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At this time of year, we naturally reflect on what has happened in our lives and around the world. And in the brief moments of stillness or chaos of the year-end holiday celebrations, we can reflect on what truly matters and express our gratitude. We look forward to the coming year with renewed optimism and how we may renew ourselves and positively impact the world we live in. As I look back at the past year, I am grateful for your continued and active support. Although the pandemic and other events have made 2021 a challenging year, Autism Ontario has continued with the work of making autism

AUTISM ONTARIO AND APEX ACADEMY ONLINE HELP AUTISTIC JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS WITH AUTISM CAREER CONNECTIONS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, Ontario – November 3, 2021 For people on the autism spectrum, job hunting and securing employment can be incredibly difficult. Facing barriers related to inherent hiring biases and a lack of understanding of how autistic talent can contribute greatly to the workforce, autistic job seekers face an uphill battle. Autism Ontario and its community partners have been looking at ways to change this, by giving autistic youth and adults who are looking for work

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

~ 2 minute read Trigger Warning: Police; Murder 1 in 5 teens with autism will be stopped and questioned by police by the age of 21. Autistic adults are five times more likely to be jailed than their neurotypical peers! Black men and boys are almost 3 times more likely than white men and boys to be killed by police. Black girls and women are almost 2 times more likely than while women and girls to be killed by police. Consequently, if you have a black and autistic child, you must prepare them for interactions with law enforcement within their social skills repertoire. Here are some tips: Plan

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

Click here to download the full PDF. Autism Ontario is pleased to announce the recipients of the Gerry Bloomfield Awards for 2020: David Baker, Brendon Pooran, and Connie Putterman. These individuals have been recognized for their outstanding professional contributions to the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Autism Ontario is thrilled to recognize the critical role they have played in the lives of people on the autism spectrum and their families. Gerry Bloomfield was a founding member of OSAC (Ontario Society for Autistic Children), which later became Autism Ontario. These awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, April 11, 2019 Autism Ontario Responds to the 2019 Ontario Budget Download the PDF Link Autism Ontario is committed to supporting families through this province-wide program change Ontario’s first Progressive Conservative government in 15 years presented its budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year today, giving families with autistic loved ones a solid idea of the autism-specific funding to expect from the province for the next four years. Outlined in today’s budget was the previously announced government plan to eliminate the waitlist for children and youth

Today researchers at Wilfrid Laurier University's Laurier Autism Research Consortium (LARC) released their new report, "Families in flux: Findings from the 2021 Ontario Autism Caregiver Survey" on education, service access, and well-being in the context of COVID-19. Read the full report on LARC's website.

Autism Ontario aims to support and advocate for all autistic individuals across the province, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, religion or gender identity. The recent harrowing events remind us of the systemic injustices that have always and continue to exist for many of our marginalized members of society. These deep-rooted barriers are especially amplified for people who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Along with the obstacles people on the autism spectrum may face, Black and Indigenous autistic people and their communities also struggle to acquire equitable access to

Autism Ontario celebrates International Women's Day 2021 in Ontario by honouring: Autistic girls and women of all ages who find ways, despite increased rates of mental health challenges during a pandemic, to learn online, adapt to new ways of being with family members during lockdowns, and share their stories and artwork with us. Amazing women caregivers/parents who, compared to men, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in their roles as caregivers, in their own loss of income or employment due to becoming at-home teachers because their children couldn't attend school safely; and

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

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

2 minute read - This holiday season, won’t it be wonderful to look someone in the eye again in person, see a smile, and share in the festivities? This is truly one of the best gifts we could receive. We will have a chance to do something kind, whether it's by sharing a meal, giving a present, or even hugging a special person! Autism Ontario was blessed with acts of kindness all year. We are grateful to the staff and volunteers who stay steadfast in their efforts to make a difference for people with autism. We have been able to continue to support thousands of people across Ontario. And we are

Les familles d’enfants, d’adolescents et d’adultes ayant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA), ou autres troubles connexes, ne disposent pas toujours des habiletés et de la confiance nécessaires pour soulever leurs préoccupations avec aisance et de manière constructive auprès des systèmes de services sociaux. Néanmoins, les familles ont parfois plus de poids politique qu’elles n’en sont conscientes lorsque vient le temps d’apporter des changements dans les systèmes d’éducation, de développement, de santé et de services sociaux (Schields, 1987). Quand elles soulèvent des inquiétudes, les

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, March 3, 2021 Statement by Autism Ontario: Guilty Verdict in Toronto Van Attack Trial has Lasting Implications for Autism Community Statement by Autism Ontario: Guilty Verdict in Toronto Van Attack Trial has Lasting Implications for Autism Community Download the PDF. FOR IMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, Ontario – March 3, 2021 - With today's verdict, there are no winners, but a measure of justice has been served for the families of those murdered: Beutis Renuka Amarasinghe, Andrea Knafelc Bradden, Geraldine Brady, So He Chung, Anne Marie D'Amico, Mary

