Who We Are
The National Autism Network (the Network) is a new, independent, community-led organization that brings together Autistic people, families, subject matter experts, and community partners to inform the federal government on how to carry out Canada’s Autism Strategy.
What We Do
The Network actively engages with Autistic people and their families to help shape community priorities and drive action to bring Canada’s Autism Strategy to life.
Our Values
Centers Lived and Living experiences: Creates space for Autistic people, families, caregivers, researchers, and community partners across the country to share their knowledge and shape decision-making
Supports Lifespan Needs: Promotes inclusive policies and supports from early childhood through adulthood and into older age
Champions Authentic Community Leadership: Ensures Autistic leadership across Canada plays an active and central role in the conversations that guide policy.
Prioritizes Inclusive Engagement: Champions equity and equal representation by ensuring that the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Urban Indigenous), rural and remote communities, people with co-occurring conditions, non-speaking Autistic people, and racialized and historically marginalized groups are included and valued
Strengthens Cross-Sector Collaboration: Encourages on-going collaboration to build coordinated, sustainable solutions rooted in authentic experiences
Drives Systemic Change: Influences national priorities and policies by centering on real community input to shape decision-making
Our Job
Advises Government: Informs the National Autism Secretariat at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on how best to implement Canada’s Autism Strategy
Connects Communities: Links organizations, service providers, governments, and community partners to promote an inclusive and coordinated approach to Canada’s Autism Strategy.
Meet The Team
Dr. Karen Bopp
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Read bioKaren has dedicated over 30 years to supporting and working in partnership with Autistic and Neurodivergent people and their families. She holds an M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology and a PhD in Special Education from the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Medicine and Education. Her career spans frontline clinical work, policy leadership, and advocacy. Karen began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist supporting children on the spectrum and their families. In her role with the B.C government, she led the development of autism policy, cross-ministry initiatives, and improvements to services and systems. At UBC, she created professional development programs for primary care providers, dental professionals, employers, and early childcare workers to enhance accessibility and inclusion. Most recently, she worked with the B.C.’s Representative for Children and Youth, where she engaged with self-advocates, families, and community organizations to inform government policy and drive systemic change. Karen is honoured to serve as Interim CEO of Canada’s National Autism Network.
Holly Crone
Start Up Operations Coordinator
Read bioHolly is a driven non-profit leader with a deep commitment to systems change, equity, and inclusion with more than 20 years working with marginalized communities. As Start-Up Operations Manager for the National Autism Network, she plays a key role in supporting infrastructure, and cross-team collaboration. With a background in program and policy development, compliance management and team support, she endeavors to bring a practical and compassionate approach to launching initiatives that center the perspectives of Autistic people. Her work is grounded in a belief in meaningful partnership, accountability, and the power of connection to drive long-term impact.
Rebekah Kintzinger
Start Up Communications Advisor
Read bioI’m Rebekah Kintzinger. I’m an Autistic advocate, writer, and consultant based in Kelowna, BC (Sylix Okanagan Peoples). I’ve been involved in autism advocacy for a number of years, particularly around health, policy, and the ways language and stigma impact our communities. I currently serve as one of the Chairs of the Board at Autism Alliance of Canada. I also represent Canada in the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum.
Meet The Interim Board
Maddy Dever
Board Chair
Read bioMaddy Dever (they/them) is a non-binary Autistic advocate, writer, speaker, and parent of four Autistic youth and young adults, based in Smiths Falls, Ontario. They are the founder and host of The Autistic Rambler podcast, where they explore neurodivergence, mental health, and the intersections of Autism and LGBTQ+ identities. Maddy is Interim Chair of the National Autism Network, President of Autistic Bridge Inc., and former Co-Vice Chair of the Autism Alliance of Canada. Their advocacy spans education reform, housing accessibility, and poverty reduction for disabled communities. They have influenced national policy through roles on the Ontario Autism Program Advisory Panel & Implementation Working Group and the Children’s Mental Health Ontario Autism & Mental Health Advisory Group. In 2023, they addressed the UN Human Rights Committee on the rights of disabled individuals.
Maddy is a frequent speaker and lecturer, presenting at national and international conferences such as the Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (2020–2025), Geneva Centre for Autism Symposium (2024), and OCALICONLINE (2021). They are a founding member of the Canadian Journal of Autism Ethics (CJAE) and actively contribute to research through the Autism Care Network and ECHO Autism programs. As Director of Policy for the Ontario Disability Coalition and a leader in Canada’s National Disability Strategy efforts, Maddy works to ensure that Autistic and caregiver voices shape inclusive public policy. Their work has earned them and the CJAE founding editorial team, recognition including the 2022 Gerry Bloomfield Award from Autism Ontario.
Siyu Chen
Board Vice Chair
Read bioSiyu (Suzanna) Chen is an autistic self-advocate who is passionate about disability equality and youth leadership. Her activism involves everything from performing in a fundraising concert for a local autism non-profit in Greater Vancouver, exhibiting photographs at a neurodivergent creativity conference, and representing disability-inclusive Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) campaigns by international charities during United Nations events. She was recognized for her advocacy with the Jim & Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award at the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit in 2024.
Dr. Jonathan Lai
National Autism Network Director
Read bioDr Jonathan Lai is the Executive Director at Autism Alliance of Canada. He also holds an Adjunct Faculty position in Health Services Research at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.
At Autism Alliance of Canada, Jonathan’s work involves responding to emerging national policy gaps in the autism and disability sector. Through his career, he has experience working at the interface of research, community and policy to affect systems change in the autism health and social services sector across Canada.
Tanya McLeod
National Autism Network Director
Read bioTanya McLeod is President of The Sinneave Family Foundation in Calgary, Alberta; a national organization committed to providing value to the community by coordinating and investing in a portfolio of purposeful initiatives and projects aimed at reducing barriers and enhancing opportunities for Autistic youth and adults. Tanya values the opportunity to contribute to making a difference in the lives of others. She is pleased to collaborate on the National Autism Network initiative and to facilitate inclusive and ongoing engagement of Autistic Canadians and their families in shaping policies and programs. Her hope is that Canada’s Autism Strategy provides a paradigm shift, and that the National Autism Network provides tangible advice, including clear ways and means to make a difference in people’s lives.