Autism Canada

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For five decades, Autism Canada has stood at the forefront of addressing the complex challenges faced by Autistic people and their support networks across the nation through advocacy, support, and education.

Fundraise for Autism Canada Every day, Autistic people and their families reach out to Autism Canada looking for answers, support, and connection. Some are navigating a new diagnosis. Some are trying to access services after years on a waitlist. Others are looking for resources, guidance, or simply someone who understands what they are experiencing. As Autism Canada celebrates 50 years of service, the need for support continues to grow. More families than ever are reaching out for help, and together, we can ensure they don&#39;t have to face those challenges alone. By creating a fundraiser for Autism Canada, you are helping provide support, resources, education, and financial assistance to Autistic people and their families across Canada. Whether you&#39;re celebrating a birthday, honouring someone special, hosting an event, taking on a personal challenge, or simply looking for a way to give back, your fundraiser can make a meaningful difference. How It Works Create Your Fundraiser Set up your fundraising page and make it your own. Fundraise as an individual, family, workplace, school, sports team, or community group. Share Your Story Tell people why you&#39;re supporting Autism Canada and invite them to join you. Every donation helps create impact. Make a Difference Funds raised help support Autism Canada&#39;s national programs and services, including: &bull; Family Support, providing resources, referrals, and guidance to Autistic people and their families&bull; Empowering Connections, Canada&#39;s first National Support Line for Autistic people, connecting individuals with trained support navigators, including an autistic team member with lived experience&bull; The Community Assistance Program (CAP), helping families access assessments, therapy, communication supports, and other essential services&bull; Inclusion by Design, helping organizations create more accessible and inclusive spaces&bull; Search and Rescue for Autism, supporting first responders with autism specific training and resourcesYour Impact Every fundraiser helps ensure Autistic people and their families have somewhere to turn when they need support. It helps a family access an assessment sooner. It helps someone find resources and guidance during a difficult time. It helps create more inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities. Most importantly, it reminds Autistic people and their families that they are not alone. Thank you for helping build a more accessible, inclusive, and supportive Canada.&nbsp;

Fundraise for Autism CanadaEvery day, Autistic people and their families reach out to Autism Canada looking for answers, support, and connection.Some are navigating a new diagnosis. Some are trying to access services after years on a waitlist. Others are looking for resources, guidance, or simply someone who understands what they are experiencing.As Autism Canada celebrates 50 years of service, the need for support continues to grow. More families than ever are reaching out for help, and together, we can ensure they don't have to face those challenges alone.By creating a fundraiser for Autism Canada, you are helping provide support, resources, education, and financial assistance to Autistic people and their families across Canada.Whether you're celebrating a birthday, honouring someone special, hosting an event, taking on a personal challenge, or simply looking for a way to give back, your fundraiser can make a meaningful difference.How It WorksCreate Your FundraiserSet up your fundraising page and make it your own. Fundraise as an individual, family, workplace, school, sports team, or community group.Share Your StoryTell people why you're supporting Autism Canada and invite them to join you. Every donation helps create impact.Make a DifferenceFunds raised help support Autism Canada's national programs and services, including:• Family Support, providing resources, referrals, and guidance to Autistic people and their families• Empowering Connections, Canada's first National Support Line for Autistic people, connecting individuals with trained support navigators, including an autistic team member with lived experience• The Community Assistance Program (CAP), helping families access assessments, therapy, communication supports, and other essential services• Inclusion by Design, helping organizations create more accessible and inclusive spaces• Search and Rescue for Autism, supporting first responders with autism specific training and resourcesYour ImpactEvery fundraiser helps ensure Autistic people and their families have somewhere to turn when they need support.It helps a family access an assessment sooner. It helps someone find resources and guidance during a difficult time. It helps create more inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities.Most importantly, it reminds Autistic people and their families that they are not alone.Thank you for helping build a more accessible, inclusive, and supportive Canada.

