{"id":11,"date":"2025-05-23T15:55:04","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T15:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ec2-3-99-221-8.ca-central-1.compute.amazonaws.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=11"},"modified":"2026-04-24T11:17:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T15:17:18","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nan-rna.ca\/fr\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00c0 propos"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Qui nous sommes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Le R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme est une initiative communautaire ind\u00e9pendante qui rassemble les personnes autistes, leurs familles, les sp\u00e9cialistes et les partenaires communautaires pour informer le gouvernement f\u00e9d\u00e9ral sur la fa\u00e7on de mettre en \u0153uvre la Strat\u00e9gie pour l\u2019autisme au Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ce que nous faisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Le R\u00e9seau s\u2019engage activement aupr\u00e8s des personnes autistes et de leurs familles pour d\u00e9finir les priorit\u00e9s de la communaut\u00e9 et guider les actions n\u00e9cessaires pour r\u00e9aliser la Strat\u00e9gie pour l\u2019autisme au Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Nos valeurs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Ic\u00f4ne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Priorit\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue : Cr\u00e9er l\u2019espace n\u00e9cessaire pour que les personnes autistes, les familles et les personnes aidantes ainsi que les scientifiques et les partenaires communautaires de toutes les r\u00e9gions du pays puissent partager leurs connaissances et fa\u00e7onner les processus de prise de d\u00e9cisions qui les concernent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ic\u00f4ne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Du soutien pour les besoins, tout au long de la vie : Promouvoir des politiques et des moyens de soutien inclusifs de la petite enfance \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e2ge adulte et jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la vieillesse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ic\u00f4ne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Soutenir un r\u00e9el leadership communautaire : S\u2019assurer que le leadership autiste de toutes les r\u00e9gions du Canada joue un r\u00f4le actif de premier plan dans les conversations qui guident l\u2019\u00e9tablissement des politiques.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ic\u00f4ne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Donner priorit\u00e9 \u00e0 un mode d\u2019engagement inclusif : Favoriser l\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 et l\u2019\u00e9galit\u00e9 de repr\u00e9sentation en s\u2019assurant que les perspectives des personnes autochtones (des Premi\u00e8res Nations, de la Nation M\u00e9tis, Inuit et autochtones en milieu urbain), des collectivit\u00e9s rurales et \u00e9loign\u00e9es, des personnes ayant des conditions cooccurrentes, des personnes autistes non parlantes et des groupes racis\u00e9s et marginalis\u00e9s sont incluses et valid\u00e9es.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ic\u00f4ne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Renforcer la collaboration intersectorielle : Encourager une collaboration continue pour l\u2019\u00e9laboration de solutions coordonn\u00e9es et durables bas\u00e9es sur les savoirs exp\u00e9rientiels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ic\u00f4ne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Favoriser les changements syst\u00e9miques : influer sur les priorit\u00e9s et les politiques \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9chelle nationale en donnant pr\u00e9c\u00e9dence \u00e0 l\u2019information tangible issue des communaut\u00e9s pour fa\u00e7onner les processus de prise de d\u00e9cisions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Notre r\u00f4le<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Ic\u00f4ne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Conseille le gouvernement :\n\n
Contribue \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9laboration du plan de mise en \u0153uvre de la Strat\u00e9gie canadienne pour l\u2019autisme, en collaboration avec le Secr\u00e9tariat de l\u2019autisme de l\u2019Agence de la sant\u00e9 publique du Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ic\u00f4ne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Relie les communaut\u00e9s :
Met en relation les organisations, les fournisseurs de services, les gouvernements et les partenaires communautaires afin de promouvoir une approche inclusive et coordonn\u00e9e de la Strat\u00e9gie canadienne pour l\u2019autisme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u00c9quipe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Karen Bopp, Ph. D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

elle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direction g\u00e9n\u00e9rale par int\u00e9rim<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

karen.bopp@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

Pendant plus de 30 ans, Karen a soutenu en collaboration des personnes autistes ou neurodivergentes et leurs familles. D\u00e9tentrice d\u2019une ma\u00eetrise en orthophonie et d\u2019un doctorat en \u00e9ducation sp\u00e9cialis\u00e9e, Karen a \u00e9galement r\u00e9alis\u00e9 un projet postdoctoral en m\u00e9decine et \u00e9ducation \u00e0 l\u2019Universit\u00e9 de la Colombie-Britannique (UBC). Son exp\u00e9rience professionnelle inclut le travail clinique de premi\u00e8re ligne, le leadership dans le domaine des politiques et la d\u00e9fense des droits. Karen a commenc\u00e9 sa carri\u00e8re en orthophonie aupr\u00e8s des enfants autistes et de leurs familles. Dans son r\u00f4le au gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique, Karen a men\u00e9 l\u2019\u00e9laboration de politiques en autisme, des initiatives interminist\u00e9rielles et des am\u00e9liorations aux services et syst\u00e8mes. \u00c0 l\u2019Universit\u00e9 de la Colombie-Britannique, Karen a \u00e9tabli des programmes d\u2019\u00e9ducation continue pour les prestataires de soins de sant\u00e9 et dentaires, les employeurs et les travailleuses et travailleurs de la petite enfance afin d\u2019am\u00e9liorer l\u2019accessibilit\u00e9 et l\u2019inclusion dans ces domaines. Plus r\u00e9cemment, Karen a travaill\u00e9 aupr\u00e8s du bureau de repr\u00e9sentation des enfants et des jeunes de la Colombie-Britannique, ce qui s\u2019est traduit par un engagement aupr\u00e8s des jeunes, des familles et des organisations communautaires pour renseigner les politiques gouvernementales et favoriser des changements syst\u00e9miques. Karen consid\u00e8re que c\u2019est un honneur de tenir le r\u00f4le de direction g\u00e9n\u00e9rale par int\u00e9rim du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme du Canada. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Max MacKellar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

il<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gestionnaire des op\u00e9rations de projet<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

max.mackellar@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

Max apporte plus de dix ans d\u2019exp\u00e9rience en gestion de projet, en op\u00e9rations et en planification strat\u00e9gique dans les secteurs \u00e0 but non lucratif, les jeunes entreprises et les organisations ax\u00e9es sur l\u2019impact. Fort d\u2019une solide exp\u00e9rience dans la cr\u00e9ation de syst\u00e8mes inclusifs et la direction d\u2019\u00e9quipes interfonctionnelles, Max se sp\u00e9cialise dans la mise en place d\u2019op\u00e9rations collaboratives, durables et orient\u00e9es vers l\u2019impact, qui renforcent les organismes \u00e0 mission sociale. Il a auparavant fond\u00e9 une plateforme virtuelle de mouvement destin\u00e9e \u00e0 la communaut\u00e9 2SLGBTQIA+ ainsi qu\u2019aux personnes vivant avec des maladies chroniques ou des douleurs persistantes.\n\nEn tant que gestionnaire des op\u00e9rations de projet, Max dirige le d\u00e9veloppement des syst\u00e8mes et structures internes qui soutiennent la mission du R\u00e9seau. S\u2019appuyant sur son expertise professionnelle et son exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue, il est profond\u00e9ment engag\u00e9 envers l\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9, l\u2019accessibilit\u00e9 et le changement dirig\u00e9 par la communaut\u00e9. Max termine actuellement sa ma\u00eetrise en administration des affaires (MBA) \u00e0 l\u2019Universit\u00e9 de la Colombie-Britannique (UBC). Son travail porte sur la cr\u00e9ation d\u2019op\u00e9rations durables qui appuieront la croissance \u00e0 long terme du R\u00e9seau tout en valorisant les exp\u00e9riences v\u00e9cues et en cours des personnes autistes et de leurs familles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jen McCaffrey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

elle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coordonnatrice des communications<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

jen.mccaffrey@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

Jen cumule une d\u00e9cennie d\u2019exp\u00e9rience en communication num\u00e9rique, en conception graphique et en d\u00e9veloppement Web. Elle a collabor\u00e9 avec divers organismes et entreprises ax\u00e9s sur la communaut\u00e9 afin de rendre des id\u00e9es complexes accessibles et claires, tout en refl\u00e9tant les besoins et les valeurs des personnes concern\u00e9es.\n\n\u00c0 titre de responsable de la coordination des communications pour le R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme du Canada, Jen dirige l\u2019\u00e9laboration et la mise en \u0153uvre de strat\u00e9gies de communication inclusives et bilingues. Elle apporte son exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue, et son parcours personnel \u00e0 travers les lacunes en mati\u00e8re de soutien nourrit profond\u00e9ment son engagement envers une communication claire, non stigmatisante et centr\u00e9e sur la communaut\u00e9. Elle est d\u00e9termin\u00e9e \u00e0 \u00e9couter, \u00e0 apprendre et \u00e0 veiller \u00e0 ce que les communications du R\u00e9seau refl\u00e8tent les exp\u00e9riences r\u00e9elles des personnes autistes et de leurs familles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sof Mehlitz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

