Autism BC

Autism BC We empower, support, and connect the autism community in BC. AutismBC™ is a non-profit and registered organization.

AutismBC is British Columbia’s first and only autistic-led advocacy organization and registered charity. Our neuro-affirming non-profit organization is led by a team with diverse lived experiences as neurodivergent people and/or caregivers of neurodivergent family members. Since 1975, we have supported, empowered, and connected autistic individuals and their families across British Columbia throug

h inclusive community programs and trusted, non-prescriptive information services. We envision a British Columbia where all autistic people are accepted, included, and supported. Our work is rooted in lived experience and guided by a neuro-affirmative, non-clinical approach. We support the social model of disability while recognizing the medical model’s role in diagnosis. We amplify autistic voices and centre the needs and priorities of our community in all that we do. Our province-wide programs—including information services, social clubs, peer support groups, and educational workshops—support autistic individuals and their families. With Regional Coordinators and offices in the Lower Mainland, Northern BC, the Interior, and Vancouver Island, we serve diverse and intersectional communities and represent a growing membership of over 11,000 people across the province. Our dedicated staff and volunteers deliver province-wide programming that promotes connection, knowledge, and belonging.

When a vulnerable person goes missing, getting help there faster matters. But what happens after they’re found matters t...
09/04/2026

When a vulnerable person goes missing, getting help there faster matters. But what happens after they’re found matters too.

Today, AutismBC released a statement supporting Petition e-7703, a Canadian initiative calling for a national alert framework to help protect autistic people, non-speaking individuals, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We believe a national alert standard can help create more consistent protections across provinces and territories, while ensuring support is not limited by geography or diagnosis.

At the same time, we believe the conversation must go beyond the alert itself. How first responders recognize and respond to disability, whether situations are approached with care rather than escalation, and what supports are available for individuals, families, and communities afterward are equally important.

Read our full statement at: https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/national-alert-framework-statement-suzanne-perreault-september-2026/

New to autism with a new school year looming? Need a refresher on Individualized Education Plans (IEP)? Find everything ...
09/04/2026

New to autism with a new school year looming? Need a refresher on Individualized Education Plans (IEP)? Find everything you need to advocate your child with an IEP in our blog: www.autismbc.ca/blog/iep-bc/

The start of the school year can stir anxiety and leave you with a lot of questions about how your child will be academically supported. It can be difficult to know what information to ask for and what information to provide to the school team. This resource blog will familiarize you with IEPs and the BC Ministry of Education’s core competencies.

School can be a significant challenge for neurodivergent students. The pressures of school may lead to frequent absences...
09/02/2026

School can be a significant challenge for neurodivergent students. The pressures of school may lead to frequent absences or school avoidance. Gaining deeper insight into the stressors of school can help, from sensory differences to social demands.

Some reasons your child may be struggling with school include: sensory sensitivities, social interactions, demand avoidance, communication barriers, routine changes, academic pressure, and bullying. Learn strategies to help your child and get ready for a new school year with our blog: https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/caregivers/school-avoidance-and-strategies/

08/31/2026

Let’s go electric. 🚗⚡

Take a look inside the 2026 AutismBC Raffle & 50/50 grand prize: a Kia EV4 Wind Premium, valued at $47,895 — courtesy of Applewood Auto Group.
Where would you take it? 👀

Get your tickets now at autismbcraffle.rafflenexus.com/a/facebook

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but having the right information can help you make informed decisions for...
08/28/2026

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but having the right information can help you make informed decisions for yourself and the people you care about.

Your choice. Your plan. Your life. This free live webinar, in collaboration with Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry, offers a robust overview of personal planning and Representation Agreements. Nidus staff will review the usefulness of personal planning and discuss ways it can benefit you and your loved ones.

Register for this online talk at https://www.autismbc.ca/events/autismbc-talks-personal-planning-representation-agreements-with-nidus/

A big thank you to Andrew Abraham Alcalde for bringing his energy, passion, and generosity to the autism community throu...
08/27/2026

A big thank you to Andrew Abraham Alcalde for bringing his energy, passion, and generosity to the autism community through Dance 4 Autism on July 12, 2026. This incredible event raised $2,000 for AutismBC!

