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        • SickKids researchers find new genes and variations linked to autism using Autism Speaks' MSSNG data
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Life on the Spectrum

LifeOnTheSpectrum

We invite you to join us in our journey to create a more inclusive and a kinder world for people with autism. Inspired by the vast and diverse autism community, at Autism Speaks Canada, we’re committed to telling authentic stories of people with autism and their unique strengths, challenges, dreams and goals. Our iconic blue puzzle piece has been reimagined to signify the diversity of perspectives and experiences with autism spectrum disorder and signals our deepened commitment to inclusivity.

Authentic Stories of Autistic Canadians

Help create a kinder more inclusive world. Show your support for Dr. Catherine, Wanda, Griffin, Ileana and other people with autism by donating generously. Your gift will help create a brighter life for the 1 in 66 children and youth in Canada and 70 million people worldwide with autism. We hope that this effort, together with our more inclusive look, will fuel an atmosphere of kindness that can last for many more years to come.

Donate Now

DrCatherineCatherine, 39 years old
Resident Physician, Canadian Self Advocate and Friend of Autism Speaks Canada

"I am cycling across Canada, with the hope of creating a more inclusive world for all of us."

Read Catherine's Story

Ileana_profileIleana, 16 years old
Global traveler, autistic Canadian and the National & Ottawa Walk Ambassador

"Team Ileana looks forward to walking, raising money and creating awareness for autism. We are blessed with the most supportive family, friends and community who have been with us throughout our journey.” 

Read Ileana's Story

Lindsay_profileLindsay, 22 years old
Aspiring movie maker and Montreal Walk Ambassador

"I love to draw, snowboard, play guitar, and do karate with my friends. I live at home with my mom, dad, my sisters, my dog Bean and my cat Ginny."

Read Lindsay's Story

Mackenna_profileMackenna, 17 years old
Passionate horseback rider and Saskatoon Walk Ambassador

"Our family is very proud to have Mackenna as the Saskatoon Walk Ambassador this year as we participate in our 8th walk.”

Read Mackenna's Story

Daud, 10 years old
Passionate advocate and brother of an autistic Canadian, Sulaiman

"I love to attend different autism training sessions with my parents and help educate people on autism. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher or a doctor and help people like my brother Sulaiman who are on the spectrum.”

Read Daud's Story

Griffin_profileGriffin, 18 year old
Tenacious swimmer and Toronto Walk Ambassador

"We are thankful for all of the support Autism Speaks provides for those living with autism. We are proud and excited that Griffin has been selected to be the Ambassador for the Toronto Walk for Autism 2020.” - Jeannine Bush, Mom, Toronto

Read Griffin.'s Story

Jackie_profileJackie
Autistic bio-hacker, writes, lectures, trains and consults on topics related to autism. She shares her perspective on life during Covid19

"If you’re only going to make one change while this COVID-19 scare is going on, I encourage you to do things that make you laugh and smile."

Read Jackie's Story

Wanda_profileWanda
Proud autistic Canadian, advocate, and “inclusion revolutionist”, shares her thoughts on advocating for autism

"In this extraordinary time within extraordinary times I see an opportunity: to advocate for autism acceptance, celebration and recognition within truly inclusive workplaces in an unprecedented manner."

Read Wanda's Story

StevenSteven
Autistic Canadian, proud self advocate, writer, producer, director of Power of One, accomplished pianist and performer at I Can Dream Theatre performance group.

"COVID-19 has changed lives in positive ways no one could imagine. The environment is more green, clean and there is less pollution. We must continue this path and help make on environment healthier."

Read Steven's Story

Jack_profileJack
Proud autistic Canadian and a high school advocate

"In every generation, there is always one major world event that shapes the youth. For my generation, COVID-19 is that event. Rather than complaining, I chose to do activities that I previously did not have the time to do before."

Read Jack's Story

Olivier_profileOlivier, 13 years old
Autism Speaks Canada Virtual Dog Walk Ambassador

"My hopes for the future are that everyone stays healthy and those who are ill recover. One day I hope we can get back to a more normal life with family and group activities. I also hope a world with travel will return, as I love to discover new places."

Read Olivier's Story

Casey_profileCasey Remrov Vormer
Award-winning autistic pencil artist, autism advocate and Youtuber from Montreal

"I’m an artist specializing in realistic pencil drawings of mainly animals. Due to my autism I see the whole world in tiny little details."

Read Casey's Story

Corey_profileCorey
Proud Canadian, self-advocate, Northern Regional Coordinator at AutismBC and a Project Lead at the Sinneave Family Foundation.

"I will start off by saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has been hands down the most challenging experience I’ve lived through in recent memory, and trust me, being autistic, I’ve had my share of challenging experiences."

Read Corey's Story

Geoffrey_profileGeoffrey
29-year-old proud Canadian with Asperger Syndrome.

"I first heard about Covid19 when a Princess Cruise ship had been quarantined off Tokyo shortly after a friend and I had returned from a cruise of our own in February."

Read Geoffrey's Story

Courtney_profileCourtney Weaver
Public speaker, writer and a proud autistic Canadian self-identifies as an ‘Aspergirl’.

"I miss the person-to-person interaction at work and office spaces as well as activities like going to the movies and the gym. However, doing work from home interspersed with walks has added structure to my life."

Read Courtney's Story

Liam_profileLiam Meade
Political science student with autism who shares his candid advice for other autistic persons who are struggling through this unpredictable and stressful Covid-19 pandemic.

"Take advantage of this situation and make it work as well as possible. Learn to be self-disciplined."

Read Liam's Story

Courtney_profileMichael Schulman
Meet Michael Schulman, a volunteer for Autism Speaks Canada who is 80 years old. Michael has been volunteering his time to Autism Speaks Canada twice a week for nearly two years.

While COVID-19 has reduced the opportunities to help, he remains committed to supporting people with autism.

Read Michael's Story

 

Watch the PSA

Help create a kinder more inclusive world. Show your support for Dr. Catherine, Wanda, Griffin, Ileana and other people with autism by donating generously. Your gift will help create a brighter life for the 1 in 66 children and youth in Canada and 70 million people worldwide with autism. We hope that this effort, together with our more inclusive look, will fuel an atmosphere of kindness that can last for many more years to come.

LifeOnTheSpectrum

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