iel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Responsable de la coordination de l\u2019engagement des communaut\u00e9s et des membres<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

sof.mehlitz@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

Sof Mehlitz (iel) est une personne d\u00e9vou\u00e9e et passionn\u00e9e \u0153uvrant comme d\u00e9fenseur\u00b7euse et \u00e9ducateur\u00b7rice en accessibilit\u00e9 sur le territoire traditionnel et non c\u00e9d\u00e9 des Wolastoqiyik, aussi connu sous le nom de Nouveau-Brunswick.\n\nSon travail repose sur la cr\u00e9ation d\u2019espaces neuroaffirmatifs, accessibles et inclusifs qui mettent au centre et valorisent les exp\u00e9riences v\u00e9cues. Dans son r\u00f4le pr\u00e9c\u00e9dent en fonction publique, iel a contribu\u00e9 \u00e0 favoriser des milieux de travail plus s\u00e9curitaires et soutenants pour les personnes faisant face \u00e0 des obstacles \u00e0 l\u2019emploi.\n\nGuid\u00e9\u00b7e par une profonde conviction envers le pouvoir transformateur de la communaut\u00e9 et des organisations de base, Sof s\u2019implique activement dans le travail communautaire. Iel a pr\u00e9c\u00e9demment copr\u00e9sid\u00e9 le Centre 203 pour la diversit\u00e9 des genres et des sexualit\u00e9s et si\u00e8ge actuellement au Comit\u00e9 jeunesse d\u2019Eviance, o\u00f9 iel contribue aux discussions sur la justice en mati\u00e8re de handicap \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9chelle nationale ainsi qu\u2019\u00e0 la recherche men\u00e9e par et pour les communaut\u00e9s.\n\nEn dehors du travail, Sof est un\u00b7e cosplayeur\u00b7euse de niveau expert, et iel aime regarder la gymnastique et jouer \u00e0 des jeux vid\u00e9o de ferme r\u00e9confortants pour se d\u00e9tendre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Elaina Moss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

iel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coordonnateur\u00b7rice de l\u2019engagement des conseils<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

elaina.moss@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

Elaina Moss (iel) est un\u00b7e professionnel\u00b7le autiste malentendant\u00b7e sp\u00e9cialis\u00e9\u00b7e en d\u00e9veloppement de programmes et de communaut\u00e9s, \u00e9tabli\u00b7e en Colombie-Britannique. Iel compte plus de dix ans d\u2019exp\u00e9rience dans la conception et la mise en \u0153uvre d\u2019initiatives en sant\u00e9 mentale ax\u00e9es sur l\u2019exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue et en cours, incluant des programmes de soutien par les pairs, des formations communautaires et en milieu de travail, ainsi qu\u2019un coll\u00e8ge de r\u00e9tablissement. Iel apporte une expertise en co-conception, en andragogie et psycho\u00e9ducation, en mobilisation des parties prenantes et en gestion de projet.\n\nElaina se passionne pour la cr\u00e9ation d\u2019espaces inclusifs et collaboratifs o\u00f9 les perspectives des personnes autistes influencent concr\u00e8tement les programmes et les syst\u00e8mes. Iel s\u2019int\u00e9resse particuli\u00e8rement au soutien des personnes autistes vivant avec une maladie chronique, des troubles concomitants ou des identit\u00e9s crois\u00e9es, ainsi qu\u2019\u00e0 celles assign\u00e9es filles \u00e0 la naissance et ayant re\u00e7u un diagnostic ou une reconnaissance tardive, incluant les femmes, les personnes non binaires et agenres. Avant de se consacrer \u00e0 la sant\u00e9 mentale et au travail syst\u00e9mique, Elaina a pass\u00e9 quatre ans \u00e0 soutenir des enfants autistes d\u2019\u00e2ge pr\u00e9scolaire non parlants \u00e0 titre d\u2019assistant\u00b7e en classe et en musicoth\u00e9rapie.\n\nEn dehors du travail, Elaina aime explorer ses champs d\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat particuliers, notamment le th\u00e9\u00e2tre musical, la technique vocale, la biologie marine et les jeux de r\u00f4le narratifs. Iel partage son foyer avec son conjoint et deux f\u00e9lins affectueux.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Marianna Papamihelakis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

elle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coordonnateur\u00b7trice de l\u2019engagement des comit\u00e9s<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

marianna.papamihelakis@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

\u00c0 venir!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Olivia Tefft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

elle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Principale analyste en recherche et en politiques<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

olivia.tefft@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

En tant que femme autiste diagnostiqu\u00e9e \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e2ge adulte, Olivia Tefft croit fermement \u00e0 l\u2019importance d\u2019int\u00e9grer l\u2019exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue et les donn\u00e9es empiriques pour \u00e9laborer des politiques et des programmes efficaces. Dans son r\u00f4le actuel de principale analyste en recherche et en politiques, elle soutient la mission du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme par la recherche fond\u00e9e sur les donn\u00e9es probantes, l\u2019analyse de politiques et la production de rapports.\nOlivia cumule huit ann\u00e9es d\u2019exp\u00e9rience en recherche, en coordination de projets et en mobilisation des parties prenantes dans le secteur de la sant\u00e9. Elle a auparavant travaill\u00e9 comme analyste des politiques \u00e0 l\u2019Agence de la sant\u00e9 publique du Canada, o\u00f9 elle a men\u00e9 des analyses qualitatives et quantitatives pour appuyer des initiatives de donn\u00e9es en sant\u00e9 publique. Durant cette p\u00e9riode, elle a si\u00e9g\u00e9 au comit\u00e9 directeur du R\u00e9seau Infinity pour les fonctionnaires neurodivergents, contribuant \u00e0 la cr\u00e9ation de ce premier r\u00e9seau du genre, qui compte maintenant plus de 3 000 membres \u00e0 travers la fonction publique f\u00e9d\u00e9rale. Plus r\u00e9cemment, elle a travaill\u00e9 \u00e0 la Public Health Association of British Columbia, o\u00f9 elle a dirig\u00e9 une initiative \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9chelle provinciale visant \u00e0 \u00e9laborer un plan d\u2019action communautaire pour faire progresser le cadre de sant\u00e9 publique et de sant\u00e9 des populations de la Colombie-Britannique.\nElle d\u00e9tient une ma\u00eetrise \u00e8s arts en psychologie de la sant\u00e9 et de l\u2019exercice de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 du Manitoba, o\u00f9 sa th\u00e8se s\u2019appuyait sur des cadres de transfert des connaissances pour examiner comment les diff\u00e9rentes conceptions de la douleur chronique influencent les approches d\u2019\u00e9valuation et de traitement.\n\u00c9tablie sur l\u2019\u00eele de Vancouver, Olivia aime explorer et en apprendre davantage sur l\u2019environnement local, jouer \u00e0 des jeux vid\u00e9o, nager, lire des romans fantastiques et de science-fiction, faire de la musculation, \u00e9couter de la musique et passer du temps de qualit\u00e9 avec son partenaire et leurs trois chats.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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R\u00e9becca Kintzinger <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

elle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conseill\u00e8re \u00e0 l\u2019accessibilit\u00e9<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

rebekah.kintzinger@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

Rebekah Kintzinger est une d\u00e9fenseure, autrice et conseill\u00e8re \u00e0 l\u2019accessibilit\u00e9 autiste canadienne, bas\u00e9e \u00e0 Kelowna (C.-B.). Diagnostiqu\u00e9e en 2012, elle travaille depuis plus de 7 ans \u00e0 faire progresser l\u2019accessibilit\u00e9, l\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 et l\u2019inclusion pour les personnes autistes et en situation de handicap, au Canada et \u00e0 l\u2019international.\n\nSon travail couvre les secteurs de la sant\u00e9, de l\u2019\u00e9ducation et des politiques publiques, en mettant les perspectives autistes au c\u0153ur de publications, de conf\u00e9rences et de m\u00e9moires destin\u00e9s aux gouvernements. Elle a \u00e9t\u00e9 publi\u00e9e dans Autistics Aloud et dans la Revue canadienne de l\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 en autisme, a pris la parole lors d\u2019\u00e9v\u00e9nements nationaux et internationaux, et a \u00e9t\u00e9 cit\u00e9e dans des discussions au S\u00e9nat et dans les m\u00e9dias.\n\nRebekah contribue actuellement \u00e0 d\u00e9velopper des pratiques de communication neuroaffirmatives et des contenus accessibles. Elle offre \u00e9galement du mentorat \u00e0 d\u2019autres personnes autistes et collabore \u00e0 des projets centr\u00e9s sur l\u2019exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue et les changements syst\u00e9miques.\n\nCr\u00e9ative et ancr\u00e9e dans sa communaut\u00e9, Rebekah apporte compassion et curiosit\u00e9 \u00e0 tout ce qu\u2019elle entreprend, des politiques publiques \u00e0 la parentalit\u00e9. Elle vit avec sa famille neurodivergente, aime dessiner et \u00e9crire, et est connue pour rejouer des sketches des Monty Python avec ses enfants.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jennifer Branston<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

elle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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jennifer.branston@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

