Welcome to Autism Society Canada's Website
Whether you are a person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, a family member, a volunteer, an educator, a health or social service professional, or an interested researcher, this site will provide you with reliable information on autism and referrals to many helpful services and resources. You will also find news of our recent activities and publications.
ASC puts special focus on providing information, referral and resources for parents and other family members who are seeking support for children with autism. This site also provides news, resources and links for youths and adults on the spectrum. An exciting feature of our new site is Autism Junction – a searchable Canada-wide Directory of ASD services and related supports.
Whether you are looking for the latest news, people in the community to connect with, information on university/college supports, or just for general information and links to interesting places on the web, we hope the ASC site will be helpful to you. Please feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it your comments and suggestions.
ASC is working to ensure that people with ASDs can reach their full potential as participating members of their communities.
Autism Society Canada
Autism Society Canada (ASC) is happy to welcome this long awaited announcement from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.
ASC is pleased to know that the government is following up on the initiative to fund a Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Treatment and Care Research Program.
View Press Release [English PDF] [French PDF]
Federal Government Pumps $1 Million into Autism Research. Eddie Rwema, YourOttawaRegion.com, April 5, 2012: The federal government is taking a bold step on the path to improving the health and well-being of children and adults living with autism.
Ottawa to Fund $1 Million in Autism Research. The Canadian Press, CBC News, March 27, 2012: The federal government announced March 27 that it will help fund research into a developmental neurological condition that affects thousands of Canadian children.
Harper Government Invests in Autism Treatment and Care. Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Newswise, March 27, 2012: The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced funding for the Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Treatment and Care Research Program.
Jeanette J.A. Holden (1947–2012)
Autism Society Canada is deeply saddened to mark the passing of our long-time Board Member, Dr. Jeanette Holden. An acclaimed ASD researcher and leader in the field of genetics, Dr. Holden has supported ASC and the entire autism community in Canada and abroad by sharing her tremendous energy, her extensive scientific knowledge, and her unbridled optimism in our ability to create a better future for people living with ASDs and their families. Jeanette’s interest in breaking down the barriers for those living with autism was sparked early in life by her beloved brother Jim who has an ASD. Her first hand knowledge of life with ASD and the family challenges that can bring translated into a deeply compassionate and caring approach to her life-long scientific investigation.
At Autism Society Canada Dr. Holden provided ongoing advice and support for our information and referral services, enthusiastically answering every request for advice, no matter how busy she was. She had a strong understanding of the need for grass-roots community support across the country. She will be deeply missed here at ASC and in the autism and scientific communities she was such an important part of. The legacy she has left is one of hope and shared optimism for the future of ASD research and for Canadians living with ASDs and their families. A full description of Jeanette’s contribution to autism research and messages from her colleagues and friends can be found on a memorial page dedicated to her on the ASD-CARC website.
Redefining Autism
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is completing the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5). The DSM is the standard reference for diagnosing mental illness and disabilities in North America, and was last fully revised in 1994. The proposed new version, due for completion in 2013, will introduce a new diagnostic category called Autism Spectrum Disorder that will replace the current diagnoses of Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified).A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder recognizes individuals with a wide range of needs, strengths and challenges. People on the autism spectrum depend on lifelong supports and services. It is the hope of ASC that the finalized changes will provide a better basis for expanded access to supports and services that will result in better outcomes for those on the ASD spectrum.
Autism Society Canada's mission is to work with our many partners to address the national priorities facing the Autism Community. ASC will continue to review the information released from the APA-DSM Site. When updated information is received from the APA, ASC will then comment after seeking input and feedback from our Provincial and Territorial Societies, our member organizations and Canadians with ASD. Please return to this web site for updated information.
Read the new proposed criteria for diagnosis of ASD on the DSM-5 website.Commentary in Scientific American.
ASC would like to know ...
Are you, or a family member living with an ASD? Have you or your family member been audited by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)? ... or do you have issues trying to claim tax deductible expenses?
We need to hear from you!
We are in a position to bring concerns, issues, and suggestions from the autism community directly to high ranking officials at the CRA. We need documented examples of your strife with CRA.
Please keep your story short & concise (300 words max.) and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Richard Burelle, Executive Director.
Thank You!
Autism Society Canada Celebrates Canadian Autism Awareness Month and our 35th Anniversary!
For 35 years, the provincial and territorial member societies of Autism Society Canada have been actively providing direct services and advocating for individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). To commemorate Autism Society Canada's 35 years of service in the autism community, ASC has launched an awareness campaign aimed at providing individuals on the spectrum and their families with a platform to share their stories in an effort to help remove the many stigmas associated with autism.These stories about life with autism have been distributed to MPs and MPPs across the country, and are posted here on our website to help Canadians understand that the time is now to build a Canadian Autism Strategy that will support Canadians with ASDs of all ages and their families.
During the month of October we celebrate Canadian Autism Awareness Month [View CAAM Brochure PDF]. Join us by wearing your signature puzzle patterned ribbon. This symbol reflects both the complex nature in which autism spectrum disorders are expressed, and the vast diversity that exists within the autism community.
Individuals living with ASDs from across Canada share their stories:
Spreading Autism Acceptance – Chris' Story [PDF]
Giving Voice to those who are Silent – Kristian's Story [PDF]
Just a Mom – Michelle's Story [PDF]
Defying the Odds – Jason's Story [PDF]
Being Committee Chair Means Being a Positive Role Model for Others – Tom's Story [PDF]
No Chance for University Graduate – Danny's Story [PDF]
A Canadian Plan for Autism – Vicki's Story [PDF]
A Message of Hope – Cynthia's Story [PDF]
Being Supportive in a Small Community – Larry's Story [PDF]
Strides in Ontario – Leah's Story [PDF]
A Woman's Fight for Recognition – Martine's Story [PDF]
A Fight for Healthcare – Vic's Story [PDF]
Aspergian Love – Georges' Story [PDF] | Un amour de type Asperger – L'histoire de Georges [PDF]
Frustration in Rural Saskatchewan – Arden's Story [PDF]
I Am My Own Success – Leland's Story [PDF]
Finding Hope in Yukon – Karen's Story [PDF]
Bringing Autism to Parliament – Jerome's Story [PDF]
ASC Celebrates its 35th Anniversary with Awareness Campaign [Eng PDF] [Fre PDF]
Different, Not Disabled. Danette Dooley, The Telegram, October 22, 2011: Tom Jackman showed up for an interview with The Telegram toting a case full of books, movies, speeches and pamphlets about Asperger syndrome.
Although he often speaks about his experiences living with the autism spectrum disorder at conferences, the 34-year-old is more comfortable corresponding with people by email than face-to-face.
People with Asperger syndrome often find it difficult to interact with others. They pay particular attention to detail, thrive on routine and repetitious tasks and aren’t big fans of change.
