Autism Edmonton

♾️ Autistic Pride Day – June 18 ♾️

June 18 is Autistic Pride Day, a day created by autistic people to celebrate autistic identity, culture, community, and the many strengths that autistic individuals bring to the world.

Unlike awareness campaigns that focus primarily on challenges, Autistic Pride Day recognizes autism as a natural part of human diversity. It is an opportunity to celebrate autistic ways of thinking, communicating, learning, creating, problem solving, and experiencing the world.

Autism is more common than many people realize. Current estimates suggest that approximately 1 in 50 children and youth in Canada are autistic, and millions of autistic people live around the world. Autism exists across all cultures, genders, ages, and backgrounds. While every autistic person is unique, many share experiences related to sensory processing, communication differences, focused interests, creativity, honesty, and innovative thinking.

Despite growing acceptance, many autistic people continue to face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and community participation. Research has also shown that autistic individuals experience higher rates of social isolation, mental health challenges, and unemployment than the general population. These barriers are often created not by autism itself, but by environments and systems that were not designed with neurodiversity in mind.

Autistic Pride Day reminds us that inclusion goes beyond awareness. It means creating communities where autistic people are respected, listened to, accommodated, and valued for who they are. It means recognizing that autistic voices belong at the center of conversations about autism.

At Autism Edmonton, we celebrate the diversity, strengths, talents, and lived experiences of autistic individuals. We are proud to work alongside autistic self advocates, families, professionals, and community members to build a more inclusive world where autistic people can thrive and define success on their own terms.

Today, we celebrate autistic joy, autistic identity, autistic community, and autistic pride.

♾️ Happy Autistic Pride Day from Autism Edmonton! ♾️

NEW RESEARCH STUDY

Do you have an autistic child between the ages of 5 and 7? Does the child speak English at home or school? Can the child speak in short sentences?

If so, the University of Alberta is looking for you to participate in a new study titled "Making the Invisible Visible".

What is involved, plus how to contact them, is in the poster in this thread.

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!

The Social Experience of Autistic Late-Diagnosed Women and Gender-Diverse People

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
🕚 Time: 12 pm MST
💻 Online Event
🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/social-experience-autistic-late-diagnosed-women-and-gender-diverse-people-tickets-1990185796291?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

This learning session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the Government of Alberta.

What does it mean to move through life without knowing you are Autistic, only to receive a diagnosis later in adulthood? For many late-diagnosed Autistic women and gender diverse individuals, the journey can bring relief, grief, validation, self-understanding, and a rethinking of past experiences. 🧠✨

Join Autism Edmonton for Social Experience: Autistic Late Diagnosed Women and Gender Diverse People featuring Dr. Angela Feehan. This engaging virtual learning session will explore findings from 33 research studies examining the social experiences of late-diagnosed Autistic women and gender-diverse individuals across the lifespan.

Topics will include navigating social interactions while undiagnosed, masking and coping strategies, recognizing autistic identity, the assessment and diagnosis process, supportive factors for thriving, and the emotional realities that can come with late diagnosis. Attendees will also have opportunities for reflection and discussion around how these experiences may resonate with their own lives and journeys.

Dr. Angela Feehan is a Speech Language Pathologist and Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. Her work focuses on understanding how neurodivergent individuals can thrive in their everyday lives, with a particular focus on late diagnosis, social experiences, and Autistic women and gender-diverse people. Dr. Feehan also brings lived experience to her work in neurodivergence.

THIS SATURDAY!

🌿 Young Women+ Connections 🌿

Looking for a space where you can just be yourself?

Join our peer-to-peer Young Women+ Connections group — a welcoming, supportive space to connect, share, and build community.

This group is for young autistic women (diagnosed or self-identified) and those who feel aligned with women-focused spaces, ages 15–29.

✨ What to expect:
• A safe, inclusive environment
• Opportunities to connect and build friendships
• Peer support and mentorship
• A space centered on understanding and belonging

📍 Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Autism Edmonton Office (11720 Kingsway Ave)
👥 Limited Spots Available:
• 10 spots (ages 15–18)
• 10 spots (ages 19–29)

Participants must be members of Autism Edmonton (Individual Membership, The League, or Occasio).

📧 How to Register:
Email Alarie at [email protected]

You’ll receive a confirmation email (check your spam folder just in case!).

A waitlist will be available if spaces fill up.
📝 Important Info:
• Participants under 18 require a guardian-signed waiver
• Participants 18+ can complete their own waiver
• This is a free event

Please note: this is a peer group, not a respite or fully staffed program (staff are present to support and moderate)

🌈🧠 Neurodiversity Pride Day – June 16 🧠🌈

June 16 is Neurodiversity Pride Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the diversity of human minds and recognizing that neurological differences are a natural and valuable part of humanity.

Neurodiversity includes a wide range of neurological experiences and identities, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, and many other ways of thinking, learning, communicating, and interacting with the world. Neurodiversity reminds us that there is no single "right" way for a brain to function.

