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On the Spectrum is an Israeli television series that depicts the lives of three autistic young adults who live together – Ron, Zohar, and Armit (played respectively by Niv Majar, Naomi Levov, and Ben Yosipovich). Filmed as a series of ten 30-minute episodes in 2018, it is unique in that it features autistic actors playing the lead roles. The program is currently being streamed on CBC Gem. On the surface, On the Spectrum would seem to answer the demands of many autistic self-advocates for better representation of autistic people in the media. But how does our panel of self-advocates see this

Autism Ontario and the Art Gallery of Ontario Celebrate the Spectrum on World Autism Day [Toronto, Ontario] On April 2, 2023, Autism Ontario and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) collaborated to celebrate World Autism Day with “Celebrating the Spectrum". Celebrating the Spectrum aimed to create positive change and advocate for support and services for autistic individuals. The day was filled with family-friendly activities and programs, including art making, family-friendly tours of the AGO Collection, a self-guided activity book, and a maker station. Additionally, families were able to pick up

As we move through the winter season, Autism Ontario remains focused on our mission and the needs of the autistic community. This offers a chance for both reflection on our past achievements and anticipation for future endeavors. Throughout 2023, Autism Ontario has exemplified innovation and resilience. Responding to evolving needs within the autism community, we expanded our reach through over 42,000 Service Navigation Conversations, offering multilingual support to families and autistic adults. Our commitment to providing comprehensive care coordination as part of AccessOAP has been strong

As We See It, the story of three twenty-something adult autistics sharing an apartment, has gained much positive attention from the autistic community for its portrayal of people on the spectrum. As We See It is based on the 2018 Israeli television production, On the Spectrum (see the Spring 2022 issue of Autism Matters for our review). The 2022 Amazon Prime production features autistic actors in the leading roles of Jack (played by Rick Glassman), Harrison (played by Albert Rutecki), and Violet (played by Sue Ann Pien). Autism Ontario assembled a panel of adults on the spectrum to discuss As

Nous offrons nos condoléances et notre solidarité aux familles touchées par les récents événements survenus à Beating the Odds [Toronto, Ontario] Nos pensées accompagnent les familles touchées par les récents événements survenus à Beating the Odds IBI & Child Development Services, dans le canton d'Essa. Autisme Ontario comprend la détresse et l'inquiétude causées par cette situation chez les parents, en particulier ceux qui avaient confié à cet établissement la responsabilité d’offrir à leurs enfants les soins et le soutien qu’ils méritent. La sécurité et le bien-être des enfants passent avant

Autism Ontario Celebrates 50 Years at Ripley's Aquarium [Toronto, Ontario] Autism Ontario celebrated a momentous occasion with an extraordinary event at Ripley's Aquarium in honour of its 50th anniversary. The event, held on November 4th, witnessed an incredible turnout, with nearly 1,600 enthusiastic attendees, including 30 Autism Ontario staff members, who all embraced and enjoyed this memorable experience. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Mayor Olivia Chow and the Honourable Michael Parsa, who provided speeches and added to the excitement of the day. “Congratulations to 50

Offering Sympathy and Solidarity in Supporting Families Affected by Recent Events at Beating the Odds [Toronto, Ontario] Our hearts go out to the families affected by the recent events at Beating the Odds IBI & Child Development Services in Essa Township. Autism Ontario understands that this situation has caused distress and concern among parents, especially those who trusted the facility to provide the care and support their children deserve. The safety and well-being of children are of paramount importance, and we acknowledge the emotions families may be experiencing during this difficult

Addressing the Misuse of Autism as a Legal Defense in Criminal Trials [Toronto, Ontario] Autism Ontario is deeply troubled by the recent developments in two ongoing criminal trials in Ontario, where the defense has cited autism as a mitigating factor in the alleged crimes. Both legal teams are attempting to establish a potential defense strategy of 'Not Criminally Responsible Due to Autism.' This approach follows the precedent set by Justice Molloy in the 2018 Toronto van attack trial. Autism should not be used as a legal defense to evade responsibility for criminal actions. Autism is a

Autism Ontario Celebrates its 50th Anniversary – A Letter from our CEO, Margaret Spoelstra, and our President of the Board, Kim Moore [Toronto, Ontario] Autism Ontario is marking its 50th anniversary this year, and we learned that when people come together to create change, they can move mountains. Our journey is one of hope, perseverance, and, most importantly, information and advocacy. A group of determined volunteer parents came together in 1973 with a shared goal to create a brighter future for their autistic children, and they founded the organization as a registered charity which sparked

Autisme Ontario célèbre son 50e anniversaire - Lettre de notre chef de la direction, Margaret Spoelstra, et de la présidente de notre conseil d’administration, Kim Moore [Toronto, Ontario] Autisme Ontario célèbre cette année son 50e anniversaire, et nous avons appris que lorsque les gens unissent leur forces pour créer du changement, ils peuvent déplacer des montagnes. Notre parcours est fait d’espoir, de persévérance et, surtout, d’information et de revendication. En 1973, un groupe de parents-bénévoles déterminés et ayant pour objectif commun de forger un avenir meilleur pour leurs enfants

Regulatory Changes in Ontario for Behaviour Analysts: Almost There but Still Work to be Done [Toronto, Ontario] The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has played a pivotal role in shaping the field of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) since the early 2000s, notably through its involvement in the launch of the Ontario Autism Program. Serving as the primary credentialing body in the United States and Canada, the BACB has consistently upheld high standards of practice. It has introduced various tiered certifications, such as the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst- Doctoral® (BCBA-D®), Board