Celebrate World Autism Acceptance Day and Make a Difference This April, in honour of World Autism Acceptance Day (April 2) and Autism Canada&rsquo;s 50th year, we invite you to take action and support autistic people, their families, and caregivers across Canada. World Autism Acceptance Day is about more than awareness. It&rsquo;s about acceptance, inclusion, and meaningful support. By fundraising or taking on a personal challenge, you can help ensure families across Canada have access to trusted information, financial assistance, and one on one support when they need it most. Together, we can continue shifting the conversation from awareness to true acceptance &mdash; and build communities where autistic people are supported and valued. How It Works Register Sign up to take part in the World Autism Acceptance Day fundraising campaign. It&rsquo;s free, easy, and open to individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and communities across Canada. Fundraise Create your own fundraising page and invite friends, family, and colleagues to support your efforts. Every donation helps fund Autism Canada&rsquo;s national programs and services, including:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Family Support Program</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Community Assistance Program (CAP)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The National Support Line</li></ul>These programs provide guidance, financial assistance, and connection to autistic people and families nationwide. Choose an Activity (Optional) Add a personal or group challenge to your fundraising. Your activity can be big or small &mdash; the goal is participation.Ideas include:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Walking, jogging, or running</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Fitness or wellness challenges</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Hosting a virtual or in person event</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Creative challenges like baking, crafting, or art projects</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Learning a new skill or trying something new</li></ul>You don&rsquo;t have to be an athlete to participate. Creativity is encouraged. Share Tell your network why you&rsquo;re participating and help inspire others to get involved.<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Share your fundraising page on social media, email, or by word of mouth</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Tag @autismcanada or send photos and videos to media@autismcanada.org</li></ul>We love highlighting community stories and participation.&nbsp;Why Autism Acceptance Matters Autism acceptance means creating spaces where autistic people are respected, included, and supported for who they are.Your participation helps:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Promote inclusion and belonging</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Challenge stereotypes and reduce stigma</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Empower autistic people to share their voices</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Strengthen support for families and caregivers</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Build understanding and empathy in communities</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Recognize autism as a natural form of human diversity</li></ul>Acceptance isn&rsquo;t one day a year &mdash; it&rsquo;s something we build together.&nbsp;The Impact of Your Support In 2025, Autism Canada delivered:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">4,772 individual interactions across national programs</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">60,660 minutes of direct support, equal to 1,011 hours of individualized, neuro affirming care</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Financial assistance to 55 families through the Community Assistance Program, helping reduce barriers to care across Canada</li></ul>Every dollar raised helps ensure these supports remain accessible to families from coast to coast.&nbsp;This World Autism Acceptance Day &mdash; and during Autism Canada&rsquo;s 50th year &mdash; your actions matter. Fundraise Take on a challenge. Share your story. Together, we can continue building a more inclusive and supportive Canada for autistic people and their families.

