Autism Edmonton

**Are you a sibling of an autistic individual?**

This research might be for you!

The Autism Research Centre at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital is very interested in following babies who have a parent with an autistic sibling.

Why? They would like to better understand how autism presents in families.

Appointments are completed in person (at the Autism Research Centre in Edmonton, Alberta) and virtually (for Alberta and Ontario!).

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Lori at [email protected] or call 780-735-8280

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]

🌿 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)

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!

This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.

Autistic voices matter. Lived experience matters. Creating space for autistic people to share their own perspectives is essential to building understanding, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion. 🧠✨

Join Autism Edmonton for "Jess Burylo – Autistic Voices and Perspectives," an engaging virtual learning session featuring Jess Burylo, who will share insights, experiences, and reflections from an autistic lens.

This session will explore autistic identity, communication, lived experiences, societal perceptions, and the importance of centering autistic voices in conversations about autism. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity through authentic perspectives that challenge stereotypes while promoting acceptance, belonging, and community connection.

This learning opportunity is valuable for autistic individuals, family members, educators, professionals, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning directly from autistic lived experience.

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
🕚 Time: 12pm MST
💻 Online Event
🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jess-burylo-autistic-voices-and-perspectives-tickets-1988858917561?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Through Autism Edmonton’s internationally attended virtual learning platform, sessions like this continue to elevate autistic voices while creating more inclusive, neuroaffirming communities across Alberta, Canada, and internationally.

🧡 Indigenous History Month Through an Autism Lens 🧡

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize, learn about, and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada.

It is also an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of Indigenous autistic individuals and families, whose voices have historically been underrepresented in both Indigenous and autism communities. Indigenous autistic people bring unique perspectives, strengths, and ways of understanding the world that enrich our communities.

Research and community advocacy have identified significant barriers faced by many Indigenous autistic individuals, including limited access to culturally responsive diagnostic services, long wait times for supports, geographic barriers in rural and remote communities, and a lack of autism resources that reflect Indigenous cultures, languages, and ways of knowing. These challenges can contribute to later diagnoses and reduced access to services and supports.

At the same time, Indigenous communities continue to lead important conversations about disability, neurodiversity, identity, and belonging. Across Canada, Indigenous educators, Elders, advocates, researchers, and families are helping create more inclusive and culturally meaningful approaches to supporting autistic individuals throughout their lives.

At Autism Edmonton, we recognize the importance of listening to Indigenous voices and learning from Indigenous ways of knowing. We are committed to continuing our work alongside Indigenous partners and community members to foster understanding, inclusion, respect, and meaningful connections.

This Indigenous History Month, we encourage everyone to take time to learn about the histories, cultures, achievements, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, while also recognizing the diverse experiences of Indigenous autistic individuals and their families.

Together, we can build communities where all people are valued, respected, and supported to be themselves.

🧡

🌈 Pride Month Through an Autism Lens 🌈

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity, strength, and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. It is also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many autistic people who are part of these communities and whose experiences sit at the intersection of neurodiversity and gender and sexual diversity.

Research consistently shows that autistic people are more likely than non-autistic people to identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. Studies have found that autistic individuals are several times more likely to identify as transgender, nonbinary, gender diverse, or a sexual minority. Some research suggests that between 15% and 35% of autistic adults identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, compared to a much smaller percentage of the general population. Autistic people are also more likely to question traditional expectations around gender and relationships and may describe their identities in unique and authentic ways.

While this intersection can be a source of pride, community, and self-discovery, it can also come with challenges. Autistic 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals often face higher rates of mental health concerns, social isolation, discrimination, and barriers to accessing affirming healthcare and support services. Many report feeling misunderstood in both autism and 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces, highlighting the importance of creating communities that are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive of all identities.

At Autism Edmonton, we recognize that there is no single autistic experience. Our community includes people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences. During Pride Month, we celebrate autistic 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals for who they are and reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces where everyone can belong without having to hide or mask important parts of themselves.

This Pride Month, let us continue building a world where autistic people can be fully themselves, where diversity is celebrated, and where every person is welcomed with acceptance, dignity, and respect.

💜 Happy Pride Month from Autism Edmonton! 🌈

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!

A session brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the City of Edmonton.

Join us for an important and affirming conversation exploring the intersection of ADHD, autism, and q***rness. 🌈🧠

Autism Edmonton is proud to present Understanding & Thriving with ADHD, Autism, and Queerness featuring Amanda Montey (they/them). This session will explore how neurodivergence and q***r identities intersect, including masking, identity development, community connection, mental health, and thriving authentically.

Amanda will share research, lived experience insights, and practical reflections on navigating a world that often misunderstands both neurodivergent and q***r experiences. This learning opportunity is designed to foster understanding, validation, and community for autistic, ADHD, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, families, professionals, and allies.

📅 Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
🕠 Time: 6:30 PM PDT
💻 Online Event
🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/understanding-thriving-with-adhd-autism-and-q***rness-tickets-1988410336844?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Through Autism Edmonton’s internationally attended virtual learning platform, sessions like this help build more inclusive communities while amplifying autistic and q***r voices.

TOMORROW!

This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the Alberta 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce.

Exercise is often discussed through neurotypical expectations, but movement, fitness, and physical activity can look very different when viewed through an autistic lens. 🧠🏃

Join Autism Edmonton for Exploring Exercise Through an Autistic Lens, a virtual learning session focused on understanding movement, sensory experiences, motivation, accessibility, and well-being in ways that honour autistic experiences and needs.

This session will explore how sensory processing, executive functioning, coordination, anxiety, interoception, burnout, and social expectations can impact relationships with exercise and physical activity. Participants will also learn about creating more neuro-affirming and accessible approaches to movement that prioritize regulation, enjoyment, and sustainability rather than pressure or conformity.

Whether you are autistic, supporting an autistic person, or working in education, recreation, health, or wellness, this session offers valuable insight into making exercise and movement more inclusive and supportive for neurodivergent individuals.

Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM MST
Online Event
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/exploring-exercise-through-an-autistic-lens-tickets-1988767564321?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Through Autism Edmonton’s internationally attended virtual learning platform, sessions like this continue to expand conversations around neurodiversity, health, accessibility, and inclusive community support for autistic individuals and families across Alberta, Canada, and internationally.

Volunteer. Connect. Make an impact. 💙

Join the Volunteer Services team at Autism Edmonton and help create more inclusive, connected communities for autistic individuals and families right here in Edmonton.

We’re currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers for several exciting upcoming events:

🚴 Cycle for Autism | June 7, 2026
Enjoy sunshine, snacks, community spirit, and the chance to cheer on participants alongside some truly phenomenal people.

🎰 Casino Fundraiser | June 24 & 25, 2026
Help raise critical funds that support programs and services year-round while being part of a fun, high-energy event. Meals provided during your shift!

🎡 KDays | July 17–26, 2026
Volunteer during one of Edmonton’s biggest summer events and enjoy access to the grounds during your shift — plus time to explore the rides, food, and festivities afterward.

Whether you can give a few hours or a few days, your time helps build belonging, connection, and support for families across our community.

📩 Register here: https://www.autismedmonton.org/contact/

Questions? Email [email protected] to learn more about getting involved!