Jennifer Branston est une ardente d\u00e9fenseure de l\u2019autisme et de l\u2019accessibilit\u00e9, d\u00e9termin\u00e9e \u00e0 promouvoir l\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 et \u00e0 remettre en question le capacitisme syst\u00e9mique en Colombie-Britannique. Son engagement envers des communaut\u00e9s inclusives se refl\u00e8te dans sa participation au comit\u00e9 consultatif sur les handicaps de la North Shore, ainsi que dans ses r\u00f4les au sein des conseils d\u2019administration d\u2019Autism Community Training (ACT) et d\u2019Autism B.C.\n\nJennifer prend souvent la parole sur les sujets li\u00e9s \u00e0 la neurodivergence, aux pratiques neuroaffirmatives et au capacitisme, notamment \u00e0 l\u2019Universit\u00e9 de la Colombie-Britannique (UBC) et \u00e0 l\u2019Universit\u00e9 Simon Fraser (SFU). En tant qu\u2019ancienne pr\u00e9sidente du North Vancouver Parent Advisory Council (NVPAC), elle a dirig\u00e9 les comit\u00e9s sur la diversit\u00e9, l\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9, l\u2019inclusion et les handicaps pendant plus de sept ans, apportant une perspective pr\u00e9cieuse \u00e0 la fois comme adulte autiste et comme parent d\u2019une personne autiste.\n\nElle agit \u00e9galement comme mentore en sant\u00e9 \u00e0 UBC et a re\u00e7u en 2024 le prix George Matthew pour l\u2019excellence en leadership parental, d\u00e9cern\u00e9 par la BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC).\n\nPar son leadership, son engagement communautaire et ses actions de sensibilisation, Jennifer travaille \u00e0 favoriser des pratiques inclusives et \u00e0 approfondir la compr\u00e9hension de l\u2019autisme dans les milieux de l\u2019\u00e9ducation, de la sant\u00e9 et dans la soci\u00e9t\u00e9 en g\u00e9n\u00e9ral.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Mackenzie Salt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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mackenzie.salt@nan-rna.ca<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