Celebrate World Autism Acceptance Day and Make a DifferenceThis April, in honour of World Autism Acceptance Day (April 2) and Autism Canada’s 50th year, we invite you to take action and support autistic people, their families, and caregivers across Canada.World Autism Acceptance Day is about more than awareness. It’s about acceptance, inclusion, and meaningful support. By fundraising or taking on a personal challenge, you can help ensure families across Canada have access to trusted information, financial assistance, and one on one support when they need it most.Together, we can continue shifting the conversation from awareness to true acceptance — and build communities where autistic people are supported and valued.How It WorksRegisterSign up to take part in the World Autism Acceptance Day fundraising campaign. It’s free, easy, and open to individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and communities across Canada.FundraiseCreate your own fundraising page and invite friends, family, and colleagues to support your efforts. Every donation helps fund Autism Canada’s national programs and services, including:The Family Support ProgramThe Community Assistance Program (CAP)The National Support LineThese programs provide guidance, financial assistance, and connection to autistic people and families nationwide.Choose an Activity (Optional)Add a personal or group challenge to your fundraising. Your activity can be big or small — the goal is participation.Ideas include:Walking, jogging, or runningFitness or wellness challengesHosting a virtual or in person eventCreative challenges like baking, crafting, or art projectsLearning a new skill or trying something newYou don’t have to be an athlete to participate. Creativity is encouraged.ShareTell your network why you’re participating and help inspire others to get involved.Share your fundraising page on social media, email, or by word of mouthTag @autismcanada or send photos and videos to media@autismcanada.orgWe love highlighting community stories and participation. Why Autism Acceptance MattersAutism acceptance means creating spaces where autistic people are respected, included, and supported for who they are.Your participation helps:Promote inclusion and belongingChallenge stereotypes and reduce stigmaEmpower autistic people to share their voicesStrengthen support for families and caregiversBuild understanding and empathy in communitiesRecognize autism as a natural form of human diversityAcceptance isn’t one day a year — it’s something we build together. The Impact of Your SupportIn 2025, Autism Canada delivered:4,772 individual interactions across national programs60,660 minutes of direct support, equal to 1,011 hours of individualized, neuro affirming careFinancial assistance to 55 families through the Community Assistance Program, helping reduce barriers to care across CanadaEvery dollar raised helps ensure these supports remain accessible to families from coast to coast. This World Autism Acceptance Day — and during Autism Canada’s 50th year — your actions matter.FundraiseTake on a challenge. Share your story. Together, we can continue building a more inclusive and supportive Canada for autistic people and their families.

World Autism Acceptance Day 2026

Making Waves for Autism: A Growing Legacy of Impact June 1-30, 2026 * Fundraising has been extended to July 14th.&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="//www.makingwavesforautism.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">www.makingwavesforautism.ca</a> Making Waves for Autism began with a simple but powerful idea: bring people together through meaningful challenges and raise critical funds to support autistic people and their families across Canada. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the first two years of Making Waves raised more than $110,000 for Autism Canada. These funds helped launch the&nbsp;Community Assistance Program (CAP) in October 2024, months ahead of schedule, providing direct financial support to families across the country. Today, CAP helps autistic people and their families access essential services that are often not publicly funded or only partially covered. This includes behavioural therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health supports, educational supports, assessments, and assistive or adaptive equipment. The need for support continues to grow across the country. In just the first three months of 2026,&nbsp;Autism Canada received 102 requests for funding through the Community Assistance Program (CAP), reflecting the significant demand families face when trying to access essential services. At the same time,&nbsp;539 service providers are now registered with Autism Canada, creating a growing national network that helps connect families to supports in their own communities. While this progress is encouraging, it also highlights the reality many families face: services exist, but financial barriers often prevent people from accessing them. CAP plays a critical role in helping bridge this gap by providing direct financial support that allows autistic people and their caregivers to move forward with therapies, communication supports, and other services that improve quality of life. As demand continues to increase, programs like CAP ensure that families are not left navigating these challenges alone. Every kilometre paddled and every dollar raised helps ensure families are not turned away when they ask for help. Honouring Tyler&rsquo;s Vision Making Waves for Autism was founded in memory of Tyler, the late cousin of founder Kim Inglis, who passed away in August 2023. Tyler was passionate about raising awareness and funds for autism, inspired by his young son on the autism spectrum. Before his passing, he had been planning a charity boxing event in support of Autism Canada. While that event never came to be, Making Waves for Autism carries his vision forward in a new way. &nbsp;Instead of stepping into the ring, we take to the water. Paddling together for a shared purpose, we honour Tyler&rsquo;s legacy and continue his mission to support families across Canada. A National Movement Now entering its third year, Making Waves for Autism has grown into a national movement. Individuals, teams, and clubs across Canada are invited to take on their own paddling, rowing, or erg challenges to raise awareness and funds for autism support. Together, we are creating waves of hope, inclusion, and support for families who need it most. Join the movement. Donate today and help make 2026 our most impactful year yet. Visit <a fr-original-style="" href="http://makingwavesforautism.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">http://makingwavesforautism.ca/</a> for more information and updates.

