Overview
Who We Are
Autism Society Canada (ASC) is a national incorporated non-profit charitable organization. It was founded in 1976 by a group of parents committed to advocacy, public education, information and referral, and support for its regional societies.
ASC is a federation of Canada-wide provincial and territorial autism societies or their equivalent. By linking its member societies across the country, ASC represents a very large collective voice of the autism community in Canada. The provincial and territorial autism societies and their member groups in each region provide direct support to people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and their families. Provincial and Territorial Societies.
Autism Society Canada's mission is to work with our many partners to address the national priorities facing the Autism community.
ASC is growing and changing with the times and is actively encouraging and working to include people with ASD conditions so that they can be active participants not only in their own provincial or territorial autism societies but also at the national level.
What We Do
Autism Society Canada works across the country to reduce the impact of ASDs on individuals and their families. We support universally accessible ASD treatment and services, as well as the implementation of national surveillance, and better funding for ASD research. These improvements will create better lives and opportunities for all Canadian children and adults affected by autism and Aspergers.
ASC's Goals...
- Promote federal policies, programs, and legislation that respond to the needs of the Autism community.
- Promote the rights of families and individuals with ASDs to all treatments and services that work in the best interests of the individual with an ASD.
- Promote the rights of families and individuals to universal access to all treatments and services that work in the best interests of the individual with an ASD.
- Increase awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders and acceptance and participation of individuals with ASDs.
- Promote intervention research that will provide individuals with ASDs and their families with practical support.
That people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) achieve their individual potential and that they and their families have universal access to the resources they require.
ASC Programs and Services
- Public awareness, education and referral.
- Promotion of increased participation of individuals with ASDs.
- Promotion of federal policies, programs, and legislation that respond to the needs of the ASD community, including a National Autism Spectrum Disorders Strategy.
- Promotion of evidence-based services/treatment, best practices and standards.
- Tax credit support: medical expenses as pre-tax deduction; increased tax credits for disability.
- Promotion of intervention research that will provide individuals and families with practical support.
- Liaising with partner organizations on behalf of persons affected by ASDs.
People with Autism Spectrum Disorders deserve to live in an environment that supports their well-being and enables them to reach their full potential as participating members of their communities.
For more information on ASC:
Autism Society Canada Brochure [PDF]
Annual Report [PDF]
Press Releases
White Paper [PDF]
Provincial &Territorial Societies
Donations