Le Dr Mackenzie Salt est un chercheur autiste dans le domaine de l\u2019autisme et un associ\u00e9 de recherche aupr\u00e8s de l\u2019\u00e9quipe de recherche sur l\u2019autisme de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 McMaster et du Centre national de collaboration en autisme. Il est \u00e9galement professeur adjoint \u00e0 temps partiel au d\u00e9partement de psychiatrie et de neurosciences du comportement de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 McMaster.\n\nIl d\u00e9tient un doctorat en sciences cognitives du langage de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 McMaster et est ancien boursier du programme Health System Impact Fellowship. Il poss\u00e8de une expertise en recherche qualitative et en mobilisation des personnes concern\u00e9es. Il travaille aupr\u00e8s de personnes autistes depuis plus de 15 ans. Il participe actuellement \u00e0 plusieurs projets ayant tous pour but de recueillir les exp\u00e9riences v\u00e9cues des adultes autistes et d\u2019utiliser ces connaissances pour appuyer des changements dans les politiques publiques.\n\nIl est \u00e9galement r\u00e9dacteur en chef du comit\u00e9 de r\u00e9daction enti\u00e8rement autiste de la Revue canadienne de l\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 en autisme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Maddy Dever <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Je suis une personne autiste, militante, autrice, conf\u00e9renci\u00e8re et parent de quatre jeunes adultes autistes (\u00e2g\u00e9s de 17 \u00e0 26 ans). J\u2019habite dans la petite ville rurale de Smiths Falls, tout pr\u00e8s d\u2019Ottawa, et j\u2019apporte \u00e0 la fois mon exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue et mes connaissances en gouvernance.\n\nDepuis une dizaine d\u2019ann\u00e9es, je travaille \u00e0 travers le Canada pour faire \u00e9voluer la conversation sur l\u2019autisme et le handicap vers les forces, l\u2019acceptation et l\u2019inclusion.\n\nJe fais de la d\u00e9fense des droits aupr\u00e8s de tous les ordres de gouvernement et aupr\u00e8s d\u2019organisations partout au pays pour que les personnes autistes et leurs familles ne soient pas seulement entendues, mais r\u00e9ellement impliqu\u00e9es dans l\u2019\u00e9laboration des politiques et des programmes qui nous concernent.\n\nAu cours des quatre derni\u00e8res ann\u00e9es, j\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 copr\u00e9sidente-vice-pr\u00e9sidente du conseil d\u2019administration d\u2019Autism Alliance of Canada et je suis actuellement la pr\u00e9sidente int\u00e9rimaire du conseil d\u2019administration du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme. Je participe aussi \u00e0 des initiatives en recherche, en \u00e9ducation et en sant\u00e9 qui misent sur la co-conception et l\u2019expertise fond\u00e9e sur l\u2019exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue.\n\nJe poursuis mon engagement au sein du conseil d\u2019administration du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme pour soutenir notre mission d\u2019aider les personnes autistes \u00e0 s\u2019\u00e9panouir, en orientant notre gouvernance avec transparence, compassion et la conviction qu\u2019une v\u00e9ritable inclusion commence lorsque nous dirigeons ensemble.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dani Marshall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Je m\u2019appelle Dani et je vis avec ma famille \u00e0 Gatineau, au Qu\u00e9bec, o\u00f9 je suis la fi\u00e8re m\u00e8re de deux filles. Je suis une femme innue et membre de la Premi\u00e8re Nation Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Mashteuiatsh). Mes exp\u00e9riences v\u00e9cues nourrissent profond\u00e9ment mon travail, et je m\u2019engage \u00e0 faire en sorte que les voix autochtones soient entendues et valoris\u00e9es \u00e0 chacune des tables o\u00f9 je si\u00e9ge.\n\nJe travaille comme conseill\u00e8re en gestion de projets \u00e0 Services aux Autochtones Canada, o\u00f9 je me concentre sur la r\u00e9forme des services \u00e0 l\u2019enfance et \u00e0 la famille ainsi que sur la modernisation des donn\u00e9es. Je d\u00e9tiens la certification Project Management Professional et je suis passionn\u00e9e par la mise en \u0153uvre d\u2019initiatives qui soutiennent et renforcent les communaut\u00e9s.\n\nEn tant que personne neurodivergente ayant une exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue du TDAH et de l\u2019autisme, j\u2019apporte une perspective unique et intersectionnelle autant dans mon travail que dans mes r\u00f4les b\u00e9n\u00e9voles. Je crois que la repr\u00e9sentation est essentielle \u2014 et que les voix autochtones et neurodiverses doivent \u00eatre au c\u0153ur de l\u2019\u00e9laboration des politiques et des communaut\u00e9s qui nous concernent.\n\nEn dehors de ma carri\u00e8re dans la fonction publique, je fais du b\u00e9n\u00e9volat avec les Guides du Canada et je m\u2019implique activement au sein du Infinity Network, une communaut\u00e9 pour les fonctionnaires neurodivergents.\n\nJe suis honor\u00e9e et ravie d\u2019avoir \u00e9t\u00e9 \u00e9lue au conseil d\u2019administration du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme. J\u2019ai h\u00e2te de mettre \u00e0 contribution mes comp\u00e9tences en gouvernance, en gestion de projets et en mobilisation communautaire. Surtout, je souhaite contribuer \u00e0 renforcer une voix nationale qui place au centre les perspectives, les droits et la dignit\u00e9 des personnes autistes et autochtones au Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Amanda Hutchison<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Bonjour\/Hello, je m\u2019appelle Amanda Hutchison et je suis une personne allochtone vivant sur le territoire de la Premi\u00e8re Nation Qayqayt, connu de fa\u00e7on coloniale sous le nom de New Westminster, en Colombie-Britannique. Ayant travaill\u00e9 au sein de la fonction publique provinciale et f\u00e9d\u00e9rale, j\u2019exprime mon esprit cr\u00e9atif en tant qu\u2019autrice qui rend les tendances culturelles et soci\u00e9tales plus accessibles.\n\nPour contrebalancer le temps que je passe en ligne, je fais de la chasse au verre de mer. Cette activit\u00e9 combine exercice, contact avec la nature et reconnaissance de motifs \u2014 un m\u00e9lange qui stimule mon cerveau neurodivergent. Je me suis autodiagnostiqu\u00e9e autiste en 2003, lorsqu\u2019une amie a partag\u00e9 avec moi son diagnostic clinique, auquel je me suis reconnue dans chaque mot.\n\nAujourd\u2019hui, je vis ouvertement comme adulte autiste, gr\u00e2ce au soutien d\u2019organisations d\u00e9di\u00e9es au handicap comme AutismBC, le Centre canadien de r\u00e9adaptation et de travail et Neil Squire. Mon d\u00e9sir de si\u00e9ger au conseil d\u2019administration du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme vient non seulement de mon exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue en tant que jeune autiste sans soutien, mais aussi de ma volont\u00e9 de repr\u00e9senter les adultes autistes comme moi qui ne peuvent maintenir un emploi durable et vivent au seuil ou sous le seuil de la pauvret\u00e9.\n\nJe m\u2019engage \u00e0 d\u00e9fendre l\u2019am\u00e9lioration et l\u2019expansion des investissements dans les programmes d\u2019emploi afin que beaucoup plus de personnes autistes au Canada puissent acc\u00e9der \u00e0 un travail durable et valorisant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Corey Walker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Je vis \u00e0 Dawson Creek, dans le nord de la Colombie-Britannique, avec ma conjointe autiste. Je suis un conf\u00e9rencier motivateur autiste qui outille et valorise les personnes autistes et autres personnes neurodivergentes, ainsi que leurs familles, en partageant certaines des strat\u00e9gies que j\u2019ai utilis\u00e9es pour surmonter de nombreux d\u00e9fis dans ma vie.\n\nJe crois que tout le monde a droit \u00e0 une vie pleine et enrichissante. Je partage \u00e9galement comment leur unicit\u00e9 peut \u00eatre utilis\u00e9e comme une force.\n\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u un diagnostic d\u2019autisme au d\u00e9but de la vingtaine et j\u2019ai connu \u00e0 la fois du succ\u00e8s et de la discrimination en raison de ce diagnostic.\n\nJe suis impliqu\u00e9 aupr\u00e8s de l\u2019Autism Alliance depuis 2019, j\u2019ai rejoint leur conseil d\u2019administration en 2020, et j\u2019ai travaill\u00e9 pour divers organismes en autisme entre 2012 et 2022. Durant cette p\u00e9riode, j\u2019ai r\u00e9dig\u00e9 un outil sur l\u2019emploi des personnes autistes (refl\u00e9tant les voix de 172 personnes autistes) et j\u2019ai milit\u00e9 pour une inclusion compl\u00e8te de la communaut\u00e9 autiste dans la soci\u00e9t\u00e9.\n\nJ\u2019ai joint le conseil d\u2019administration du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme parce que je crois qu\u2019il est essentiel que des voix provenant de petites et de grandes communaut\u00e9s soient repr\u00e9sent\u00e9es, afin que la strat\u00e9gie nationale canadienne en mati\u00e8re d\u2019autisme refl\u00e8te r\u00e9ellement les besoins de toute la communaut\u00e9 autiste. Je serai un d\u00e9fenseur infatigable de toutes les personnes autistes, peu importe leur lieu de r\u00e9sidence ou leur parcours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Debra Brin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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J\u2019habite dans une communaut\u00e9 rurale en Saskatchewan et je passe mon temps \u00e0 lire, \u00e9crire et jardiner. J\u2019ai d\u00e9couvert que je suis autiste apr\u00e8s ma retraite, apr\u00e8s avoir exerc\u00e9 une grande vari\u00e9t\u00e9 d\u2019emplois pour lesquels je n\u2019ai jamais compris pourquoi ils ne me convenaient pas.\n\nJ\u2019ai aussi \u00e9t\u00e9 le parent monoparental d\u2019un fils autiste qui a v\u00e9cu jusqu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019\u00e2ge de 36 ans. N\u00e9 en 1974, il a lui aussi v\u00e9cu sans diagnostic, car nous \u00e9tions tous deux des \u00ab masqueurs habiles \u00bb. Nous \u00e9tions conscients de notre diff\u00e9rence par rapport aux autres, mais pas de l\u2019ampleur de nos difficult\u00e9s.