Autism Ontario

Autism Ontario Creating a supportive and inclusive Ontario for autism. Donate today: http://bit.ly/DonateAO All articles shared reflect the views of its author.

It is Autism Ontario’s intent to inform and educate. Every situation is unique and while we hope this information is useful, it should be used in the context of broader considerations for each person.

Looking for a fun, welcoming way for your child to learn the basics of chess? Join us for a 6-week beginner-friendly pro...
09/04/2026

Looking for a fun, welcoming way for your child to learn the basics of chess? Join us for a 6-week beginner-friendly program designed for autistic children ages 6–12.

Participants will learn how the pieces move, basic rules and strategies, and how to get started playing their own games, all while building focus, confidence, and creativity through play.

Our chess coach will create a supportive, adaptable environment that meets different learning needs.

No previous chess experience required!

Visit our website to learn more and register today: https://ow.ly/kgSG50ZGIzp

Is your child getting ready to move from elementary school to high school?Starting high school can bring new opportuniti...
09/03/2026

Is your child getting ready to move from elementary school to high school?

Starting high school can bring new opportunities, more independence, and exciting experiences, but it can also be a big change for autistic learners and their families.

Use Autism Ontario’s “Supporting the Transition to High School: Caregiver Checklist” to plan ahead, prepare for new routines, connect with the school team, review supports, and identify next steps that can help the transition feel more manageable.

Download the checklist to support conversations and next steps as your family prepares for high school: https://bit.ly/4hrNNmg

We're excited to share an upcoming OBI Public Talk exploring the future of neurodiversity.For decades, neurodevelopmenta...
09/02/2026

We're excited to share an upcoming OBI Public Talk exploring the future of neurodiversity.

For decades, neurodevelopmental conditions were studied and treated in silos. Today, a growing body of research is looking across diagnoses to uncover shared patterns in biology and behaviour, opening the door to treatments and care that are more precise, more effective, and built for the full spectrum of human neurodiversity.

As part of The Evolution of Brain Health, this panel will explore how far we’ve come, what the science tells us today, and where it’s taking us next.

Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, Program Manager of the POND Network, will walk through how this science is evolving. She’ll be joined by Allison Chang, a POND Patient Advisory Committee member and doctoral researcher at the University of Toronto, who will bring lived experience into the conversation and explore what this shift means for the people it serves.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Jordan Antflick, Head of Integrated Discovery at the Ontario Brain Institute.

This event will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET. Please note that information booths open at 1:00 PM.

Register to attend in person: https://ow.ly/mujH50ZI2w1

Prefer to join online? Sign up for the livestream: https://ow.ly/LCQP50ZI2w2

Looking for a fun, welcoming way for your child to learn the basics of chess? Join us for a 6-week beginner-friendly pro...
08/28/2026

Looking for a fun, welcoming way for your child to learn the basics of chess? Join us for a 6-week beginner-friendly program designed for autistic children ages 6–12.

Participants will learn how the pieces move, basic rules and strategies, and how to get started playing their own games, all while building focus, confidence, and creativity through play.

Our chess coach will create a supportive, adaptable environment that meets different learning needs.

No previous chess experience required!

Visit our website to learn more and register today: https://ow.ly/kgSG50ZGIzp

416 Chess Coach

08/27/2026

Haircuts can be a lot for some autistic children, especially when sounds, smells, touch, waiting, or changes in routine are involved.

With preparation and the right supports, you can help make haircut experiences feel more positive and comfortable for your child.

Review “Going to the Hairdresser” video and tip sheet to learn practical ways you can prepare before the appointment, communicate with the hairdresser, and support your child during the haircut.

Watch the full video: https://bit.ly/4xqgeFE
Download the tip sheet: https://bit.ly/4geJTMl

Want to learn more about Government of Canada disability programs and services for autistic adults?Join Autism Ontario f...
08/26/2026

Want to learn more about Government of Canada disability programs and services for autistic adults?

Join Autism Ontario for “Understanding Government of Canada Disability Programs and Services for Autistic Adults”, an online information session hosted by Service Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, and Employment and Social Development Canada.

This session will provide information on supports for persons living with disabilities and their caregivers, including:
• Canada Disability Benefit: how to apply, eligibility criteria, and when to apply
• Disability Tax Credit: how to apply and access associated benefits and credits
• Registered Disability Savings Plan: how it can support persons with disabilities to save for the future

Date: September 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online

Register here: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=12939

Slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the outdoors with your family.Join Autism Ontario at Downsview Park for a guided min...
08/26/2026

Slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the outdoors with your family.

Join Autism Ontario at Downsview Park for a guided mindfulness experience that encourages participants to connect with nature through engaging activities focused on emotions, well-being, and the world around us. It's a wonderful opportunity to relax, explore, and spend quality time together outside.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4yrdOrY

Current emergency alert criteria leave a dangerous gap for missing autistic and non-speaking individuals who face immedi...
08/25/2026

Current emergency alert criteria leave a dangerous gap for missing autistic and non-speaking individuals who face immediate risk.

Autism Ontario supports the call for national standards for an emergency alert framework to close that gap, and encourages autistic voices to be centred in this work.

Canadian residents, sign federal Petition e-7703, sponsored by MP Mike Lake, and demand action:

https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7703

****

Les critères actuels d'alerte d'urgence comportent une lacune dangereuse dans le cas de la disparition de personnes autistes et non verbales qui sont en situation de risque immédiat. Autisme Ontario donne son appui à l'appel lancé en faveur de l’établissement de normes nationales pour un cadre d'alerte d'urgence visant à combler cette lacune, et recommande qu’on accorde aux voix des personnes autistes une place centrale dans cette initiative. Nous demandons aux Canadiens et aux Canadiennes de signer la pétition fédérale e-7703 parrainée par le député fédéral Mike Lake, et d’exiger la prise de mesures concrètes :

https://www.noscommunes.ca/petitions/fr/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7703

When you’re navigating diagnosis, school systems, or funding applications, having clear, practical guidance makes all th...
08/24/2026

When you’re navigating diagnosis, school systems, or funding applications, having clear, practical guidance makes all the difference.

Autism Ontario offers recurring online workshops designed to give you reliable information, practical tools, and space to ask questions. Each workshop runs multiple times throughout the quarter, so you can choose the date that works best for you.

Swipe through to learn more about each session:
• Navigating a New Diagnosis – Information Session for Parents of Autistic Children
Designed for parents and caregivers who have recently received an autism diagnosis for their child. Learn about available services, financial supports, and how to begin building a support network that works for your family.
Register: https://bit.ly/3XzRQ46

• “Paperwork Party” – Supporting Caregivers with Special Services at Home (SSAH) and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
A supportive session to help caregivers understand these funding programs, ask questions, and feel more confident completing the application process.
Register: https://bit.ly/4qOvQPE

• Autism Ontario Presents: Exploring Autism
An introductory session exploring autism and neurodiversity, and practical strategies for creating more inclusive spaces at home, in schools, and in the community.
Register: https://bit.ly/ExploringAutism

• Understanding Special Education: Workshop for Caregivers of Autistic Learners
A practical overview of how special education works in Ontario schools, including key terms like IEP and IPRC, and how to collaborate effectively with your child’s school team.
Register: https://bit.ly/46ONjAh

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Toronto, ON
M6K3C5

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