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Melanie Laurin, Autism Ontario’s French Languages Supervisor, was recently interviewed by Radio-Canada to discuss access to care for autistic children in the province, including supports currently in place that contribute to the well-being of children on the autism spectrum. Listen to the interview (in French).

Mme Mélanie Laurin, superviseure des services en français d’Autisme Ontario, a récemment rencontré Radio-Canada pour discuter de l’accès aux soins pour les enfants autistes dans la province, notamment des soutiens actuellement en place qui contribuent au bien-être des enfants autistes. Écouter l’entrevue.

Autism Ontario shares in the grief of Draven Graham’s death. Draven was an 11-year-old autistic boy who lived in Lindsay, Ontario. Our hearts go out to Draven’s family. This is a tragic outcome and a sad time for the autism community in Ontario. The death of young Draven represents an incalculable loss and prompted calls for action supporting changes to the province’s Amber Alert system to include autistic children. Autism Ontario issued a statement and was interviewed by various media on the issue. June 14, 2022 Amber Alert system needed for vulnerable children who go missing, online

Autism Ontario 2022 PRE-BUDGET CONSULTATION SUBMISSION February 11, 2022 Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy Minister of Finance c/o Budget Secretariat, Frost Building North, 3rd Floor 95 Grosvenor Street Toronto ON M7A 1Z1 Submitted by Email: submissions@ontario.ca Dear Minister Bethlenfalvy, Autism Ontario is grateful for the opportunity to have verbally presented key highlights of this submission to you and your team on January 28, 2022. As the province again reacted to the coronavirus pandemic for another year and with no clear end in sight, Autism Ontario continues its many programs online. We

Autism Ontario's Executive Director, Margaret Spoelstra, recently spoke with CBC about findings on caregivers' experiences resulting from Laurier Autism Research Consortium (LARC)'s Families in flux report. Spoelstra said the survey echoed what Autism Ontario has heard from families relating to access to supports for children on the autism spectrum across the province. Read the article.

Margaret Spoelstra, directrice générale d'Autisme Ontario, a récemment parlé à la CBC des conclusions du rapport Families in Flux, publié par le Laurier Autism Research Consortium (LARC), concernant les expériences vécues par les aidants. Selon Mme Spoelstra, l'enquête faisait écho aux commentaires formulés à Autisme Ontario par les familles au sujet de l'accès aux soutiens pour les enfants autistes de toute la province. Lire l'article. (en anglais)

Autism Ontario ANNOUNCED AS RECIPIENT OF AUTISM SPEAKS 2021 COMMUNITY GRANT Download the PDF FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, Ontario – April 13, 2022 Autism Ontario is pleased to announce that it is a recipient of the Autism Speaks Canada 2021 Community Grant, alongside its partners Variety Village / Variety – the Children’s Charity (Ontario), Apex Academy Online, and Partners for Planning for the Strong Minds Through Active Bodies: Promoting Autistic Mental Health Through Physical Activity and Planning project. Autism Speaks Canada 2021 Community Grants fund evidence-informed projects to

Autism Ontario CHoisi comme bÉnÉficiaire d'une subvention communautaire autism speaks canada pour 2021 Télécharger le PDF POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE – Toronto (Ontario) – le 24 mars 2022 Autisme Ontario a le plaisir d’annoncer qu’il est le bénéficiaire d’une subvention communautaire Autism Speaks Canada 2021, avec ses partenaires Variety Village / Variety - the Children’s Charity (Ontario) et Apex Academy Online, ainsi que Partners for Planning pour le programme Strong Minds Through Active Bodies: Promoting Autistic Mental Health Through Physical Activity and Planning. Les subventions

Great news! Families who need support for their child on the autism spectrum this summer can now apply for the One to One Summer Support Worker Reimbursement Fund until May 31, 2022. The 2022 One to One Summer Support Worker Reimbursement Fund is available to Ontario families of children or youth with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis who retain the services of a one-to-one support worker or send their child to a camp or in-person or virtual program. Maximum reimbursements of $600 per child or youth (up to their 18th birthday) will be made to subsidize services purchased between July and

Oyez Oyez! Les familles qui aimeraient avoir du soutien pour leur enfant autiste cet été peuvent maintenant présenter, jusqu’au 31 mai 2022, une demande au Fonds de remboursement des travailleurs de soutien individuel pour l'été. Le fonds de remboursement des travailleurs de soutien individuel pour l’été 2022 est mis à la disposition des familles ontariennes avec des enfants ou adolescents autistes qui font appel aux services d’un travailleur de soutien individuel ou pour que leur enfant puisse participer à un camp ou à un programme durant la période estivale. Un remboursement maximum de 600 $