\n\nJe crois pouvoir apporter au conseil d\u2019administration la voix des personnes autistes non diagnostiqu\u00e9es ou diagnostiqu\u00e9es tardivement, qui n\u2019ont jamais eu l\u2019occasion de faire des choix \u00e9clair\u00e9s pour orienter leur vie, comprendre leurs enjeux de sant\u00e9, acc\u00e9der au soutien ou m\u00eame trouver d\u2019autres personnes autistes.\n\nBeaucoup d\u2019entre nous ayant des enjeux sensoriels finissent par se trouver les uns les autres dans les petites villes, une fois \u00e0 la retraite, l\u00e0 o\u00f9 la vie est plus lente et plus calme, et o\u00f9 un logement est parfois plus accessible.\n\nBeaucoup d\u2019entre nous se retrouvent aussi sans logement, \u00e0 diff\u00e9rents moments de leur vie. En plus de cette perspective, j\u2019apporte des comp\u00e9tences et des r\u00e9flexions issues de ma participation et de mon engagement dans des groupes de justice sociale, qui peuvent \u00eatre utiles pour am\u00e9liorer les possibilit\u00e9s et les conditions de vie des personnes autistes.\n\nLe R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme me donne de l\u2019espoir : celui que nous pouvons apporter des changements positifs, malgr\u00e9 l\u2019afflux de d\u00e9sinformation qui circule actuellement dans notre pays.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Evan Rubin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Evan Rubin, de Richmond, en Colombie-Britannique, est un cr\u00e9ateur de liens, un d\u00e9fenseur engag\u00e9 et un penseur strat\u00e9gique dot\u00e9 de plus de 25 ans d\u2019exp\u00e9rience en leadership dans les secteurs communautaire et priv\u00e9. Reconnu pour son approche cr\u00e9ative et ax\u00e9e sur les personnes, il a \u00e9tabli de solides relations avec des organismes de base, des r\u00e9seaux nationaux, des partenaires gouvernementaux et des leaders du milieu des affaires afin de promouvoir l\u2019inclusion et la collaboration communautaire.\n\nL\u2019exp\u00e9rience professionnelle d\u2019Evan couvre plusieurs secteurs, notamment en tant qu\u2019analyste d\u2019affaires et gestionnaire de projets AQ pour une plateforme internationale d\u2019approvisionnement B2B, ainsi que dans la mise en place et la gestion des op\u00e9rations de la c\u00f4te Ouest pour une agence nationale de recrutement. Plus r\u00e9cemment, il a occup\u00e9 un r\u00f4le d\u2019engagement communautaire ax\u00e9 sur l\u2019inclusion au sein d\u2019un organisme en autisme, o\u00f9 il a dirig\u00e9 des initiatives visant la participation r\u00e9elle des personnes autistes, l\u2019engagement communautaire et le soutien tout au long de la vie, tout en renfor\u00e7ant les partenariats et en amplifiant les voix des personnes autistes et de leurs familles dans l\u2019\u00e9laboration de pratiques inclusives.\n\nDans ses r\u00f4les professionnels et b\u00e9n\u00e9voles, Evan a \u00e9tabli d\u2019importants partenariats communautaires et corporatifs et aid\u00e9 des organisations \u00e0 se d\u00e9velopper gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 la planification strat\u00e9gique, au d\u00e9veloppement de nouveaux programmes et \u00e0 la cr\u00e9ation d\u2019initiatives d\u2019affaires. Son approche collaborative a permis d\u2019obtenir des financements majeurs pour des organismes \u00e0 but non lucratif, notamment en cr\u00e9ant de nouvelles opportunit\u00e9s de collecte de fonds et des partenariats avec des entreprises, en mobilisant les donateurs et les communaut\u00e9s, ainsi qu\u2019en r\u00e9digeant et soutenant des demandes de subventions fructueuses.\n\nEn tant que p\u00e8re d\u2019un fils autiste, Evan apporte plus de 20 ans d\u2019exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue et en cours de v\u00e9cu. Le parcours de sa famille lui a donn\u00e9 une compr\u00e9hension approfondie des obstacles auxquels font face les personnes autistes et leurs familles, notamment en ce qui concerne le d\u00e9pistage et le diagnostic, l\u2019inclusion \u00e9conomique, ainsi que l\u2019acc\u00e8s aux services et aux ressources. Cela nourrit sa d\u00e9termination \u00e0 b\u00e2tir un Canada plus inclusif pour les personnes autistes comme son fils et pour les familles comme la sienne.\n\nEvan croit fermement que les personnes autistes et leurs familles doivent \u00eatre v\u00e9ritablement impliqu\u00e9es dans l\u2019\u00e9tablissement des priorit\u00e9s et des actions. Son objectif au sein du conseil d\u2019administration du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme est de contribuer \u00e0 un changement r\u00e9el et durable, en veillant \u00e0 ce que les politiques, les programmes et les investissements soient guid\u00e9s par la sagesse des communaut\u00e9s, la responsabilit\u00e9 et un engagement soutenu dans la mise en \u0153uvre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lisa Lintott<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Je m\u2019appelle Lisa et je viens de Calgary, en Alberta. Je d\u00e9tiens une ma\u00eetrise en sant\u00e9 publique et je travaille comme sp\u00e9cialiste en recherche et en \u00e9valuation pour un organisme sans but lucratif.\n\nJe suis passionn\u00e9e par l\u2019apprentissage et par l\u2019utilisation judicieuse des donn\u00e9es pour cr\u00e9er des changements significatifs. En dehors du travail, j\u2019aime lire abondamment et passer du temps de qualit\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019ext\u00e9rieur avec ma famille.\n\nR\u00e9cemment, \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e2ge de 53 ans, j\u2019ai re\u00e7u un diagnostic d\u2019autisme et de TDAH, ce qui m\u2019a apport\u00e9 \u00e0 la fois de la clart\u00e9 et de nouveaux d\u00e9fis. Ces diagnostics ont marqu\u00e9 le d\u00e9but d\u2019un cheminement vers une compr\u00e9hension plus profonde de moi-m\u00eame et de mes besoins, tout en soulevant des questions sur mon identit\u00e9 et le soutien dont j\u2019ai besoin.\n\nJe re\u00e7ois maintenant des services d\u2019un organisme local en autisme et je commence \u00e0 m\u2019impliquer dans la communaut\u00e9 \u00e9largie. J\u2019ai joint le conseil d\u2019administration du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme pour partager mon exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue, mes comp\u00e9tences en recherche et ma perspective neurodivergente.\n\nMon objectif est de contribuer \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9laboration de politiques et de pratiques inclusives. Cela repr\u00e9sente aussi une occasion d\u2019apprendre des autres, d\u2019enrichir ma vie et de renforcer mon engagement pour la d\u00e9fense des droits. J\u2019accorde beaucoup d\u2019importance \u00e0 la repr\u00e9sentation et \u00e0 la collaboration, et je suis enthousiaste \u00e0 l\u2019id\u00e9e de contribuer \u00e0 un monde o\u00f9 chacun est entendu, soutenu et c\u00e9l\u00e9br\u00e9.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lydia Clarke Rehman<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Je m\u2019appelle Lydia Clarke Rehman et je viens de Toronto, en Ontario.\n\nJe d\u00e9tiens un baccalaur\u00e9at \u00e8s sciences en anthropologie, un baccalaur\u00e9at en droit, ainsi qu\u2019une ma\u00eetrise en sant\u00e9 publique (sant\u00e9 des Autochtones). Je poss\u00e8de \u00e9galement un certificat d\u2019\u00e9tudes sup\u00e9rieures en autisme et en sciences du comportement.\n\nJ\u2019ai plus de cinq ann\u00e9es d\u2019exp\u00e9rience professionnelle en recherche en sant\u00e9 et en soutien \u00e0 la r\u00e9ussite \u00e9tudiante dans le milieu postsecondaire. Je suis une apprenante \u00e0 vie et j\u2019aime \u00e9crire, lire, peindre, voyager, m\u2019engager dans ma communaut\u00e9, fabriquer des bijoux et p\u00eacher pendant mes temps libres !\n\nJe suis autiste, et mes exp\u00e9riences \u00e0 travers des syst\u00e8mes souvent marqu\u00e9s par le capacitisme ont profond\u00e9ment nourri ma passion pour la d\u00e9fense des droits. Ces d\u00e9fis m\u2019ont donn\u00e9 une perspective critique sur l\u2019accessibilit\u00e9 et sur l\u2019importance de l\u2019inclusion r\u00e9elle des voix autistes et neurodivergentes.\n\nJe suis d\u00e9termin\u00e9e \u00e0 contribuer \u00e0 b\u00e2tir un Canada o\u00f9 les exp\u00e9riences v\u00e9cues des personnes autistes et de leurs familles orientent les politiques, les syst\u00e8mes et les communaut\u00e9s.\n\nJ\u2019apporte ma formation, mon expertise en politiques publiques, mes aptitudes en gouvernance ainsi que mon exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue pour promouvoir l\u2019inclusion, l\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 et les possibilit\u00e9s en \u00e9ducation, en politiques et dans la vie communautaire.\n\nSi\u00e9ger au conseil d\u2019administration du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme me permettra de mettre ces exp\u00e9riences \u00e0 profit pour renforcer la repr\u00e9sentation et cr\u00e9er des occasions significatives pour les personnes autistes \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9chelle du pays.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mathieu Giroux<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Je suis une personne autiste et consid\u00e9r\u00e9e comme inapte \u00e0 l\u2019emploi. J\u2019ai \u00e9galement plusieurs diagnostics en sant\u00e9 mentale : anxi\u00e9t\u00e9, d\u00e9pression, automutilation, trouble de stress post-traumatique et \u00e9pisodes suicidaires.\n\nMalgr\u00e9 cela, je suis tr\u00e8s impliqu\u00e9e dans la communaut\u00e9 autiste au Qu\u00e9bec. Depuis plus de dix ans, je suis co-chercheuse en autisme. J\u2019ai co\u00e9crit plusieurs \u00e9tudes portant sur divers th\u00e8mes li\u00e9s \u00e0 l\u2019inclusion des personnes autistes et j\u2019ai d\u00e9velopp\u00e9 un mod\u00e8le th\u00e9orique sur le camouflage social.\n\nDepuis cinq ans, je me concentre sur des projets de recherche qui favorisent l\u2019autod\u00e9termination et des soins sans stigmatisation pour les personnes autistes. Je suis \u00e9galement active \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9chelle provinciale en tant que membre du comit\u00e9 de gestion du R\u00e9seau national d\u2019expertise en TSA (RNETSA) et du R\u00e9seau pour transformer les soins en autisme (RTSA-TACC).