News

My Story, My Journey, My Gift – Living In A World With A Neurodivergent Mind

Paul Walderman, Digital Content Specialist, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

~ 3 minute read During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to show compassion and empathy for others. To help those who are in need. To be open and upfront by speaking out regarding mental health. During a global pandemic, I

What Autism Means to Us - World Autism Day 2021

Tatum Shiff, Content and Marketing Coordinator, Autism Ontario

“ Autism means to me that I’m a strong and resilient person who can do anything [I] set my mind to. I just might need some help and accommodations along the way, and that’s okay. " - Chris McConnell, Autistic Adult A few months ago, we began asking

Celebrate World Autism Day with us on April 6th!

Autism Ontario

Even though COVID-19 has changed how we’re celebrating, we are still celebrating! Many of our in-person Raise the Flag events may be not be happening this year, but we are still rallying together to increase understanding, acceptance, and celebration

Meghan's Art

Meghan Barnes

Hi. My name is Meghan Barnes, I’m 17, and I live in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. I love to draw landscapes and people. To me, art is a safe space, a place I can go to escape from the struggles of the real word and the social isolation of the COVID

Autism Ontario Congratulates Dr. Stelios Georgiades upon appointment as McMaster Children’s Hospital Chair in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, March 11, 2021 Autism Ontario Congratulates Dr. Stelios Georgiades upon appointment as McMaster Children’s Hospital Chair in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Autism Ontario Congratulates Dr. Stelios

Autism Ontario Celebrates International Women's Day

Autism Ontario

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

Early Childhood Indicators of Autism

Autism Ontario

~ 2 minute read You've heard a lot about autism, but may be wondering about the early signs of autism. If you observe multiple items on this list, it may mean that your child is developing differently. If you suspect your child is on the autism

Statement by Autism Ontario: Guilty Verdict in Toronto Van Attack Trial has Lasting Implications for Autism Community

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

Autism Ontario 2021 Pre-Budget Consultation Submission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, February 12, 2021 Autism Ontario 2021 Pre Budget Submission Autism Ontario 2021 Pre Budget Submission February 12, 2021 Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy Minister of Finance c/o Budget Secretariat, Frost Building

Superheroes on the Spectrum, Activate!

Vicky McGrath

~ 2 minute read One of the interesting things about my ASD is that even though I’ve had a 25 year career and own my own business, in some areas I am quite emotionally immature. In fact, my 16 year old daughter even says that she is more mature than

Autism Ontario Responds to Needs-Based Autism Program Announcement

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

Autism, Art, and Acceptance

Carl Parker

~ 3 minute read As an artist on the autism spectrum, I have learned to embrace my neurodiversity as well as my talent, and even to celebrate them. It’s been a journey spanning many years from self discovery to self acceptance and finally to self

Your Comfort Zone - To Be In or Out of It: That is the Question

Courtney Weaver

~ 2 minute read This article is about my own personal philosophy regarding the comfort zone for a person diagnosed on the spectrum. If I were to put my stance down in number form, it would be to live 60-75 percent of the time in your comfort zone and

The CARES Program: Research, Development & Lived Experience

Ola Kusnierz, Webinar and Service Navigation Support Specialist, Autism Ontario

~ 9 minute read Autism Ontario has had the privilege of being invited by the team at SAAAC (South Asian Autism Association Centre) to take part in a new initiative, the CARES program. CARES is a facilitator led, highly interactive, semi-structured

Mental Health, COVID, and Living with a Disability

Christian Malatesta, adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder

~ 2 minute read This past year has not been easy for anyone, especially for someone like me who is living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). My name is Christian Malatesta, I am 25 years old, I have cerebral palsy, and was diagnosed with ASD at the

Adult Autistics Discuss 'Intelligent Lives'

Michael Cnudde, Specialist Communications and Resource Development, Autism Ontario

~ 3 minute read Intelligent Lives is a 2018 American documentary that tells the story of three young adults with intellectual disabilities, Micah, Naomie, and Naieer, while also focusing on the history of the American disability rights movement.