Research suggests that between 15% and 20% of the global population is neurodivergent, meaning that millions of people experience and process the world differently from what is considered typical. These differences contribute to creativity, innovation, problem solving, attention to detail, unique perspectives, and countless other strengths that enrich our communities, workplaces, and society.

While neurodivergent individuals bring valuable contributions, many continue to face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and community life. Too often, systems are designed around a narrow understanding of how people should learn, communicate, or behave. Neurodiversity Pride Day encourages us to move beyond awareness and toward acceptance, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.

At Autism Edmonton, we recognize that neurodiversity strengthens our communities. We believe that people should be supported to thrive as their authentic selves and that accommodations, understanding, and respect help create environments where everyone can succeed.

Today, we celebrate the unique strengths, talents, perspectives, and experiences of neurodivergent individuals. We celebrate a world where differences are not simply accepted but valued.

Together, we can create communities that embrace the full spectrum of human diversity.

🌈 Happy Neurodiversity Pride Day from Autism Edmonton! 🌈

A gentle nudge to you to attend the upcoming discussion/learning session with Zachary, Marie, and Colton.

The information shared is important, especially if you need more details about the upcoming AIDH/ADAP changes.

Our next get-together in the How to Advocate series has now been solidified, and I encourage you to join us for our next conversation about AISH and ADAP. 💚

I’ll be joined by Marie Renaud, MLA for St. Albert, and disability lawyer Colton Stevenson for an important discussion on what ADAP means for Albertans with disabilities and how we can better advocate for ourselves through these changes.

📅 Tuesday, June 23, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM MT
📺 YouTube Live with ASL interpretation

Register here:
https://www.albertandpcaucus.ca/events/events-calendar/post/a-conversation-about-aish-adap

YouTube Live:
https://www.youtube.com/

Please share with anyone receiving AISH, impacted by ADAP, supporting a loved one, or trying to understand what comes next. 🙏🏻

TOMORROW!

Please let us know if you are planning to attend.

New Workshop: Disclosure and Accommodation.

Deciding whether to disclose a disability in the workplace and how to request accommodations can be complex. Every situation is different, and having the right information can help you make the decision that is best for you.

Join us for this informative workshop to learn about disclosure and accommodations in the workplace, explore factors to consider when making an individualized decision, and discover resources that can support your employment success. No registration necessary!

•Tuesday, June 16, 2026
•11:00 AM SHARP - 1:00 PM
•Autism Edmonton (101, 11720 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton)

Please note: We cannot provide advice regarding specific situations or individuals.

Whether you are currently employed, looking for work, or planning for the future, this workshop will provide valuable information to help you navigate workplace disclosure and accommodations with confidence.

🎉 50/50 Draw Winner Announcement! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Ruth R., the winner of our 50/50 draw at this year's 5 Artists, 1 Love event! Ruth has been contacted and will be stopping by this week to receive her winnings.

Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets at the 5 Artists 1 Love event and helped support the work of Autism Edmonton. Your participation helps us continue creating opportunities, supports, and connections within our community.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to 5 Artists 1 Love for once again welcoming us back this year. This partnership continues to be a highlight of our calendar, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an incredible evening celebrating art, community, and giving back.

Year after year, 5 Artists 1 Love delivers an unforgettable experience, and it remains one of Edmonton's premier annual events. We are already looking forward to returning next February at the Winspear Centre for another amazing show celebrating Black Excellence.

Congratulations again, Ruth, and thank you to everyone who made this year's event such a success! ❤️🎨✨

As an autistic vendor, are you looking for a place to take part and display your wares, food truck, and/or artistry?

There is a Canada Day Strawberry Market scheduled for July 1st, and they are looking for you!

Specifically, they are currently looking for vendors, makers, artists, young entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community-minded participants who may be interested in joining the event. They would especially love to create space for neurodiverse entrepreneurs or families who may want a supportive and welcoming place to participate.

If you are the person they are looking for, please contact Renata at [email protected]

We are pleased to have the Centre for Autism Services Alberta at our office to facilitate a learning session titled 'Disclosure and Accommodation.'

Please let us know if you are able to attend! Email Kieran at [email protected]

New Workshop: Disclosure and Accommodation.

Deciding whether to disclose a disability in the workplace and how to request accommodations can be complex. Every situation is different, and having the right information can help you make the decision that is best for you.

Join us for this informative workshop to learn about disclosure and accommodations in the workplace, explore factors to consider when making an individualized decision, and discover resources that can support your employment success. No registration necessary!

•Tuesday, June 16, 2026
•11:00 AM SHARP - 1:00 PM
•Autism Edmonton (101, 11720 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton)

Please note: We cannot provide advice regarding specific situations or individuals.

Whether you are currently employed, looking for work, or planning for the future, this workshop will provide valuable information to help you navigate workplace disclosure and accommodations with confidence.