding and want to find a local Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, or Clinical Supervisor of Applied Behaviour Analysis with demonstrated experience working with autistic children and youth, check out the OAP Provider List!

The OAP Provider List is an online listing that Ontario families can use to search for, select, and confirm the qualifications of those providing services funded by the Ontario Autism Program.

The OAP Service Navigation Program is a free service open to anyone looking for information or guidance on autism services in their community.

Stay informed with your Regional Newsletter! Did you know each of the seven Autism Ontario regions across Ontario has its very own newsletter? These newsletters showcase programs, activities, and events happening in their communities and keep readers advised of upcoming opportunities. If you would like to register for your local Regional Newsletter, please be sure to choose your local Region when registering.

Autism Ontario has established a volunteer panel that will be include adult self-advocates from the Central West and Central East regions who can contribute to program development and learning opportunities.

Groups are a great way to connect with other families and brainstorm ideas on different supports and services in your area.

We are working with local businesses and shops to provide take home kits – from ceramic painting to birdhouse making, there are lots of choices!

During these sessions, our Service Navigators will lead you through the OAP reconciliation process.