On December 3, 2021, The Government of Ontario made an announcement, Ontario Increasing Access to Services for Children with Autism, which included news about the new Independent Intake Organization (IIO). The IIO will make it easier for families to access services in the needs-based Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and help families navigate the program from intake to funding. The IIO will be delivered through a partnership between Accerta Services Inc., McMaster University (Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA) and the Offord Centre for Child Studies), HealthCare 365, and

Le 3 décembre 2021, le gouvernement de l'Ontario a fait une annonce, « L’Ontario améliore l’accès aux services pour les enfants autistes », portant notamment sur le nouvel organisme indépendant de réception des demandes. L’organisme indépendant de réception des demandes permettra aux familles d’accéder plus facilement au Programme ontarien des services en matière d'autisme (POSA), fondé sur les besoins, et à s’orienter dans le Programme depuis la présentation de la demande jusqu’à la réception du financement. L’organisme indépendant de réception des demandes sera le fruit d’un partenariat

My name is Connor and I am 20 years old. I love Thomas and Friends—it’s my favourite show. I love the Railway Series written by the Rev. W. Awdry and his son Christopher. I make my own Thomas fan series on YouTube! My channel is called Duck Show Studios. My stories are about a variety of characters. I try to stay true to the original Thomas books and TV show, and I film the stories with my wooden engines. I started filming the stories in 2018 with my first season. Season One has stories which are sort of mismatched because one could be from the fall of 2018 and then some could be from the

Cassandre Mentor, of Ottawa, Ontario, takes a unique view of her son’s autism, turning their experiences into a series of comic strips. Not only do they reflect the lived experience that Cassandre shares with her son, but they do so with a sense of honesty, compassion and, above all, gentle humour. Cassandre reflects on how her son, who turned three last February, became her creative source. As she became a mother, she learned to see life’s challenges as fun opportunities. And all the time, Cassandre was making comic strips up in her head. “I tend to think about them as stories, whether they

People belong to various groups. We are linked to certain groups because of interests and similarities. Firstly, I belong to my family. It is my most important group of all. It is based on love. As a family, we share special memories as we are always doing activities together. It is my favourite group because they help me to be someone. My family takes such good care of me and wants me to succeed at school and have a good life. Also, I belong to a school group. In this group, we find teachers and friends that accept me and help me become better. My new school is great because no one treats me

Les gens appartiennent à divers groupes. Nos intérêts et nos similitudes nous liens à certains groupes. Tout d’abord, j’appartiens à ma famille. C’est le groupe le plus important pour moi. C’est basé sur l’amour. En famille, nous partageons des souvenirs spéciaux puisque nous faisons toujours des activités ensemble. Ma famille est mon groupe préféré, car elle m’aide à être quelqu’un. Ma famille prend très bien soin de moi, et elle souhaite que je réussisse à l’école et que j’aie une belle vie. J’appartiens également à un groupe scolaire. Ce groupe est composé de professeurs et d’amis qui m

Crystal Hunter, directrice des communications et du développement des ressources pour Autisme Ontario, a récemment parlé à CityTV News Toronto des impacts négatifs de l'apprentissage en ligne sur le bien-être physique et mentale des enfants atteints du spectre autistique. Lire l'article (en anglais seulement).

C’est la jour de la Famille en Ontario! Saviez-vous qu’Autisme Ontario offre toute une variété d’activités, de groupes de soutien et de webinaires en ligne pour toute la famille? Que vous souhaitiez apprendre quelque chose de nouveau, connaître d’autres personnes ou tout simplement vous amuser ensemble, nous offrons aux familles de nombreuses occasions de se réunir à l’intérieur de leur collectivité et de tisser des liens dans des milieux conviviaux pour l’autisme. Activités virtuelles et à domicile et occasions d’apprentissage social Nous avons une activité pour chaque famille! Conçues pour

The monthly Black Caregivers Circle began after a workshop titled ‘Building Resilience for Black Caregivers’ which I provided to Autism Ontario. This workshop aimed to recognize the significance of race in the experience of being a Black caregiver in Canada. Using an intersectional lens, the workshop delved into the myriad of factors that impact the daily lives of both caregivers and individuals living with the challenges of autism. Intersectionality is a theory that highlights the ways in which we are shaped in a society via the interaction between constructs such as race, gender, ability

I am excited to share with you that we are busy planning and preparing for our 2022 World Autism Day celebration activities. In the coming weeks we’ll share how you can join us in celebrating the leadup to World Autism Day on Saturday, April 2, 2022, and throughout the month of April across the province. Although we will not be distributing flags this year as the primary symbol of celebration representing World Autism Day, we are thrilled to share our new theme representing our World Autism Day events and activities: Celebrate the Spectrum. Inclusion is a practice woven throughout Autism