Making Waves for Autism: A Growing Legacy of ImpactJune 1-30, 2026 * Fundraising has been extended to July 14th. www.makingwavesforautism.caMaking Waves for Autism began with a simple but powerful idea: bring people together through meaningful challenges and raise critical funds to support autistic people and their families across Canada.Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the first two years of Making Waves raised more than $110,000 for Autism Canada. These funds helped launch the Community Assistance Program (CAP) in October 2024, months ahead of schedule, providing direct financial support to families across the country.Today, CAP helps autistic people and their families access essential services that are often not publicly funded or only partially covered. This includes behavioural therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health supports, educational supports, assessments, and assistive or adaptive equipment.The need for support continues to grow across the country. In just the first three months of 2026, Autism Canada received 102 requests for funding through the Community Assistance Program (CAP), reflecting the significant demand families face when trying to access essential services. At the same time, 539 service providers are now registered with Autism Canada, creating a growing national network that helps connect families to supports in their own communities. While this progress is encouraging, it also highlights the reality many families face: services exist, but financial barriers often prevent people from accessing them. CAP plays a critical role in helping bridge this gap by providing direct financial support that allows autistic people and their caregivers to move forward with therapies, communication supports, and other services that improve quality of life. As demand continues to increase, programs like CAP ensure that families are not left navigating these challenges alone.Every kilometre paddled and every dollar raised helps ensure families are not turned away when they ask for help.Honouring Tyler’s VisionMaking Waves for Autism was founded in memory of Tyler, the late cousin of founder Kim Inglis, who passed away in August 2023. Tyler was passionate about raising awareness and funds for autism, inspired by his young son on the autism spectrum. Before his passing, he had been planning a charity boxing event in support of Autism Canada.While that event never came to be, Making Waves for Autism carries his vision forward in a new way. Instead of stepping into the ring, we take to the water. Paddling together for a shared purpose, we honour Tyler’s legacy and continue his mission to support families across Canada.A National MovementNow entering its third year, Making Waves for Autism has grown into a national movement. Individuals, teams, and clubs across Canada are invited to take on their own paddling, rowing, or erg challenges to raise awareness and funds for autism support.Together, we are creating waves of hope, inclusion, and support for families who need it most.Join the movement. Donate today and help make 2026 our most impactful year yet.Visit http://makingwavesforautism.ca/ for more information and updates.

Making Waves for Autism 2026

Let&rsquo;s Rock Autism 3 April 2 | Live Music for a Great Cause Get ready to rock out for a night of great music, good vibes, and real impact. Let&rsquo;s Rock Autism 3 is back for its third year, hosted by Classic Thrill and joined by two additional Toronto bands, Engine and McLovin. Come out and enjoy a high energy night of live rock while supporting autistic people and their families across Canada. Why This Matters All funds raised will support Autism Canada, helping provide:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">One to one support through Family Support and the National Support Line</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Financial assistance through the Community Assistance Program (CAP)</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Resources, education, and guidance for families navigating autism</li></ul>Your support helps ensure families can access the services they need and are not left navigating these challenges alone.What to Expect<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Live performances from 3 local Toronto bands</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A fun, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">A chance to connect, enjoy great music, and give back</li></ul>Whether you&rsquo;re a music lover or just looking for a great night out, this is an event you won&rsquo;t want to miss. Join Us Come for the music. Stay for the impact. <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/lets-rock-autism-3-tickets-1984779497907" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Get your tickets</a> or donate today to support autistic people and their families across Canada. &nbsp;

