ACT-Autism Community Training

ACT-Autism Community Training Evidence based information and training on autism in B.C.

🧠 Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA): Understanding Autonomy, Demands & Neurodivergent ExperienceHow might everyday dem...
09/29/2026

🧠 Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA): Understanding Autonomy, Demands & Neurodivergent Experience

How might everyday demands feel from a neurodivergent person’s perspective? And how can we respond in ways that support autonomy, participation, and well-being?

Join Dr. Wenn Lawson for a virtual, interactive presentation exploring Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) through lived experience conversations and practical, autonomy-supportive approaches.

The session will explore current understandings of PDA, connections among autonomy, anxiety, uncertainty, executive functioning, and regulation, and why autonomy-driven responses may sometimes be misunderstood as defiance, manipulation, or non-compliance.

Participants will also consider practical ways that choice, flexibility, collaboration, communication, and trust can support neurodivergent people.

📅 October 23, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
💻 Virtual via Zoom
🎤 Featuring Dr. Wenn Lawson

👉 Register here:
Persistent Drive for Autonomy – Registration Form
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=RtUantX4ek-GDic4Z6NToGfRnfMTNONBpTGXuRc-rJhUOExTS05INURZUTNJSjdZS1UwVDRZUzJXMy4u&route=shorturl&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Please share this opportunity with families, educators, professionals, service providers, and others who may benefit from the conversation.

📢 Public Review Now Open: Accessible-Ready Modular and Prefabricated HousingAccessibility Standards Canada is inviting t...
09/28/2026

📢 Public Review Now Open: Accessible-Ready Modular and Prefabricated Housing

Accessibility Standards Canada is inviting the public to provide feedback on its draft standard, CAN-ASC-2.11 – Accessible-Ready Modular and Prefabricated Housing.

The draft standard looks at how accessibility can be considered from the beginning when modular and prefabricated homes are designed and built, making future adaptations easier as people’s needs change. It includes guidance related to entrances, kitchens, bathrooms, stairs, garages, mechanical and electrical systems, and other features that can support future accessibility.

Accessibility Standards Canada
For people with disabilities, families, caregivers, professionals, builders, and others with lived or professional experience, this is an opportunity to review the draft and share your perspective.

🗓️ Public review closes November 16, 2026.
Your feedback can help inform the development of more accessible and adaptable housing in Canada.

👉 Read the draft standard and share your feedback:
Accessibility Standards Canada – CAN-ASC-2.11 Public Review
https://accessible.canada.ca/standards-and-technical-guides/standards-and-technical-guides-database/can-asc-211-accessible-ready-modular-and-prefabricated-housing?utm_campaign=ARMPH_public_review_Sept2026&utm_medium=email&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Please share this opportunity with others in your community who may be interested in contributing.

🌙 Understanding and Supporting Sleep in Autistic and ADHD Children, Teens, and AdultsSleep challenges are common for aut...
09/23/2026

🌙 Understanding and Supporting Sleep in Autistic and ADHD Children, Teens, and Adults

Sleep challenges are common for autistic and ADHD people across the lifespan — and understanding what’s behind them can make a meaningful difference.

Join Dr. Michelle Schmidt, Executive Director of ACT – Autism Community Training, for a practical, neurodiversity-affirming workshop exploring how sensory needs, anxiety, executive functioning, regulation, and routines can affect sleep.

Participants will gain realistic strategies to help reduce bedtime stress, support healthier sleep habits, and create routines that work for individuals and families.

📅 October 14, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM–8:00 PM (PDT)
💻 Virtual
🎥 Recording available for 30 days

🐦 Early Bird: $30 until September 30

Learn more about Michelle and register today through ACT’s website.
https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/act-events/

🌱 Let’s build healthier, more inclusive communities for children and youth.ACT is proud to support — the 6th Annual Ca...
09/22/2026

🌱 Let’s build healthier, more inclusive communities for children and youth.

ACT is proud to support — the 6th Annual Canadian Children, Youth and Communities Health In | Equity Conference, happening online October 28–29, 2026.