Andrew is an award-winning fitness professional known for bringing high energy and genuine fun to his classes, and Dance 4 Autism was no exception. From start to finish, it was an energetic, joyful, and welcoming event that brought people together while raising funds to support autistic people and their families across BC.

We’re deeply grateful to Andrew for sharing his time, talent, and enthusiasm with AutismBC and turning his passion for fitness and community into an opportunity to give back. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, participants, and everyone who helped make Dance 4 Autism such a success.

Want to make a difference through your own fundraiser?

You can bring your community together, get creative, and raise funds in a way that reflects your interests and passions. Whether it’s a fitness class, community event, workplace initiative, birthday fundraiser, or something completely unique, your fundraiser can help support AutismBC’s work to create a more inclusive and accessible BC for autistic people.

Host a fundraising event for AutismBC: https://www.autismbc.ca/ways-to-give

Thank you, Andrew, for showing us how much can happen when we come together with energy, generosity, and a shared commitment to the autism community.

Five years ago, AutismBC and the PNE/Playland set out to make one of Metro Vancouver’s most beloved attractions more acc...
08/26/2026

Five years ago, AutismBC and the PNE/Playland set out to make one of Metro Vancouver’s most beloved attractions more accessible. Today, Sensory-Friendly Mornings at PNE Barns have become an annual tradition for the autistic community and their loved ones.

By creating a more sensory-friendly environment, these events create meaningful space for the autistic community to connect not only with each other, but also with PNE Barns’ many fuzzy and feathered friends.

We’re grateful to the PNE for five years of partnership, listening, learning, and helping create a more welcoming experience for autistic people.

Sensory-Friendly Mornings at PNE Barns are an AutismBC member event. Registration is still open for our upcoming mornings on August 27 and September 3, but space is limited, and we’re almost sold out.

Read our release about our five-year partnership with PNE and learn more about the impact of Sensory-Friendly Mornings:
https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/press-release-five-years-sensory-friendly-mornings-pne-barns/

We hope you’ll join us for another season of exploration, connection, and community!

From all of us at AutismBC and the members of our community, thank you to the The Victoria Foundation for awarding us $1...
08/25/2026

From all of us at AutismBC and the members of our community, thank you to the The Victoria Foundation for awarding us $18,274 through their 2026 Vital Grant Stream.

This funding will stay in the Greater Capital Region on Vancouver Island, helping more autistic individuals connect, build confidence, and form friendships through community events. It also means more autistic people of all ages get access to the information, guidance, and resources they need to make confident decisions.

We're also grateful to the generous donors whose support makes this program possible — your generosity is helping strengthen wellbeing across our community.

Thank you, Victoria Foundation, for believing in this work and helping us ignite hope for autistic individuals and their families across the Greater Capital Region.

Calling autistic post-secondary students: New bursary from Square Peg Society We are excited to share that Square Peg So...
08/25/2026

Calling autistic post-secondary students: New bursary from Square Peg Society

We are excited to share that Square Peg Society is offering four bursaries to autistic students enrolled in post-secondary education, including academic, trade, or skills-training programs. Apply now for a chance to be one of four students awarded at least $2000.

Deadline to apply for September is August 31. Another deadline will be announced for January.

Applications require:
- Contact information
- Proof of program acceptance
- Explanation of financial need
- A personal statement on the chosen path
- A letter of reference

Visit autismbc.ca/post-secondary-bursary or more information.

Ever wonder about turning a special interest into a career? See how it’s possible in our latest AutismBC Connects blog! ...
08/24/2026

Ever wonder about turning a special interest into a career? See how it’s possible in our latest AutismBC Connects blog!

Before Josh Goring was a voice actor and entertainment consultant, he was a kid who watched what he described as “way too many movies and television shows.” He developed a special interest in Japanese culture through anime, live-action Japanese tv, videogames, and fanfiction. This led him to attending conventions and making connections with voice actors and other professionals. It also led him towards personal growth, education, and a successful career.

Read the blog here: https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/stories/josh-goring-from-special-interest-to-successful-career/

Address

3688 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC
V7B1C7

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16044340880

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Autism BC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Autism BC:

Shortcuts

Share