SAAAC Autism Centre

Our 2025-2026 Annual Report is here!

This year, we supported families navigating complex systems, created real employment opportunities for autistic adults, expanded our reach from Scarborough to Sri Lanka, and strengthened the community of care around every individual we serve.

None of it happens without our families, volunteers, donors, and partners. Thank you for being part of this.

Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4vQTGNF

Our ABA team had a fantastic time attending ABAJam 2026, an annual professional development event that brings together professionals from across the autism and developmental services sector to learn, connect, and share best practices.

We are especially proud that our team participated not only as attendees and learners, but also as presenters, sharing innovative approaches and practical strategies related to communication, self-advocacy, presentation skills, and social skills development across the lifespan.

Events like ABA Jam remind us of the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, and knowledge-sharing in strengthening supports for autistic individuals and their families.

A sincere thank you to Surrey Place and the ABAJam organizing committee for creating such a valuable learning and networking experience. We look forward to bringing new ideas, insights, and inspiration back to the families we serve.

Exciting conversations in Niagara today!

SAAAC Autism Centre’s CARES co-creators, Dr. Shivajan Sivapalan and
Dr. Kira Vimalakanthan, joined Leadership Niagara's 2026 Graduation Day to explore opportunities to bring CARES to families across the Niagara region.

Over the past nine months, Leadership Niagara participants have worked alongside community organizations to develop projects that create meaningful local impact. We are grateful that CARES was selected as one of this year’s community partners and inspired by the commitment of emerging leaders who are working to strengthen mental health, inclusion, and community well-being.

CARES is an evidence-informed caregiver mental health program designed to support caregivers of autistic children through practical strategies, peer connection, and improved well-being. As demand for caregiver support continues to grow, partnerships like these help us explore how proven programs can reach more families who need them.

Thank you to Leadership Niagara, the graduating cohort, and all community partners for your dedication to building stronger, more supportive communities.

📣 You're Invited to SAAAC's Annual General Meeting!

At SAAAC, our community is at the heart of everything we do. Your feedback, support, and involvement help shape our programs, services, and the impact we create together.

Join us for our Annual General Meeting to learn more about the work we've accomplished over the past year, the families and communities we've served, and our vision for the future. We would love the opportunity to share our progress with you and celebrate the collective impact we've made together.

📅 Wednesday, June 10, 2026
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 705 Progress Ave, Unit 63, Scarborough, ON

To RSVP: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=aUQ_OWxjwE6H0fJE9N5MkkPB2dmZlUpKgf86Ezy4T2VUMklHUVJURklDSkJUUlE5V1pBOTZWM1pDRS4u

We look forward to connecting with you and continuing to build a more inclusive and accessible future for autistic individuals and their families.

Supporting 250 families each year, SAAAC’s Walk-A-Thon funds our Case Management and Caregiver Skills Training (CST) programs—providing families with early support, practical tools, and guidance as they navigate autism services.

Case Management helps families understand and access services, funding, education, and healthcare supports, while CST equips caregivers with hands-on strategies to support their child’s development at home.

Together, these programs ensure families receive timely, accessible support when they need it most.

Join us, fundraise, and help make this support possible 💙

✨ Shake It With Sana ✨

Join us for a fun, high-energy community event in support of the SAAAC Walk-A-Thon 2026!

Hosted by Nirtsana — who will also be one of our MCs on Walk Day 🎤 — this event is all about movement, connection, and giving back.

Together, we’re raising funds to support case management services and Caregiver Skills Training programs at SAAAC, helping families and caregivers navigating autism access free, meaningful support and resources.

💛 Please note:
• Registration is required to attend
• Spaces are limited (first come, first served)
• Entry is a donation through Sana’s fundraising page (donate what you can!)
• Your spot is only confirmed once registration is submitted

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=aUQ_OWxjwE6H0fJE9N5Mkn8JtABjrFFDksyT6f4kL3BUQTE2OEFGVlUyWkU5Qk41UjZXQU1TQkJSNS4u

☀️ Summer Sessions Are Now Open for Our Caregiver Skills Training Program!

Our Caregiver Skills Training (CST) Program is designed to support and empower caregivers of children ages 2–9 with developmental delays or disabilities.

Through a combination of:
✨ Virtual group workshops (caregivers only)
✨ Individual coaching sessions (facilitator, caregiver & child)

caregivers will learn practical strategies to support their child’s:
🗣️ Communication
🤝 Social skills
💛 Behaviour during everyday activities

📅 Session Dates:
• Tuesday Sessions: July 28 – September 15, 2026
• Thursday Sessions: July 30 – September 17, 2026

💻 Virtual workshops + individualized coaching support

This program is offered free of cost through the generous support of United Way Greater Toronto.
https://saaac.org/program/caregiver-skills-training-cst/

11 Years of Walking with Purpose ✨

Join us for the 11th Annual SAAAC Walk-A-Thon — a celebration of community, wellness, and inclusion.

In 2026, every step supports Case Management and Caregiver Skills Training, helping families find guidance and giving children a stronger start.

THE CHALLENGE
Participants can take on a wellness challenge — whether it’s walking, biking, unplugging from screens, or another personal goal — and turn it into impact by raising funds for autism programs.

WALK DAY
Join us on Saturday, July 25, as our community comes together for Walk Day at SAAAC — a vibrant in-person celebration featuring:
• A 5KM community walk
• Food & treats
• Games and activities for all ages
• A day filled with connection, purpose, and community spirit

Start your wellness challenge today and join us on July 25th!