Looking for trusted, evidence-informed information on supporting autistic individuals? Autism Ontario’s Signature Series offer parents, caregivers, 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 academic research and break it 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. 
• Your Questions Matter: We listen to our audience - audience Q&A is woven throughout the session—your concerns drive the conversation. 
• Convenient & Actionable: Learn from the comfort of your home and walk away with resources you can trust. 

Join us for our next episode:

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

with Dr. Christie Welch, Ph.D., OT reg.  December 11th, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM.

• 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

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.

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. Original air date: November 2025

• 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. 

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

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

with Tanya Jewell, Andrea Haefele and Jessi Lalonde. Original air date: 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.

In Focus, the After Show: Building Self-Advocacy Skills for Autistic Women and Girls 

with Stephanie Moeser, MSW, RSW. On-Demand Only.

• Register here: https://bit.ly/4lGnVma
• Matt Ley and Stephanie Moeser dive deeper into the topics from Autism Ontario’s Signature Series webinar on self-advocacy for autistic women and girls. They address unanswered audience questions and explore key strategies to support self-advocacy development at home, school, and beyond. 

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

• Register here: https://bit.ly/3TfrMt6
• 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. 

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