Get Involved
We’re so glad you want to get involved!
The National Autism Network is a space where Autistic people, families, service providers, researchers, and others with lived and living or professional experience come together to help shape priorities and create meaningful change.
By taking part, you’re helping to make sure the perspectives and experiences of Autistic people and their families are at the centre of Canada’s Autism Strategy.
You can participate right now by answering our Quick Question!
There are also many other ways to get involved.
Become a Member
There are two types of memberships in the National Autism Network (the Network).
Timeline: Open Year-Round
Governance Members:
- Autistic People – Those with first-person experience
- Family Members of Autistic People – Those with second-person experience including parents, siblings, spouses, or other unpaid supporters.
General Members:
- Professionals and Other Individual Interest-holders – including healthcare practitioners, educators, researchers, etc.
- Organizations – national, regional, municipal, and community based
- You only need to sign up your organization as a member one time.
What are the benefits of membership?
All members will receive Network updates and invitations to participate in ongoing engagement activities that help shape the Network’s recommendations for the implementation of Canada’s Autism Strategy. These activities may include in-person and virtual events, surveys, and the annual community report. All members will be notified when final Network reports are released to government.
Members can also apply to join the Board of Directors, a Standing Advisory Council, or a Strategic Priority Committee.
Governance Members – Autistic persons and family of Autistic persons will be invited to the annual general meeting and are eligible to vote in the election of the Board of Directors.
A Board of Directors is made up of people who help guide and oversee the work of the Network. They are responsible for making sure the Network stays true to its vision of “a Canada where the lived and living experiences of Autistic people and their families shape policies, systems, and communities to ensure full inclusion, equity, and opportunity at every stage of life.”
General Members – Professionals and other individual interest-holders are eligible to apply to join a Standing Advisory Council or Strategic Priority Committee and will receive Network updates and invitations to all Network activities.
General Members – Organizations will receive Network updates and notifications of upcoming engagement activities that help shape the Network’s recommendations for the implementation of Canada’s Autism Strategy to share with their organization.
Participate in Upcoming Activities
Coming Soon: This is where we will be sharing a calendar of upcoming engagement activities that will be open to everyone, no membership required. Stay tuned!
Join the Board of Directors
Timeline: Calls for nominations are now open. Nomination deadline is August 31, 2025
The National Autism Network (the Network) is currently supported by a start-up board of directors. A formal nomination process to elect a permanent board of directors will begin in the summer of 2025.
A Board of Directors is made up of people who help guide and oversee the work of the Network. They are responsible for making sure the Network stays true to its vision of “a Canada where the lived and living experiences of Autistic people and their families shape policies, systems, and communities to ensure full inclusion, equity, and opportunity at every stage of life.”
The Board of Directors helps lead the Network, but it does not run day-to-day programs or activities. It is a governance board. It is NOT an operational Board.
What this means is that if you’re interested in sharing your opinions, experiences, or helping guide the information we send to government, you may wish to consider participating in other ways such as applying to join a Strategic Priority Committee or Standing Advisory Council.
Click the Learn More button for more information about applying to be on the Board of Directors.
Click the Nomination Process button for information on how the Board of Directors will be nominated.
Join a Standing Advisory Council
Timeline: Calls for applications are now open. Application deadline is September 15th, 2025
The Standing Advisory Councils are groups of people with lived or living experience who help guide the work of the Network. Their advice helps make sure that Canada’s Autism Strategy is inclusive, fair, and based on real experiences.
The National Autism Network has three Standing Advisory Councils:
- Autistic Advisory Council – For Autistic people (first-person experience)
- Family Advisory Council – For family members and non-paid supporters (second-person experience)
- Indigenous Advisory Council – For First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous people
As a member of one of these councils you will:
- Offer direct insight through your lived and living experiences to help shape the Network’s strategies, initiatives, and decisions.
- Help ensure that policies and services, are grounded in real-life understanding and respond to community needs.
- Strengthen the Network’s connection with the Autistic community and uphold its commitment to inclusive, community-centered work.
- Stay informed about community issues and share diverse perspectives that reflect the broader community.
Click the Learn More button for more information about applying to be on a Standing Advisory Council.
Join a Strategic Priority Committee
Timeline: Calls for applications are now open. Application deadline is September 15th, 2025
The National Autism Network has five Strategic Priority Committees, each focused on a key area across the lifespan:
- Screening, Diagnosis and Services
- Economic Inclusion
- Data Collection, Public Health Surveillance and Research
- Public Awareness, Understanding and Acceptance
- Tools and Resources
Committee members bring relevant experience or subject matter expertise in the priority area. Members include systems and policy specialists, researchers, clinicians, service providers, Autistic people, and family members, each contributing knowledge specific to one of the five areas.
These committees provide a collaborative space to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative ideas related to their specific focus.
Their goal of each committee is to identify effective and long-term actions, make policy recommendations, and support inter – and cross-sector partnerships that lead to real and lasting improvements for Autistic people and their communities.
Click the Learn More button for more information about applying to be on a Strategic Priority Committee.