~ 2 minute read Greetings! Welcome to our new Autism Ontario Blog! I am Ken Robertson, elected and volunteer Board Member and Treasurer for the past three years. I am Indigenous from Secwepemc Nation of the South Thompson Band of Neskonlith peoples, which is Interior Salish. My clan is the Cinnamon Bear, and my spirit name is “Skylux,” meaning Bear Cubs (a name that suits me well because I have an identical twin). I am proud to be able to give a voice to Indigenous people across Ontario. We on Autism Ontario’s Board want to make ourselves more available to you, to be more transparent, and to

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, February 4, 2021 Autism Ontario Responds to Needs-Based Autism Program Announcement Autism Ontario Responds to Needs-Based Autism Program Announcement Download the PDF. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Toronto, Ontario - February 4, 2021 -- Yesterday’s announcement from the Province of Ontario that it will begin core clinical services for approximately 600 children in the new needs-based Ontario Autism Program (OAP) this March is long-awaited news by families of children and youth on the autism spectrum. The announcement reflects key recommendations of the

Eleanor and Jim Ritchie were long-time supporters of Autism Ontario, back as early as the 1970s, when Autism Ontario, founded in 1973, was called the Ontario Society for Autistic Children. They had four children – Elizabeth, Charlie, David and Paul, who was autistic. Years before Autism Ontario was offering the broad set of family events, services and supports as they do today, the grassroots organization was for many families a source of companionship, socializing and being with others who ‘understood what it was like for a family.’ That need for belonging and community still exists today

Jordan River Anderson, from Norway House Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, was born with complex medical needs. Due to his diagnosis, he spent most of his life in a Winnipeg hospital. Once he was cleared to return home to receive home care, it became unclear who was responsible for providing it: the federal government due to his Indigenous Status, or the provincial government, which was mandated by the BNA Act to provide health care for all citizens. The federal and provincial government could not come to an agreement over who was responsible for his in-home medical expenses, and Jordan never

2 minute read - For many of us, being with family and doing everyday activities like shopping, going on trips, and walking through festive holiday markets is simple and does not require a lot of pre-planning. That’s not the case for many families with autistic children. For example, you may need to plan your outing well in advance for a time that’s not busy or distracting. You may also have to bring along a support worker, which can mean additional planning and expenses. Over the years, Autism Ontario’s staff and volunteers have established some amazing partnerships which have enabled us to

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, April 2, 2019 Ontario Government Announces Inter-ministerial Approach to Supporting Children and Youth with Autism and Their Families Today’s announcement means families, Autistic self-advocates, clinicians and other professionals will have many different opportunities to play a larger role in shaping the Ontario Autism Program This announcement made by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education represents many important steps towards acceptance and opportunities for

~ 3 minute read This article was originally published in 2015. People of all ages can require strategies that help regulate (stimulate or calm) their nervous systems. “Sensory-seeking individuals often continue to crave input as they get older…sensory-seeking can impact an individual’s work, leisure and self-care. Remember the need for intense input does not automatically disappear just because a person is older”.1 What are fidget items? A fidget item is a small object used to provide input into any of the senses and “may help improve concentration and attention to task”.2 Unless specific

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, December 19, 2019 Autism Ontario Responds to Announcement Regarding Implementation of the Needs-Based Program Autism Ontario Responds to Announcement Regarding Implementation of the Needs-Based Program Download the PDF Link On December 17, MCCSS Minister Todd Smith, together with MPP Jeremy Roberts, announced the Government of Ontario’s endorsement of key recommendations in the OAP Advisory Panel Report that was released on October 30, 2019. The announcement identified signs of positive movement forward while also including some disappointing news that

~ 5 minute read 1. Pre-printing strokes l − ○ + / □ \ × Δ Prior to printing letters, children should know how to draw these shapes. Typically, around two years of age, children will develop the vertical line. By six years of age, most children are able to draw all of the shapes. Usually, it is not until a child can consistently copy a triangle that they will have success with learning to print all of their letters. Practice these strokes with your child to develop a stronger foundation for letter formations! 2. Trunk strength and shoulder stability In order to develop the finer movements our

~5 minute read Although printing may be like second nature to you, it is actually a very complex task. In order to become a successful printer, it is important to first develop the ‘building blocks’ of printing. These skills help develop the core foundations to which printing is built upon. Children who are taught printing before they are truly ready to master the skill may become discouraged and develop poor writing habits. I have highlighted 5 key building blocks below to help get your child started on a path towards printing success! Check how your child performs in these areas and try some

FAMILIES OF CHILDREN, teens and adults with ASD (and related diagnoses) sometimes lack the necessary skills and confidence to raise concerns comfortably and constructively with human service systems. Yet, families sometimes have more real political “clout” in affecting change in educational, developmental, social service and health systems than they realize at first (Schields, 1987). When families raise concerns, they stand outside of existing systems. They have access to sources of influence (e.g., mainstream and social media, top government or bureaucratic decision-makers, self-help and