Connect with colleagues from across Canada and explore important conversations around health equity, youth-led change, ethical AI in healthcare, social prescribing, and more.

🎤 4 Keynotes
💬 12 Interactive Workshops
📊 20+ Posters
💻 Online access + 6 months of session recordings

👉 Learn more and register:
https://www.cpd.utoronto.ca/ccyc/

🎓 Missed the live workshop? The recording is now available!Due to ongoing demand, ACT is pleased to make the recording o...
09/22/2026

🎓 Missed the live workshop? The recording is now available!

Due to ongoing demand, ACT is pleased to make the recording of Navigating Your Child’s Education: Understanding Rights, Advocacy, and School Supports available for purchase.

Presented by Michelle Schmidt, PhD, this workshop includes an important update on BC’s 2026 Inclusive Education changes. It covers what families need to know about IEPs, documentation, services, autism identification, and effective advocacy for their child at school.

💻 Watch on demand
💲 $35
📅 30-day access

Purchase the recording here:
Get the Workshop Recording on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/navigating-your-childs-education-extral-sales-for-recordings-only-tickets-2001433439294?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Supporting toileting skills can be challenging — but the right strategies can make a meaningful difference.Join Dr. Kati...
09/15/2026

Supporting toileting skills can be challenging — but the right strategies can make a meaningful difference.

Join Dr. Katie Rinald, PhD, BCBA, for ACT’s upcoming virtual workshop, Teaching Toileting Skills: 10 Things to Know.

This practical two-hour session will explore evidence-informed strategies for supporting toileting skill development for autistic learners at any age or stage. Katie will share approaches for getting started, troubleshooting common challenges, and making toilet learning more positive, engaging, and person-centred.

📅 September 29, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM–12:00 PM PDT
💻 Virtual Workshop
🎥 30-day recording access included

Register today: https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/act-events/

Can’t attend live? Your registration includes 30 days of access to the recording.

ACT event bursaries are available for those experiencing financial barriers.

BC has released new Inclusive Education Funding Allocation Category Checklists for 2026. What could these changes mean f...
09/15/2026

BC has released new Inclusive Education Funding Allocation Category Checklists for 2026. What could these changes mean for your child?

The new checklists include important changes affecting IEPs, documentation, services and Category G autism identification, with several expectations now made more explicit.

What should you ask at an IEP meeting? How are diagnosis, designation, funding, accommodations, and actual services connected—and where do they differ?

Join us tomorrow evening for:

Navigating Your Child’s Education: Understanding Rights, Advocacy and School Supports

Presented by Dr. Michelle Schmidt

📅 Tomorrow — September 15
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM PDT
💻 Live Online
🎥 30-day recording access included
🎟️ $35 per person

Can’t attend live? Your registration includes access to the recording for 30 days.

Full bursaries are available for Indigenous and Autistic participants. General bursaries are also available.

👉 Register here: https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/act-events/

Come to visit our booth at Vancouver pride parade.
08/02/2026

Come to visit our booth at Vancouver pride parade.

🌏 Connecting Across BordersACT Executive Director Dr. Michelle Schmidt recently met with Team IEUM, a group of inclusive...
07/25/2026

🌏 Connecting Across Borders
ACT Executive Director Dr. Michelle Schmidt recently met with Team IEUM, a group of inclusive education students from Ewha Womans University in South Korea, during their research visit to British Columbia.

Their research explores inclusive education and transition supports for autistic youth and adults, including post-secondary education, employment, independent living, and community participation.

It was a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss how communities can better support autistic individuals and their families.

Thank you to Team IEUM — Sohyun Park, Seorim Yoo, Minju Lee, and Sujin Yi — for the thoughtful conversation and your interest in ACT’s work. We wish you every success with your research and look forward to staying connected!

Thank you for being part of our community.Happy Pride; this month and every month!
07/01/2026

Thank you for being part of our community.

Happy Pride; this month and every month!

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