News

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

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

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announces focus on needs-based Ontario Autism Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, July 29, 2019 Autism Ontario Responds to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announces focus on needs-based Ontario Autism Program

Autism Ontario Responds to the Autism Advisory Panel Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, May 30, 2019 Autism Ontario Responds to the Autism Advisory Panel Announcement The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announces Autism Advisory Panel Autism Ontario is committed to supporting

Autism Ontario Responds to the 2019 Ontario Budget

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

Ontario Government Announces Inter-ministerial Approach

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

Autism Ontario Responds to the Ministry of Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, March 11, 2019 Autism Ontario Responds to Ontario Ministry of Education’s News Release “Enhancing Education Support: A Plan for Students with Autism” Today’s announcement by the Ministry of Education does not

Statement From Autism Ontario

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, February 12, 2019 Statement from Autism Ontario On February 07, 2019 the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services made an announcement about the changes being made to the Ontario Autism

Autism Ontario Responds to the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services

Katharine Buchan, Manager of Development and Communications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, Ontario, February 6, 2019 The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announces plan to clear Ontario Autism Program wait lists Autism Ontario is committed to supporting families through this province-wide

World Autism Awareness Day T-Shirts

Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter

The Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter has t-shirts available for purchase in support of World Autism Awareness Day being held on Tuesday April 2, 2019. T-Shirts are $10 and are available in various sizes. If interested, please contact office.hamilton

Thank you Waterloo Volunteers

A BIG thank you to all our past and current volunteers! There have been many families touched by your dedication, hardwork and passion to make a difference in someone else's life. The smiles seen on the children's faces at our events over the last

London Annual Chapter Meeting

Does your employment require you to volunteer? This is a great opportunity to join a small non-profit organization and make a huge impact. The skills you offer could be just what we need to assist our committee and community. Our Leadership Committee

Volunteer with Huron Perth

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:

Volunteer with Ottawa

Volunteer with Thunder Bay & District

Thank you Halton Volunteers

Niagara Summer Camp FAQs for Parents

Autism Ontario Niagara Chapter

Autism Ontario Niagara Region has provided an informative Summer Camp FAQ package for parents. This package includes details on what to bring, extreme weather policies, important health information including medication policy, and other additional

Volunteer with Durham Region

Volunteer with Niagara

Volunteer with Simcoe

Volunteer with Windsor Essex

Thank you Wellington Volunteers

Volunteer with Kingston

Volunteer with Peterborough

Volunteer with Toronto

Thank you Hamilton Volunteers

Thank You Volunteers

A great big thank you to our fantastic volunteers - Steele, Carley, Ian, Dan, Danielle, Kimberly, Matt and Jessica - who facilitate the Young Adult Social Group. You are amazing!!

Volunteer with Grey Bruce

Volunteer with North East

Volunteer with Sudbury & District

Volunteer with York Region

Thank you Peel Volunteers

Quarter Auction

Looking for a little online auction fun? 👀 Join us for the Autism Charity Quarter Auction from the comfort of your home! Auction paddles go on sale on August 21st, with the auction beginning on August 24th and wrapping up with live draws on August

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