Ethics in Autism Research

Michael Cnudde, Specialist Communications and Resource Development, Autism Ontario

~ 3 minute read When you think of ethics in research, you might think it’s summed up by asking a participant’s permission or getting that signature on a consent form. But it’s much more than that. It’s also about considering the needs of the research

Priority #3: Financial Hardship

~ 6 minute read What was the problem identified in 2018? In Autism Ontario’s 2018 Provincially Speaking Survey 56% of caregivers reported that finances had been a large or very large source of stress in the past year. Similarly, 51% of autistic

I actually really like wearing a mask?

Autistic Anon

~ 1 minute read I actually really like wearing a mask? Which I personally find incredibly surprising. As someone who often feels overstimulated by what I'm wearing, I usually avoid unnecessary accessories. I don't really wear hats or jewelry. I can

Priority #2: Long Waitlists

What was the problem identified in 2018? In 2018, in Autism Ontario’s Provincially Speaking Survey , the majority of caregivers (73.6%) surveyed reported long waitlists as the largest barrier to services provided under the auspices of the Ontario

Statement by Autism Ontario: Cultivated Misogyny and Sense of Entitlement Responsible, Not Autism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, November 17, 2020 Statement by Autism Ontario: Cultivated Misogyny and Sense of Entitlement Responsible, Not Autism Statement by Autism Ontario: Cultivated Misogyny and Sense of Entitlement Responsible, Not

MICHAELISM- My POV on Life with Autism -

Michael Tanzer, young adult with autism and ASD advocator

~ 5 minute read What does it mean to have Autism? Well, I cannot really answer that question for you? Why not you might ask? Let me clarify my answer. I can answer that question, but it would be based on my own personal experiences of being on the

Sensory Strategies for Teens and Adults

Jennifer Cantello Daw and Suzanne Murphy

~ 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

Priority #1: Education Support

~ 5 minute read What was the problem identified in 2018? In 2018, in Autism Ontario’s provincewide survey of 1,514 caregivers and 87 autistic adults, Education support was identified as the highest area of need. Nevertheless, 69% of caregivers of

Adult Autistics Review Netflix's Love on the Spectrum

Michael Cnudde

~ 4 minute read As part of Autism Ontario’s broader initiative to examine how autistic people are portrayed in the media, we assembled a focus group of adults on the spectrum to review Love on the Spectrum. The group consisted of self-advocates Aaron

Introducing the Top Five Priorities for Autism in Ontario

~ 2 minute read The work of identifying Ontario’s top five priorities began in May 2018, when Autism Ontario surveyed caregivers and autistic adults across the province in an effort to better understand the experiences and needs of our community.

Persisting Through the Mental Health Effects of COVID

Dr. Stephanie Price, Ph.D., C.Psych.

~ 5 minute read Stress. It is an inevitable part of human life. It is the traffic on the way to work, the new cough that developed overnight, the flooded basement, and the upcoming work restructuring. Our ability to overcome and adapt to stress and

Autism Ontario is Proud to Announce the 2020 Gerry Bloomfield Award Winners

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

How Can I Help My Child to Print?

Taunia Clouthier

~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

Personal Care and Beauty Tips: When Beauty Products Make You Uncomfortable in Your Own Skin

Courtney Weaver

~ 2 minute read This article was originally published in Autism Matters in 2016. Have you tried on makeup and it felt unbearably thick on your face? Or maybe there’s uncomfortable tingling/itching. One testimony from an Aspie who was interviewed for

Racism in Canada: Acknowledge. Reflect. Act.

Jessica Bethel, Director OAP Provider List, Autism Ontario

~ 2 minute read “For those who have seen the Earth from space… the experience most certainly changes your perspective. The things that we share in our world are far more valuable than those which divide us.” ~ Donald Williams What a time we are

COVID-19: My Story of the First Months

Amanda Strapp

~ 4 minute read Like the all of Canada, I was affected when COVID-19 officially arrived and started wreaking havoc. And while I didn’t really notice during the first few months, I really had my eyes opened to the situation we were in when the

Service Navigation in Northern Ontario During COVID-19

Angèle Paquette

~ 3 minute read These are very strange and trying times indeed! As one of the Autism Ontario Service Navigators working in North, we usually come across unique challenges and obstacles as we try to reach families to offer support, and provide

