Looking for trusted, evidence-informed information on supporting autistic individuals? Autism Ontario’s Signature Series offer autistic adults, parents, and professionals the tools, strategies, and resources they need, all in an engaging and easy-to-digest format. 

Our free, live interviews tackle the topics that matter most to the autism community, from educational advocacy to mental health, neurodiversity, and beyond. We take complex topics and break them down into practical, real-world insights you can use right away. 

What makes Signature Series webinars different? 

• Moderated discussions with top experts, designed to answer your biggest questions. 
• We debunk myths, clarify misconceptions, and get straight to the heart of what’s important. 
• Audience Q&A is woven throughout the session—your concerns drive the conversation. 
• Learn from the comfort of your home and walk away with resources you can trust. 

Join us for our next episode:

Caregiver Stress and Autism: What the Research Shows

with Dr. Stephen Gentles, MSc, PhD and Janet McLaughlin, PhD and parent advocate. February 26th, 2026, from 12 PM to 1 PM.

• Discover what research reveals about caregiver stress and autism. Join Dr. Stephen Gentles and Dr. Janet McLaughlin as they explore the sources of stress, how it changes over time, and strategies to support caregiver well-being, helping parents, caregivers, and families navigate the autism journey with greater understanding.
• Register here: https://bit.ly/49Udpnq

The Female profile of autism

with Dr. Isabelle Hénault, M.A., Ph.D., Psychologist and Sexologist. March 19th, 2026, from 12 PM to 1 PM.

• Details to Follow.
• Register here: https://bit.ly/4q96L2f

Missed our last webinar? Don’t worry! Our past sessions are also available for viewing. Stay informed, get expert insights, and explore our growing library of topics designed to support you and your family.

Register below to watch webinars On-Demand. Click the titles for more information.

Emotion Management and energy accounting

with Dr. Isabelle Hénault, M.A., Ph.D., Psychologist and Sexologist. Aired: January 2026.

• Many autistic individuals and their families report that challenges with emotions, mood, and energy have a major impact on daily life. This live interview will offer strategy-focused guidance for autistic adults, parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting individuals across home, school, and workplace settings.
• Register here: https://bit.ly/4ohFBV6

Autistic Burnout, Inertia, Meltdown, & Shutdown (BIMS): Strategies for Support at Home, Work, & School

with Dr. Christie Welch, Ph.D., OT reg.  Aired: December 2025.

• Learn how to recognize and respond to autistic burnout, inertia, meltdowns, and shutdowns with strategies that truly make a difference. This live interview will offer insights from the latest research on BIMS, rooted in first-person autistic perspectives and strategy-focused guidance for parents, autistic adults, and professionals supporting autistic individuals across settings like home, school, and work.
• Register here: https://bit.ly/3K2O8wW

AutisM Science Explained with Canada's Leading Autism Researchers

with Dr. Stephen Scherer, Chief of Research at The Hospital for Sick Children and Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, Vice President of Research & Director of the Bloorview Research Institute. Aired: November 2025

• Register here: https://bit.ly/3Wj22hq

• Hear from two of Canada's most respected voices in autism research, exploring what is currently known about autism, including genetics, environmental factors, and the diversity of autism. The discussion will also tackle common myths and misinformation from outdated theories to the latest viral claims, all while helping families understand what makes an intervention truly evidence-based. 

• Looking to dive deeper? Watch the after-show for this episode here:
  • Register here for In Focus: The After Show | Autism Science Explained https://bit.ly/3M2EUBK

The Journey Through Special Education: Navigating Challenges and Building Connection Panel

with Tanya Jewell, Andrea Haefele and Jessi Lalonde. Aired: September 2025

• Register here: https://bit.ly/3J4895E
• Through stories rooted in lived, learned, and loved experiences, the panel will explore common challenges ("the bumps"), what helped them get through, and what others might try in their advocacy journeys. Parents will walk away with real-life strategies, encouragement, and a reminder that while advocacy looks different for every family, connection and persistence can make a difference.

Sensory Strategies that Support Participation in Daily Routines at Home

with Moira Peña, Occupational Therapist. Original air date: June 2025

• Register here: https://bit.ly/4inYPFK 
• Explore how sensory processing impacts daily routines — and what caregivers can do to help. You’ll learn practical, sensory-based strategies using the BEST approach (Body, Emotional, Sensory, Thinking) that you can start using right away to support dressing, eating, transitions, and more. 

Building Self-Advocacy Skills for Autistic Women and Girls

with Stephanie Moeser, MSW, RSW. Original air date: March 2025

• Register here: https://bit.ly/4hBD6KJ

• Highlight building self-advocacy skills in girls and women; Stephanie Moeser will discuss how parents can help build self-advocacy skills in their daughters to make informed decisions. We will also have the opportunity to hear stories of success, challenges, and advice from two autistic women.
• Looking to dive deeper? Watch the after-show for this episode here:
  • Register here for In Focus: The After Show | Building Self-Advocacy Skills https://bit.ly/4lGnVma

Healthy Coping for Caregivers Using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Strategies

with Katy Albert, OCT, M.Ed, BCBA. Original air date: November 2024

• Register here: https://bit.ly/3Bw2Qbs
• Through the frameworks of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and self-compassion, caregivers will learn tools to navigate the inherent ups and downs of supporting and advocating for their autistic loved ones. 

Aligning Communication IEP Goals for Academic Success

with Tracie Lindblad, M.Sc., Reg. SLP (CASLPO), M.Ed., RBA, Andrea Haefele, parent and curriculum consultant, and Anne Gingras, Autism and Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) and self-advocate. Original air date: September 2024

• Register here: https://bit.ly/3M6LxQh

• This interdisciplinary panel discusses how to use the IEP (Individual Education Plan) to increase your child's participation at school by providing valuable insights and practical strategies to help parents ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed. 

Finding Balance: Navigating the Tension Between Intervention and Neurodiversity

with Katy Albert, OCT, M.Ed, BCBA, featuring self-advocate Jane Vincent. Original air date: May 2024

• Register here: https://bit.ly/4a2Feb3
• Katy Albert, alongside Jane Vincent, discusses the complexities surrounding behaviour change within a neurodiversity framework. Together, they address the challenges of balancing conflicting needs between autistic individuals and their families, providing valuable insights and strategies for navigating these tensions.

Supporting Emotional Regulation Through Neuro-affirmative Care

with Kathleen Patterson, psychotherapist. Original air date: April 2024

• Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/zt2oH_KOl0A
• Many young autistic and neurodiverse people often feel overwhelmed by their environment and surroundings - resulting in dysregulation. Kathleen explains what might be happening in that moment for them and how, as a parent, a caregiver or a professional, we can adopt a non-judgmental and neuro-affirming approach that fosters autonomy, builds the capacity to advocate for oneself, and supports overall well-being. 

Last Year's Impact