\n\nMon exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue \u2014 combinant forces et d\u00e9fis \u2014 ainsi que l\u2019intersectionnalit\u00e9 associ\u00e9e au fait de faire partie de la communaut\u00e9 LGBTQ+ et de vivre dans la pr\u00e9carit\u00e9 \u00e9conomique m\u2019offrent une perspective pr\u00e9cieuse sur la diversit\u00e9 des enjeux au sein de la communaut\u00e9 autiste.\n\nMon int\u00e9r\u00eat \u00e0 si\u00e9ger au conseil d\u2019administration du R\u00e9seau national de l\u2019autisme repose sur le proverbe : \u00ab Seul, je vais plus vite, mais ensemble, nous allons plus loin. \u00bb Alors, allons plus loin, ensemble !<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Robin Carrey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Je m\u2019appelle Robin Carrey. Je suis une \u00e9ducatrice AuDHD \u00e9tablie \u00e0 Whitehorse, au Yukon. Je suis une grande lectrice, une passionn\u00e9e de recherches approfondies, une maman de chien et une curieuse inv\u00e9t\u00e9r\u00e9e de l\u2019apprentissage.\n\nAu cours de ma carri\u00e8re en \u00e9ducation, mes mati\u00e8res de pr\u00e9dilection ont \u00e9t\u00e9 le th\u00e9\u00e2tre, les sciences humaines (\u00e0 travers une perspective de justice sociale), l\u2019anglais et le soutien \u00e0 mes \u00e9l\u00e8ves neurodivergents.\n\nJe travaille actuellement au minist\u00e8re de l\u2019\u00c9ducation comme gestionnaire de projet, o\u00f9 je partage mes efforts entre nos divisions RISE (Reimagining Inclusive and Special Education) et Services de soutien aux \u00e9l\u00e8ves.\n\nJ\u2019ai grandi \u00e0 une \u00e9poque o\u00f9 le TDAH et l\u2019autisme n\u2019\u00e9taient pas consid\u00e9r\u00e9s comme des profils pr\u00e9sents chez les petites filles. Il m\u2019a fallu des d\u00e9cennies pour obtenir un diagnostic de TDAH, et mon autisme demeure autodiagnostiqu\u00e9. Mon \u00e9quipe de soins est unanime quant \u00e0 mon profil autistique, mais personne ne souhaite assumer les co\u00fbts d\u2019un diagnostic officiel, particuli\u00e8rement difficile \u00e0 obtenir pour une femme adulte vivant dans le Nord.\n\nJe souhaite contribuer \u00e0 cr\u00e9er un Canada o\u00f9 la stigmatisation envers toutes les personnes neurodivergentes, y compris celles autistes, est \u00e9limin\u00e9e \u2013 un pays o\u00f9 nos fa\u00e7ons particuli\u00e8res d\u2019interagir avec le monde, de percevoir et de traiter l\u2019information sont reconnues, plut\u00f4t que consid\u00e9r\u00e9es comme des d\u00e9fauts. Je veux que mes \u00e9l\u00e8ves vivent dans un monde o\u00f9 leurs fa\u00e7ons d\u2019\u00eatre sont accept\u00e9es, valoris\u00e9es et v\u00e9ritablement comprises.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Tom Jackman<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Tom est un d\u00e9fenseur de l\u2019acceptation des personnes autistes.\n\nIl a \u00e9t\u00e9 invit\u00e9 \u00e0 prendre la parole et \u00e0 donner des pr\u00e9sentations lors de nombreuses conf\u00e9rences nationales, notamment la conf\u00e9rence du Geneva Centre for Autism \u00e0 Toronto, la principale conf\u00e9rence internationale sur l\u2019autisme.\n\nTom appara\u00eet dans le film Autism Grows Up, une production Kelly Brothers\/Ability Hub qui traite des d\u00e9fis li\u00e9s \u00e0 l\u2019emploi pour les jeunes adultes autistes. Il est \u00e9galement pr\u00e9sent\u00e9 dans le livre Autism: The Gift That Needs to Be Opened, une ressource destin\u00e9e \u00e0 am\u00e9liorer la vie des parents, des \u00e9ducateurs et des personnes autistes.\n\nEn 2013, Tom a re\u00e7u la M\u00e9daille du jubil\u00e9 de diamant de la Reine pour souligner son travail b\u00e9n\u00e9vole aupr\u00e8s de l\u2019Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.\n\nEn 2023, Tom a re\u00e7u le deuxi\u00e8me Prix annuel de leadership en autisme Jim et Ginette Munson de l\u2019Alliance canadienne de l\u2019autisme, en reconnaissance de son leadership et de son engagement envers la sensibilisation et l\u2019acceptation de l\u2019autisme.\n\nTom a fait partie d\u2019une \u00e9quipe d\u2019adultes autistes et de membres de leur famille qui a \u00e9labor\u00e9 un guide de litt\u00e9ratie en sant\u00e9 mentale pour les adultes autistes. Le projet de litt\u00e9ratie en sant\u00e9 mentale en autisme (AM-Help) est disponible en ligne et r\u00e9sulte d\u2019un partenariat entre l\u2019Universit\u00e9 York, l\u2019Agence de la sant\u00e9 publique du Canada et le Centre de toxicomanie et de sant\u00e9 mentale. Ce projet a \u00e9galement produit six vid\u00e9os anim\u00e9es sur YouTube visant \u00e0 mieux comprendre la sant\u00e9 mentale et le bien-\u00eatre autistiques, ainsi que les soutiens disponibles.\n\nTom est leader et ambassadeur de la neurodiversit\u00e9 chez Motormind Garage. Motormind Garage est un programme novateur et inclusif ax\u00e9 sur le sport motoris\u00e9 qui rassemble des personnes neurodivergentes ainsi que d\u2019autres profils neurologiques, comme les commotions c\u00e9r\u00e9brales et la dyslexie.\n\nMotormind croit au pouvoir du sport motoris\u00e9. Leurs activit\u00e9s tournent autour de la m\u00e9canique et des sports automobiles \u2014 de la \u201cth\u00e9rapie moteur\u201d \u00e0 la construction de voitures. Ce programme unique et inclusif destin\u00e9 aux personnes passionn\u00e9es de course, de simulateurs, de karting et de pilotage sur piste permet de s\u2019impliquer dans la technologie automobile et les sports motoris\u00e9s tout en d\u00e9veloppant des comp\u00e9tences transf\u00e9rables menant \u00e0 l\u2019emploi et \u00e0 des possibilit\u00e9s futures durables.\n\nTom a r\u00e9cemment termin\u00e9 un long mandat au conseil d\u2019administration d\u2019Autism Canada et a \u00e9galement si\u00e9g\u00e9 au conseil de l\u2019Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.\nIl est membre du Conseil d\u2019action pour l\u2019autisme \u00e0 Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, qui met en \u0153uvre le Plan d\u2019action provincial en mati\u00e8re d\u2019autisme. Ce plan, dirig\u00e9 par le gouvernement provincial, vise \u00e0 am\u00e9liorer les services en autisme gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 une approche int\u00e9gr\u00e9e de l\u2019ensemble des minist\u00e8res. L\u2019objectif est d\u2019\u00e9largir et d\u2019am\u00e9liorer le soutien offert aux personnes autistes et \u00e0 leurs familles.\n\nTom est aussi ambassadeur communautaire pour Disability Without Poverty. De son conseil d\u2019administration \u00e0 ses coordonnateurs provinciaux, en passant par son personnel et ses partenaires communautaires, Disability Without Poverty partage une mission commune : favoriser la prosp\u00e9rit\u00e9, unir nos forces, mobiliser les communaut\u00e9s et assurer la participation pleine et enti\u00e8re de toutes les personnes en situation de handicap au Canada.\n\nTom est membre de l\u2019\u00e9quipe consultative autiste d\u2019ACT (Autism Community Training).\n\nTom vit \u00e0 St. John\u2019s, \u00e0 Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador.\n\nPour contacter Tom Jackman, vous pouvez lui \u00e9crire \u00e0 : tagjackman@gmail.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ying Wu, PhD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Calgary, Alberta\nJe suis une scientifique form\u00e9e au doctorat et j\u2019ai plus de 30 ans d\u2019exp\u00e9rience en recherche c\u00e9r\u00e9brale dans des universit\u00e9s en Chine, aux \u00c9tats-Unis et au Canada.\n\nParall\u00e8lement \u00e0 ma carri\u00e8re scientifique, je suis profond\u00e9ment impliqu\u00e9e dans des initiatives communautaires ax\u00e9es sur le trouble du spectre de l\u2019autisme (TSA) et le soutien aux familles. Depuis plus de dix ans, j\u2019appuie des familles immigrantes chinoises qui \u00e9l\u00e8vent des enfants autistes.\n\nDepuis 2022, je si\u00e8ge au Comit\u00e9 consultatif provincial des parents \u2013 Soutien aux enfants ayant des incapacit\u00e9s (FSCD). Depuis 2023, je suis \u00e9galement mentore par les pairs et conseill\u00e8re familiale pour le programme Family-to-Family Connections \u00e0 l\u2019H\u00f4pital pour enfants de l\u2019Alberta, ainsi que membre du conseil d\u2019administration de l\u2019Acad\u00e9mie Janus, une \u00e9cole priv\u00e9e d\u00e9di\u00e9e aux \u00e9l\u00e8ves autistes.\n\nEn tant que m\u00e8re d\u2019un jeune autiste, j\u2019ai d\u00e9velopp\u00e9 une profonde appr\u00e9ciation des forces et du potentiel uniques de chaque personne autiste. Mon exp\u00e9rience v\u00e9cue a renforc\u00e9 ma conviction que, gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 des soutiens appropri\u00e9s et \u00e0 des environnements inclusifs, les personnes autistes peuvent s\u2019\u00e9panouir et contribuer de mani\u00e8re significative \u00e0 leur communaut\u00e9.\n\nEn 2024, j\u2019ai cofond\u00e9 Spectrum Promising Association (SPA), un organisme \u00e0 but non lucratif d\u00e9di\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019avancement de la compr\u00e9hension, de l\u2019inclusion et des opportunit\u00e9s pour les personnes autistes.\n\nGr\u00e2ce \u00e0 une approche ax\u00e9e sur les forces, SPA s\u2019efforce de cr\u00e9er des environnements inclusifs o\u00f9 les personnes autistes peuvent s\u2019\u00e9panouir et \u00eatre valoris\u00e9es pour leurs contributions uniques.\n\nJe souhaite mettre \u00e0 contribution mon expertise scientifique, mon exp\u00e9rience communautaire et mon parcours personnel \u2014 tout en apprenant des autres \u00e0 travers le Canada. En travaillant ensemble, en partageant nos perspectives diverses et en misant sur nos forces collectives, je crois que nous pouvons am\u00e9liorer les conditions de vie des personnes autistes et de leurs familles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Autistic Advisory Council<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cyndi Gerlach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Cyndi Gerlach (Co-Chair) is an autistic advocate and national disability leader living on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the Skwxw\u00fa7mesh (Squamish) and s\u0259l\u0313\u00edlw\u0259ta\u0294\u026c (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, in what is now known as North Vancouver, British Columbia. She is a lifelong advocate for disability rights, with decades of experience advancing equity, inclusion, and systemic change through grassroots organizing, governance, and public policy.