Autism Ontario Survey Recommends Increased School-Based Supports for Children with Autism Ahead of Return to School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, July 30, 2020 Autism Ontario Survey Recommends Increased School-Based Supports for Children with Autism Ahead of Return to School Autism Ontario Survey Recommends Increased School-Based Supports for Children

Autism Pride Day June 18th

Bekki Semenova

~ 1 minute read I want to inform you all of last month’s important event. Every year, on June 18th, the Autistic community celebrates Autism Pride Day. This is a reminder for autistic people and their families that autistic people don’t need so

Autism Ontario celebrates Ken Robertson upon receiving Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal from Governor General

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, July 3, 2020 Autism Ontario celebrates Ken Robertson upon receiving Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal from Governor General Autism Ontario celebrates Ken Robertson upon receiving Canada’s Meritorious Service

Tips and Tricks to be Physically Active

Patrick Jachyra, PhD, and Bri Redquest, PhD

~ 3 minute read Participating in physical activity can help make you feel good, create routine and provide an opportunity to create social connections. Being physically active can also improve physical health (e.g., reduce risk of a heart attack).

The Art of Mindfulness

Stephanie Moeser, BSW, MSW, RSW

~ 3 minute read We are all in this situation together Each of our situations are unique; some of us are finding it manageable and nice to slow down; Some of us are finding it overwhelming and are juggling many different roles; some of us work in

Preparing Black Autistic Children to Interact with Law Enforcement

Joy F. Johnson, M. Ed, M.S.

~ 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

Now more than ever, we must be active and deliberate in listening to and including black autistic voices across the province.

Autism Ontario

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

Where are Mom and Dad?

Monica Richardson

~ 2 minute read March 24th was our son’s 27th birthday. We ventured to Matthew’s home with a birthday cake his sister baked, and while there were not yet official isolation rules in place, we kept a respectable distance from the personal support

Being Social at Work

Sarah Southey MSW, RSW

~ 4 minute read Work is complex and tedious. That’s why it’s called “work.” Being social at work can be even more cumbersome. Most jobs require some form of teamwork and communication; however, those that relate to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Supporting Our Community

Supporting Our Community April 2020 Click here to view the full PDF. In March 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, Autism Ontario conducted a survey in English and French to determine what services it should offer to help

The Mask

Matthew J. Lemay

~ 4 minute read This article was originally published in 2015. As someone on the Autism Spectrum, I’m always aware of the fact that I’m an atypical living in a largely neurotypical world. I see the same world through a different lens, and my brain

Welcome to the Blog!

Ken Robertson

~ 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,

Join Us Virtually for World Autism Awareness Day!

Toronto, Ontario, March 30, 2020 Join Us Virtually for World Autism Awareness Day! Join Us Virtually for World Autism Awareness Day! Download the PDF. Thursday, April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. And while social distancing effects how Autism

Events Cancellation and Response to COVID-19

MEMORANDUM March 17, 2020 Events Cancellation and Response to COVID-19 Download the PDF Link Dear Parents and Caregivers, Despite our best efforts and due to recent events regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus, Autism Ontario is regretfully cancelling

Autism Ontario 2020 Pre-Budget Consultation Submission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, February 18, 2020 Autism Ontario's Pre-Budget Consultation Submission Autism Ontario's Submission to the 2020 Pre-Budget Consultation Download the PDF Link February 11, 2020 Honourable Rod Phillips Minister of

Autism Ontario Responds to Announcement Regarding Implementation of the Needs-Based Program

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

Volunteer with London

There are many opportunities to volunteer with Autism Ontario. Whether you are looking for something casual or something more committed, there is a volunteer role suited to you. Here are some of the ways you can volunteer with Autism Ontario:

Public Health Agency of Canada Announces Autism Ontario Awarded Strategic Fund to Support Autistic Adults and their Families in Ontario

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, August 19, 2019 Public Health Agency of Canada Announces Autism Ontario Awarded Strategic Fund to Support Autistic Adults and their Families in Ontario Public Health Agency of Canada Announces Autism Ontario

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