Autism Ontario Central West Region

07/03/2025

Martial Arts for autistic teens and adults 16+

Join the Brampton Academy of Martial Arts for this 6-week program where students ages 16+ will learn the basics of Karate, balance and coordination drills all while in an inclusive environment.

Outcomes:

- learn basic Karate blocks, strikes and kicks
- gain fitness through warmups that include jumping jacks, hopping, stretching and range of motion drills
- learn how to develop focus and self-control through their breath and moving meditation (tai chi)

This is a program for autistic individuals who are able to follow group instructions independently. *Individuals must be able to participate without parental/guardian assistance.

*Caregivers for teens must remain on site.

Location: The Brampton Academy of Martial Arts, 41 Main St. North, Brampton, ON L6X 1M8

Time: 9:15 am - 10:00 am; Date: Saturdays, August 9 to September 13, 2025

*Registered participants must be ages 16+ or adults.

Register here: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=11094

07/03/2025

Make and Mingle for Caregivers in Guelph

Caregivers from all around Central West are invited to join us at Crock-A-Doodle in Guelph for a “make and mingle” party!
Each participant will be able to choose from a large selection of pottery and paint and supplies are included. Once your piece is complete, it will be kiln fired and the final piece can be picked up in approximately one week after that.

*This is a caregiver only event

This will be a small group with a chance to chat with other caregivers to make friendships and support each other in your journey. Autism Ontario staff will also be present and available to chat about supports.

Location: Crock-A-Doodle, 1398 Gordon St, Guelph, ON N1L 1C8

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm; Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=11073

06/27/2025

⚾️Join other Autism Ontario Families as we watch The Kitchener Panthers take on the Guelph Royals.
Cost: $3 per person
Date: Sunday July 27, 2025
Game start: 2:00 pm
Location: Jack Couch Park , Kitchener, ON.
Registration Link:

The Kitchener Panthers are a revered franchise in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL). The league features former Major League professionals. The franchise has won 12 IBL championships.

06/25/2025

For more information, or to register, please click here: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=11159&reset=1

Step into a world of magic and mischief deep within the recesses of the historic Rock Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens. These tickets do not grant you access to all f the RBG garden areas. Please note that the check in time is 10:30-11, however, you can stay for however long you want once you are in. Tickets are $5 per person.

06/22/2025

Tru Earth - Autism Ontario Earns 30% Commission this June!

Everyone needs common household items like laundry detergent, disinfecting cleaners, and fabric softeners.

This June, Autism Ontario earns 30% commission on every sale made through our unique fundraising link: https://tru-earth.sjv.io/autismontario

These funds help ensure we can continue to offer our in-demand programs and services for autism families.

A proudly Canadian company, Tru Earth is committed to combating the 645 billion plastic household product containers dumped into landfills and oceans each year. And, every 32-load eco-strips package eliminates the need for 1 plastic jug.

Thank you for supporting our fundraiser!

06/20/2025

Thank you to our amazing volunteers!

Autism Ontario is one of the proud charities that partnered with Marigolds & Onions at the recent RBC Canadian Open.

Our volunteers had a fantastic time at various concessions throughout TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, led by Marigolds & Onions Catering and Event Production staff.

The funds raised from this partnership go directly to provide programs, events, and resources to autistic individuals and families.

06/18/2025

For more information or to register: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=11124&reset=1

Come join us at our private viewing of the new Superman Movie in Oakville. This event is intended for autistic adults 18+. $5 per ticket. Spots are limited so sign up now!

06/18/2025

Webinar - Navigating a New Diagnosis- Information Session for Parents and Caregivers of Autistic Children Over 5: July 9 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

At Autism Ontario, we recognize that receiving an autism diagnosis for your child may be both a meaningful and challenging experience. We invite you to join our staff to discuss how to navigate services and supports that may be helpful for your family.

This workshop will provide information on:
- Learning more about autism
- Creating a support network
- Accessing services and supports
- Considering other social and recreational options
- Accessing financial supports, including the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

This information session is appropriate for parents and caregivers of autistic children over 5 years old, as well as professionals working with this population.

Register here: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=11112

06/12/2025

In April, 36 Ontario schools joined us to by participating in Autism Ontario’s School Giving Challenge.

Together, we raised over $17,000, advancing our mission to create a supportive and inclusive Ontario for autism.

We’re proud to announce the winner of our 2025 School Giving Challenge is École Sacré Coeur in Chapleau, ON, who raised an amazing $2,535.75! They have won a $500 pizza lunch!

The winner of the Celebrate the Spectrum School Giving Challenge participation award is E.J. Sand Public School in Thornhill, ON. They have won a $200 Dollarama gift card.

Click here to watch the draw live: https://bit.ly/402s4HR

All of us at Autism Ontario were heartened to see the philanthropic spirit of Ontario school communities shine brightly in support of our programs and services for the autism community.

To all participating schools, thank you for helping us to achieve our vision of “Best Life, Better World, Making Autism Matter!”

06/06/2025

Online Study: Flourishing Among Diverse Families of Autistic Youth

“Participants needed! Our research team at York University (led by Dr. Jonathan Weiss) is conducting an online study about the positive experiences (flourishing) of ethnically diverse families of autistic youth (aged 10-18) living in Canada. You will be asked to complete an online survey (45-60 minutes) about your child, family flourishing, and experience living in Canada. To thank you for your time, you will be eligible to win one of ten $50 e-gift certificates.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please click the link below or contact us at [email protected]!

Sign-up link:

Family Flourishing - Study 1 Interest Link

06/05/2025

Yesterday, Autism Ontario volunteers kicked off an exciting summer fundraiser with Marigolds & Onions (m&o) at RBC Canadian Open concessions. We were joined by our new friends from the Island Lake Rowing Club.

Thanks to the generosity of m&o and all our volunteers, we're raising funds and awareness. We'll be volunteering at the concession stands until June 8th—if you're at the Open, please drop by and say hi!