Cyndi was elected as a Trustee on the North Vancouver School District Board of Education in 2011 and has served in leadership roles with organizations including Inclusion BC and the Autism Alliance of Canada, where she is currently Vice Chair. Diagnosed as autistic in 2020, she brings both lived experience and long-standing advocacy to her work, centering Autistic-led and Autistic-informed approaches.

Her work challenges stigma and ableism while promoting acceptance, dignity, and self-determination across education, healthcare, employment, and community life. Cyndi is honoured to work alongside Autistic leaders and allies through the National Autism Network to advance a coordinated, inclusive, and rights-based National Autism Strategy for Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Suzanne Perreault<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Suzanne Perreault (Co-Chair) is a proud autistic self-advocate and mother of three autistic young adults. As Executive Director of AutismBC, British Columbia\u2019s leading neuro-affirming autistic-led charity, she champions neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, and demand-aware supports that centre autonomy, choice, and lived experience.

With over 20 years in community development and mentorship, Suzanne offers private counselling for neurodivergent women in support of PDA, ADHD, anxiety, and trauma recovery. A former School Trustee and past chair of the BCCPAC Inclusive Education Committee, she has worked province-wide to build equitable, barrier-free learning environments. Suzanne currently co-chairs the Autistic First Voice Council, a standing committee of the National Autism Network, ensuring autistic voices lead national policy and practice. She is also a grassroots admin with BCEdAccess and a TEDx speaker (\u201cThe Story Untold is the Story Not Healed\u201d). Nominated twice for the Fraser Valley Diversity Award and BC Excellence in Autism Awards, Suzanne\u2019s gentle, bridge-building approach creates safe, inclusive spaces where neurodivergent people thrive on their own terms.\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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AJ Jones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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My name is AJ (she\/they), and I\u2019m a late-diagnosed AuDHD veteran, currently living and working in Toronto.

Growing up my autistic and ADHD traits were missed and mischaracterized because I was quiet and performed well in school. Teachers frequently suggested to my parents that I \u201cskip a grade\u201d but resorted to giving me additional work when they refused. I also realized at a young age, after years of isolation and bullying, that if I \u201cacted normal\u201d I could more easily move through the world. So, I was entirely unprepared and ill-equipped when I started my first year of university and barely scraped through with passing grades. If I wasn\u2019t attending school under a military training program, I may very well have failed or dropped out.

I was finally diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in my mid-thirties after developed C-PTSD and MDD and was no longer able to sustain masking. My mental health diagnoses led to a medical release from the military, after which I went back to school with the goal of building a life and career where I could fully be myself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Damon Kirsebom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Damon Kirsebom is a 24-year-old (mostly) nonspeaking autistic individual who learned to type his thoughts at age 15. He graduated from high school, and now attends university, with an interest in policy and sociology. Damon is committed to sharing his experiences with parents and professionals, with the goal that all nonspeaking autistic people will be fully included in our society. Along with many presentations, he has produced educational videos and collaborated with educators and researchers. He has also written a chapter in the book, \u201cLeaders Around Me\u201d, and has 4 poems published in Mentoring Minds\u2019 Volume 1 & 2 \u201cPointed Poetry\u201d books. Damon is also featured in Communication First\u2019s short film, \u201cListen,\u201d and is an interviewer in the Canadian version of \u201cThe Assembly\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Fenn Hafey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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My familiarity with Autism comes from personal and professional experience. Despite knowing I was Autistic from my family since childhood, I was only diagnosed with AuDHD and PTSD in 2025 and am reworking my life around my neurodivergence with support from my Autistic friends and partner. I believe strongly in the power of Autistic community.

From 2022 to 2025, I worked in developmental disability services in Woodstock, Ontario, providing direct support to Autistic people with a diverse range of needs, as well as coordinating a children\u2019s respite care program. I have seen how different each Autistic life can be, but also how much we have in common. I want to work towards inclusion and self-determination for Autistic people nationwide, at all levels of support needs.

Since 2025, I have been studying to go into social work. I am a part-time tutor, helping educate several children that classrooms sometimes fail to accommodate. I love acting and develop my skills in local theatre. I also volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters\u2019 PRISM Program for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and facilitate Safer Spaces training with Oxford County\u2019s Rainbow Coalition. I mostly go by he\/they but prefer xe\/xim\/xis\/ximself whenever possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Glen Greenly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Glen Greenly (he\/him) is an autistic poet and Library Systems Analyst based in British Columbia. In my day job, I work in post-secondary libraries, where I\u2019m often translating information about systems and processes into something approachable. I care a lot about accessibility, privacy, and how information lands in real life, not just on paper.

I\u2019m a Level 2 support needs late-diagnosed autistic adult with lived experience navigating life before diagnosis and life post-diagnosis in healthcare, employment, and accessing disability supports. I\u2019ve learned firsthand how much consistency, dignity, and practical follow-through matter. As a poet, I write honestly about attention, life\u2019s nuances, and resilience. Precise language matters to me.

On the Autistic Advisory Council, I\u2019m here to listen, ask careful questions, and help move ideas into actions that improve daily life for autistic people across the lifespan. I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to advancing Canada\u2019s Autism Strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Kelly Bron Johnson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Kelly Bron Johnson (she\/they) is an Autistic and Hard-of-Hearing self-advocate, keynote speaker, author, and founder of Completely Inclusive and the Autistic Entrepreneurs Network. As a mixed-heritage Black, non-binary person, Kelly Bron brings her intersectional identity into all her work and aims to break down the stigmas and systemic barriers that exist in society to make the path easier for others.

Kelly Bron is also a Certified Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace Advisor, a Mental Health First Aider, a Grief First Aider, a Workplace Mediator, and holds a Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice from Vermont Law and Graduate School.\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Luke Verhoeff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Luke Verhoeff is 21, an autistic nonspeaker who found his voice at 19. He is a self-professed max-chill hippie at heart. He aspires to become a poet.

Since becoming an open Speller, Luke has completed his first university course; written 15 poems\u20144 of which are published in Mentoring Minds\u2019 Volume 1 & 2 \u201cPointed Poetry\u201d books (available on Amazon); collaborated with his mom on their journey story in their book \u201cHopenstone\u201d (available on Amazon); participated in a webinar sponsored by Aide Canada; was interviewed in a podcast called \u201cEncouraging Nonspeakers: How Luke found his voice through RPM\u201d; and worked with the University of Calgary Ethereal Team on research projects involving the potential use of virtual \/ eye-gaze letterboards. He was also a cast member in the CBC Gem TV Show \u201cThe Assembly\u201d and he has been interviewed by CFJC-TV television and CBC radio.

Luke is passionate about advocating for and representing non\/minimal\/unreliable-speaking autistic people. His purpose in life is to make sure that no one has to go through what he went through, by bringing awareness to apraxia (brain-to-body disconnect) and the letterboard as a successful method for communication.

Follow Luke\u2019s journey and learn more at thisisluke.ca.

Luke loves writing poetry, his morning Nespresso coffee, a really good steak, and spending time in nature with the wisdom of the trees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ryan Elkanah<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Ryan Elkanah (he\/him) is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult based in Calgary, Alberta, whose advocacy is shaped by lived experience and over a decade supporting people through complex life transitions. Having grown up navigating multiple care systems, Ryan brings a grounded, relational lens from frontline youth work in Calgary, where he supported vulnerable youth facing homelessness, systemic barriers, and crisis.

Over the past four years with The Sinneave Family Foundation, he has supported autistic youth and adults through major life transitions, including employment, education, and community participation, while helping develop neuro-affirming programs and materials and fostering an organizational culture that centres inclusion and autistic perspectives. His approach integrates trauma-informed, person-centred, and strengths-based principles, creating spaces where people feel safe to bring their whole, authentic selves.

Ryan\u2019s work centres passionate curiosity, reflection, and collaborative problem-solving. He believes real change begins with listening deeply and approaching systems with both honesty and imagination. As a member of the National Autism Network\u2019s Autistic Advisory Council, he looks forward to contributing presence, clarity, and heart to meaningful systemic change that improves supports and opportunities for autistic people across Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sam Chan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Sam Chan is a disability advocate, information curator and Cybersecurity specialist with over 25 years of experience. He is the founder of Trust-in-Yourself (T-i-Y), a Toronto-based company that views disability as a source of innovation, leveraging technology and partnerships with non-profits and employers to help neurodivergent communities overcome barriers and build meaningful careers in Cybersecurity and IT.

His mission is to equip individuals with practical skills and ongoing technical career support while helping companies advance workforce diversity and strengthen Cybersecurity readiness and advance workforce diversity through his simple yet powerful framework of: Learn \u2013 Employment \u2013 Support.

Sam is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and holds a Mental Health First Aid certification, along with disability-studies training from UBC, U of T, Realize, and CAMH \u2013 reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning to serve the disability community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sarai Guerrero<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Sarai Guerrero has an Ontario College Graduate Certificate Program with honours in Research and Evaluation, as well as a Bachelor\u2019s and Master\u2019s degree in chemistry. Sarai also has various trainings in science communication, policy, mental health, and accessibility issues. This includes leading a project to develop a client experience survey, both pictographic and non-pictographic, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the Canopy Support Services\u2019 Adult Response Program. Sarai has won the Alumni Association Ambassador Award, and the Distinguished Student Award at Fanshawe College for demonstrating leadership, volunteerism, and a commitment to helping others.