Let’s Rock Autism 3April 2 | Live Music for a Great CauseGet ready to rock out for a night of great music, good vibes, and real impact.Let’s Rock Autism 3 is back for its third year, hosted by Classic Thrill and joined by two additional Toronto bands, Engine and McLovin.Come out and enjoy a high energy night of live rock while supporting autistic people and their families across Canada.Why This MattersAll funds raised will support Autism Canada, helping provide:One to one support through Family Support and the National Support LineFinancial assistance through the Community Assistance Program (CAP)Resources, education, and guidance for families navigating autismYour support helps ensure families can access the services they need and are not left navigating these challenges alone.What to ExpectLive performances from 3 local Toronto bandsA fun, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphereA chance to connect, enjoy great music, and give backWhether you’re a music lover or just looking for a great night out, this is an event you won’t want to miss.Join UsCome for the music. Stay for the impact.Get your tickets or donate today to support autistic people and their families across Canada.

Let's Rock Autism

<div fr-original-style='-webkit-user-drag:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;margin:0px;padding:0px;user-select:text;clear:both;cursor:text;overflow:visible;position:relative;direction:ltr;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:"Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;line-height:1.5;box-sizing:inherit;' style='-webkit-user-drag:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;margin:0px;padding:0px;user-select:text;clear:both;cursor:text;overflow:visible;position:relative;direction:ltr;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:"Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;line-height:1.5;box-sizing:inherit;'>Kids Play for Autism Acceptance This April, in honour of World Autism Acceptance Day (April 2) and Autism Canada&rsquo;s 50th year, we&rsquo;re inviting kids, families, and schools across Canada to take action, by doing what kids love most: play. Kids Play for Autism Acceptance is a joyful, movement based fundraising campaign where kids get active, work toward shared goals, and raise funds to support Autistic people and their families across Canada. Inspired by Laura, a young advocate who first launched this idea in 2024 by turning her love of the monkey bars into a powerful fundraiser, this campaign shows how play can create real impact. Whether at school, at home, or in the community, every jump, lap, game, and challenge helps build more inclusive communities through play. How It Works 1. RegisterSign up on Zeffy to take part. Registration is free and open to families, classrooms, schools, and communities across Canada. 2. PlayChoose any activity kids love and get moving. Participate on World Autism Acceptance Day (April 2) or anytime throughout the month of April.Activities can include:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Soccer, basketball, hockey, swimming, tennis</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Playground play or monkey bars</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Dance breaks, yoga, or stretching</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Walking or running laps</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">50 jumping jacks, hops, or skips</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Indoor or outdoor play at school or at home</li></ul>One day or a full month of activities &mdash; it all counts. 3. Fundraise Invite families, friends, and school communities to donate in support of Autism Canada&rsquo;s national programs and services, including the Family Support Program, Community Assistance Program, and national support line. Funds raised through Kids Play for Autism help ensure Autistic people and their families can access trusted information, one on one support, financial assistance for essential services, and guidance when they need it most.School friendly fundraising ideas include:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Bake sales</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Coin or toonie drives</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Sponsored play or movement challenges</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Spirit days or classroom competitions</li></ul>Every contribution helps strengthen support for families across Canada. Laura&rsquo;s Story: &nbsp;Where It Began In 2024, Laura set a simple goal: to raise awareness and funds for autism acceptance by doing something she loved &mdash; mastering the monkey bars. With determination and encouragement from her community, she exceeded her $250 goal and raised $1,385. Laura&rsquo;s mom shared: &ldquo;Something inside me said that an Autistic person advocating for the cause would be even more impactful. It sends the message that early support matters and that Autistic people can advocate for themselves and others. When I asked Laura how she felt about continuing to help other Autistic children, she gave a BIG yes.&rdquo;What started with one child playing has grown into Kids Play for Autism, inviting kids everywhere to lead change through movement and joy. Why It Matters Autism Canada delivers national programs and services that support Autistic people, their families, and caregivers at every stage of life.In 2025, Autism Canada provided:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">4,772 individual interactions across programs</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">60,660 minutes of direct support</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">The equivalent of 1,011 hours of individualized, neuro affirming support</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">55 families supported through the Community Assistance Program (CAP) with financial assistance to reduce barriers to care</li></ul>Every minute of support is made possible by donors. By taking part in Kids Play for Autism Acceptance, you are helping ensure families across Canada can access timely, compassionate, and practical support when they need it most. Ready to Play? Sign up, get moving, and fundraise if you can. Together, let&rsquo;s show what&rsquo;s possible when kids play for a cause.</div><div fr-original-style='-webkit-user-drag:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;margin:0px;padding:0px;user-select:text;clear:both;cursor:text;overflow:visible;position:relative;direction:ltr;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:"Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;line-height:1.5;box-sizing:inherit;' style='-webkit-user-drag:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent;margin:0px;padding:0px;user-select:text;clear:both;cursor:text;overflow:visible;position:relative;direction:ltr;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:"Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;line-height:1.5;box-sizing:inherit;'> </div>

