Written by a parent for parents, this toolkit offers considerations in seeking safety for autistic children. Areas in which an autistic individual may grapple with issues of safety are addressed, along with ideas for moving forward and developing a safety plan.

The York Regional Police Project Lifesaver Program combines radio technology with a coordinated police response to locate wandering and disoriented loved ones due to autism, Alzheimer's, or other conditions.

This workshop is offered by Kinark Child and Family Services on August 11th.

In this session, you will learn tips and tools to help anticipate the risks, avoid the dangers, and teach the skills your child needs to stay safe at home and in the community.

We want to hear from you! Autism Ontario is gathering important readership information about our quarterly magazine, Autism Matters. Your responses will be kept anonymous and will help us to plan and develop content that matters to you.

The Building Brighter Futures Fund provides financial assistance directly to autistic adults in Ontario through a reimbursement of funds spent to access greater participation in their local communities.

Program fees for recreation or skill development, respite, professional supports, tuition, or other creative solutions connected to building life plans for autistic adults will be considered for subsidy. Successful candidates will receive reimbursement of up to $500.

Note: Applications open on July 11th.

Are you an autistic adult? Consider participating in Holland-Bloorview's research study to explore aging and brain function amongst autistic adults. Participants will receive $100 per study session as reimbursement.

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.

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.

Learn about some of the latest research in the autism community, including 'Autism in the 2SLGBTQ+ Community' and 'Autism and Indigenous Peoples'.

Caregivers in Canada are in tremendous need of support. The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) is a new initiative powered by the Azrieli Foundation and seeks to improve the experiences of caregivers and care providers (those who provide paid care) across the country.

CCCE is working with caregiver and disability-focused organizations, like Autism Ontario, to translate knowledge into practice, scale what works, fill gaps through innovation and convene those in the field. Most importantly, CCCE will work with people with lived experience every step of the way to make sure the programs and initiatives it supports is meaningful to all those who provide care.

Although CCCE just launched, it already has several programs and initiatives underway that will have a positive impact on caregivers and care providers across the country. It is also growing a network of passionate advocates and allies, Caregivers CAN, to be a part of a movement calling for important public policy reform. To learn more about the centre and register to be a part of Caregivers CAN, visit their website and sign up for the newsletter.

Autism Ontario, in partnership with the Holland Bloorview Social Workers, is pleased to invite you to a virtual support group. Parents and caregivers are invited to make their favourite beverage and connect with us virtually. This will be a wonderful opportunity to share stories and resources.

Examples of topics that will be discussed include respite, funding, and camp. You are welcome to bring your own topic ideas.

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.

In this webinar, parents and caregivers will get a better understanding of what autism is and how Autism Ontario can support their child and family. It will provide information on the various services and supports that Autism Ontario can offer and how to get help. At the end of the webinar, families will have an opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussion with a member of the Autism Ontario team.

Click here for our Introduction to Autism and Autism Ontario for Professionals webinar on July 19th.

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.

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!

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