Je suis ravie de vous annoncer que nous sommes en pleins préparatifs de nos activités de célébration de la Journée mondiale de l’autisme 2022. Au cours des prochaines semaines, nous vous expliquerons comment vous joindre à nous pour célébrer le spectre dans toute la province, aussi bien en amont de la Journée mondiale de l’autisme, qui aura lieu le samedi 2 avril 2022, qu’en aval tout au long du mois d’avril. Même si Autisme Ontario ne distribuera pas cette année de drapeaux comme principal symbole de célébration pour la Journée mondiale de l’autisme, nous avons le grand plaisir de vous

February is here! This month our email inboxes will be flooded with messages of love, caring and chocolate. And usually they’re about doing something or buying something for someone else. But this month, how about a Valentine’s Day gift for YOU? Let’s face it – the pandemic has been challenging for all of us on so many levels. We’ve missed seeing people who make us laugh and doing things that make us happy. We’ve had to postpone vacations and take on extra caregiving responsibilities and more. So this month, we invite you to set aside some quality time – a date with yourself. Why not spend a

During the pandemic, many are suffering great hardships – particularly people living in poverty and those who rely on flexible, accessible, and accommodating community support, including autistic adults. The individuals and families we serve in our Adult Support Programs are experiencing significant upheaval throughout the pandemic. Many people have told us they have become deeply isolated and lost time with friends. They have also lost access to opportunities that support greater community inclusion, access to and accommodation within education and employment environments, as well as lost

It’s Family Day in Ontario! Did you know that Autism Ontario offers a variety of online events, support groups, and webinars for the whole family? Whether you’re interested in learning something new, connecting with others, or just looking to have fun together, we’ve got so many opportunities for families to come together and connect in autism-friendly environments within their community. Virtual and Home-Based Events & Social Learning Opportunities We have something for every family! Designed for children and youth on the autism spectrum, and their families and caregivers, Social Learning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, Ontario – January 19, 2023 Statement by Autism Ontario on the Passing of the Honourable David C. Onley Autism Ontario extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Honourable David C. Onley, 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. We remember Mr. Onley, who served as Lieutenant Governor from 2007 to 2014, as a fierce advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and an example to all who had the great privilege of meeting him. As Vice-Regal Patron of Autism Ontario, he was present at many of Autism Ontario’s events during his tenure and

POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE – Toronto (Ontario) – le 19 janvier 2023 Déclaration d'Autisme Ontario sur le décès de l'honorable David C. Onley Autisme Ontario souhaite offrir ses plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de l'honorable David C. Onley, 28e lieutenant-gouverneur de l'Ontario. Nous nous souvenons de M. Onley, qui a été lieutenant-gouverneur de 2007 à 2014, comme étant un défenseur acharné des droits des personnes handicapées et un modèle pour quiconque a eu le privilège de le rencontrer. En tant que mécène vice-royal d'Autisme Ontario, il a assisté pendant son mandat à de

Remembering Lisa Sharpe: A Loving Mother, Devoted Caregiver, and Dear Friend to the Autism Community [Toronto, Ontario] It is with a heavy heart that Autism Ontario extends its sympathies upon hearing of the tragic death of Lisa Sharpe, a beloved member of the autism community and a dedicated mother and caregiver. Lisa was a shining example of unwavering strength, compassion, and advocacy for mental health and well-being. Her contributions to the lives of the children and families she touched through her 25 years of caregiving are immeasurable and her loss is deeply felt. Lisa was a proud

Human Rights Tribunal Finds Granite Club Discriminated Against Member on Basis of Disability [Toronto, Ontario] Autism Ontario, Autism Speaks Canada, and PooranLaw are pleased to share a recent win before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO), upholding the rights of people with disabilities. In NJ v. Granite Club, the respondent, a private family, athletic, and social club in Toronto, was found to have violated the Ontario Human Rights Code by discriminating against Niam Jain – an autistic teenage boy – and failing to provide him with appropriate accommodations. PooranLaw lawyers Faisal

Le Tribunal des droits de la personne de l’Ontario conclut que le Granite Club a fait preuve de discrimination à l'égard d'un membre en raison de son handicap [Toronto, Ontario] Autisme Ontario, Autism Speaks Canada et PooranLaw saluent une récente décision du Tribunal des droits de la personne de l'Ontario (TDPO) qui confirme les droits des personnes handicapées. Dans la cause NJ c. Granite Club, la partie défenderesse, un club familial, sportif et social privé de Toronto, a été reconnue coupable d'avoir enfreint le Code des droits de la personne de l'Ontario en faisant preuve de

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, Ontario – November 4, 2022 Statement by Autism Ontario: Autistic Students Left Behind Again Autism Ontario calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations with CUPE education workers. We recognize that engaged education workers are essential to support autistic students and students who learn differently. Autism Ontario believes that to be engaged, education workers require fair and equitable negotiation, working conditions, and compensation. Research has shown that students with disabilities have been disproportionately negatively affected by school