Kids Play for Autism AcceptanceThis April, in honour of World Autism Acceptance Day (April 2) and Autism Canada’s 50th year, we’re inviting kids, families, and schools across Canada to take action, by doing what kids love most: play.Kids Play for Autism Acceptance is a joyful, movement based fundraising campaign where kids get active, work toward shared goals, and raise funds to support Autistic people and their families across Canada.Inspired by Laura, a young advocate who first launched this idea in 2024 by turning her love of the monkey bars into a powerful fundraiser, this campaign shows how play can create real impact.Whether at school, at home, or in the community, every jump, lap, game, and challenge helps build more inclusive communities through play.How It Works1. RegisterSign up on Zeffy to take part. Registration is free and open to families, classrooms, schools, and communities across Canada.2. PlayChoose any activity kids love and get moving. Participate on World Autism Acceptance Day (April 2) or anytime throughout the month of April.Activities can include:Soccer, basketball, hockey, swimming, tennisPlayground play or monkey barsDance breaks, yoga, or stretchingWalking or running laps50 jumping jacks, hops, or skipsIndoor or outdoor play at school or at homeOne day or a full month of activities — it all counts.3. FundraiseInvite families, friends, and school communities to donate in support of Autism Canada’s national programs and services, including the Family Support Program, Community Assistance Program, and national support line.Funds raised through Kids Play for Autism help ensure Autistic people and their families can access trusted information, one on one support, financial assistance for essential services, and guidance when they need it most.School friendly fundraising ideas include:Bake salesCoin or toonie drivesSponsored play or movement challengesSpirit days or classroom competitionsEvery contribution helps strengthen support for families across Canada.Laura’s Story: Where It BeganIn 2024, Laura set a simple goal: to raise awareness and funds for autism acceptance by doing something she loved — mastering the monkey bars. With determination and encouragement from her community, she exceeded her $250 goal and raised $1,385.Laura’s mom shared:“Something inside me said that an Autistic person advocating for the cause would be even more impactful. It sends the message that early support matters and that Autistic people can advocate for themselves and others. When I asked Laura how she felt about continuing to help other Autistic children, she gave a BIG yes.”What started with one child playing has grown into Kids Play for Autism, inviting kids everywhere to lead change through movement and joy.Why It MattersAutism Canada delivers national programs and services that support Autistic people, their families, and caregivers at every stage of life.In 2025, Autism Canada provided:4,772 individual interactions across programs60,660 minutes of direct supportThe equivalent of 1,011 hours of individualized, neuro affirming support55 families supported through the Community Assistance Program (CAP) with financial assistance to reduce barriers to careEvery minute of support is made possible by donors.By taking part in Kids Play for Autism Acceptance, you are helping ensure families across Canada can access timely, compassionate, and practical support when they need it most.Ready to Play?Sign up, get moving, and fundraise if you can. Together, let’s show what’s possible when kids play for a cause.

Autism Canada

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