Sarai has reviewed and written policy documents, research, and surveys for non-profits and student unions. Sarai has provided peer support during psycho-educational groups and mentored students with disabilities while sitting on Fanshawe\u2019s EDI and Anti-Oppression Task Force. Sarai has spoken at events like the NEADS State of the Schools tour, discussing accessibility barriers in educational policies and practices, and how to address them. Sarai was among the few nationally selected by the CWIC Network to participate in a science communication workshop, and one of two graduate researchers selected by the Chemical Institute of Canada to be a 2019 CSPC policy conference News Correspondent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Shanyn Silinski<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Shanyn Silinski (she\/her) is a late-diagnosed autistic who lives in South Central, Alberta. She is an artist, poet, writer, photographer and takes care of her son who is neurodivergent, along with their two dogs and a selection of cats. She lives in a rural area and is very familiar with the challenges facing the autistic community when they are not located in an urban centre. Her desire as a member of the Autistic Advisory Council is to advocate for late-diagnosed adults, young people struggling to find supports for safe independence and always, for everyone, mental health support and access. Her professional life followed many interesting pathways including emergency services, charity and non-profit sector as well as marketing and communications. She currently works for a post-secondary institution on the Advancement Team, and her special interests are diverse and eclectic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Terri Robson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Terri Robson – After overcoming struggles to accept and understand the impact of Autism in her own life, Terri Robson was inspired to help others. With incredible determination she engaged in various projects to raise awareness and remove barriers for individuals with Autism.
Terri has become an ambassador and a voice for thousands of Albertans and other Canadians who cannot speak for themselves. The impact of Terri\u2019s tireless work is tremendous as her presentations continue to be well received in communities and have admittedly even exceeded her own expectations.

Her impressive skills are not limited to her workspace. Terri is a leader and mentor who has worked tirelessly at many different events in Alberta for years. Her determination, hard work and effectiveness continue to inspire and to make a difference in Alberta\u2019s communities.

Along with presentation and speaking skills, Terri uses her experience and knowledge as an editor for the Canadian Journal of Autism Equity. In this role, along with the other editors, Terri provides a safe forum for those individuals with Autism to highlight their views or provide clarifying information about the topic given for each edition.

Dynamic. Funny. Informative<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Trudy Marwick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Trudy Marwick – Autistic educator and advocate, I was diagnosed as autistic at 47 while learning more about autism and neurodiversity to support my own family. Advocating for my children showed me that, to have our voices heard and our needs considered, I needed to learn the language of the professionals around the table. This led me to pursue a Master\u2019s degree in Education, specializing in Autism.

My husband and I moved to Grand Bay, New Brunswick in 2017. We previously lived and worked in Orkney, Scotland. Over several years, I have worked and volunteered with autism, disability, and access groups, contributing to campaigns and advocacy focused on equitable and inclusive practice. I hold a professional qualification in Inclusive Environmental Access and Design from Heriot-Watt University and, while living in Scotland, I worked and volunteered with Orkney Disability Forum, contributed to the Scottish Autism Strategy, sat on the Kirkwall Airport Advisory Group, and participated in Scottish Air Ambulance consultations and Scottish Parliament engagement events on disability and accessibility.

My volunteer roles have included serving as Parent Representative for Contact a Family Scotland, Lay Member for His Majesty\u2019s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), and active member of Access Panel Orkney, where I provided disability awareness training and shared practical strategies to create more inclusive environments and approaches. I am passionate about using lived experience to challenge stigma, influence policy, and advance equitable services for autistic and disabled people. Across all of these roles, my goal is to bridge lived experience and professional practice so that Autistic and disabled people and their families are genuinely heard, respected, and included.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Yvonne Spicer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Yvonne Spicer of London, Ontario, is a long-standing community leader whose twenty-year career has strengthened accessibility, equity, and inclusion across Canada. She is the Co-Founder of Lifetime Abilities, an emerging social enterprise that focuses on creative programming, inclusive education, and accessible planning. Yvonne is known for her clear, respectful communication, her steady leadership style, and her commitment to building environments where every person feels supported and heard.

Her work has included speaking at provincial, national, and international events, including the United Nations in New York City. She has contributed to system change through participation on community planning tables, inclusive research teams, and collaborative committees focused on improving housing, income security, and community participation. She also shares her insight through media features, creative projects, and her book My Life, My Choice, My Future, which highlights the importance of personal planning and self-directed decision-making.

Yvonne\u2019s leadership and contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award, the Jason Rae Award, the Outstanding KBHN Leadership in Family Engagement Award, and the David Conforti Reach for the Stars Award. She was recently selected to join the National Autism Network\u2019s Leadership Panel, where her experience and perspective will help strengthen Canada\u2019s Autism Strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Family Advisory Council<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Shino Nakane<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Shino Nakane (Co-Chair) is currently the Provincial Director for Autism Society Alberta. She has volunteered on a variety of boards and committees over the past decade like the Alberta Children\u2019s Hospital Ethics Committee, the External Advisory Committee on Regulatory Competitiveness for the Treasury Board of Canada and has recently completed serving three terms for the Premier\u2019s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, an advisory body for the Government of Alberta.

She is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Autism Alliance of Canada. Shino is the mother of a non-speaking young Autistic adult. She is happiest walking and hiking with her son in nature. Her passion is to continually strive to spearhead efforts so that all people are able to live in accessible and inclusive communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Alina Cameron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Alina Cameron is an epidemiologist based in Slate River in Northwestern Ontario, a mother of three, and the President of the Ontario Autism Coalition.

Her work spans local, provincial, and national levels, focusing on autism policy, public health, education, and service systems across the lifespan. As an epidemiologist, she brings a population-level, data-informed approach to understanding inequities in access to supports, particularly for families in northern and rural communities.

Her advocacy is informed by both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent and peer navigating health-related systems. She is committed to community-led, rights-based approaches and to building cross-sector collaboration to drive systemic change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Angela MacGillivray<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Hello! My name is Angela MacGillivray, and I am from Nova Scotia! As a neurodiverse parent of neurodiverse children, I have lived experience navigating disability supports across both school and community systems. Supporting my children\u2019s learning and growth has helped me to better understand the challenges families often face when accessing services, advocating for their needs, and building collaborative relationships with support teams.

These experiences inspired me to create Autistic & Ally Voices Antigonish, a small community group dedicated to sharing neuro-affirming information, offering guidance on navigating services, fostering inclusion, and advocating for stronger supports in our town. This work has significantly shaped who I am as a person, parent, educator, and advocate.

I am currently completing my Master of Inclusive Education, where my work focuses on guiding schools to support autistic learners\u2019 autonomy and self-advocacy, while fostering meaningful belonging through person-centered, strengths-based practices.

I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Family Advisory Council and hope that my contributions will help strengthen accessibility and outcomes for all families!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Brandy Fingas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Brandy Fingas (B.A. Hons (Psychology)) (she\/her) is the neurospicy parent of two amazing kids, one of whom is autistic. She has extensive experience working with neurodivergent kids from past positions with Regina Public Schools, Regina Humane Society and The Terry Fox Foundation. A lifelong passion for learning and education has provided her with invaluable insights into the supports and resources necessary for neurodivergent students to be successful and thrive in schools.

Brandy is a full time advocate for her autistic daughter. When not researching or meeting with fellow advocates, she regularly collaborates with her children\u2019s school to advance neuro-affirming school practices. She has worked with her children\u2019s school to incorporate a sensory wall accessible to all students, and collaborates with the teacher librarian to expand the library collection to include more books that are neuro-affirming and representative of neurodivergent students.

In her spare time, Brandy likes to explore her special interests, including reading fantasy novels, baking, and diamond art painting, as well as encouraging and connecting with her wonderful kids by exploring their special interests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Chrystal Venator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Born and raised in New Brunswick, Chrystal holds degrees in Arts, Business, and Education. Her greatest joy in life is raising her 10-year-old autistic, nonspeaking son, Stalen, and embracing every adventure they experience together. She is not only a devoted parent advocate but also a passionate champion for inclusiveness, accessibility, Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Chrystal has worked tirelessly to spark awareness and positive change across her community and province. She played a key role in bringing Caroline\u2019s Carts and communication boards to local spaces, and she brings extensive experience advocating within education, healthcare, and the wider community.

She cherishes time with her family, keeps active through running and boxing, and never misses a chance to play ball with her German Shepherd.

Chrystal is incredibly excited and deeply honoured to join the National Autism Network\u2019s Standing Family Advisory Council. She\u2019s eager to help drive meaningful change and support a future where Autistic people can truly thrive across Canada. She proudly shares the inspiring journey she and her son are navigating together on Stalen\u2019s Way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Emily Thompson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Hi, I\u2019m Emily Thompson. I live in St. John\u2019s Newfoundland and Labrador and am the proud mom to my three-and-a-half-year-old son who is autistic (diagnosed at two and a half). Advocating for him, and for other children, adults and families in the autism community in Newfoundland and Labrador, is something I\u2019m deeply passionate about. Professionally, for more than a decade, I\u2019ve been working in public policy with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the years, I\u2019ve worked on everything from environmental and climate change policy, intergovernmental affairs and municipal governance. In my spare time, I love hanging out with my two small dogs and learning about outer space from my son (he\u2019s quite the expert!)

I am committed to making our communities more inclusive and reflective of autistic voices. I look forward to serving on the National Autism Network Family Advisory Council to bring forward the unique perspectives of families living on our country\u2019s east coast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jodene Baker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Jodene Baker is the parent of an autistic child and is actively involved in navigating services, resources, and inclusive community spaces that support neurodiversity. She is committed to strengthening family voice in discussions about education, supports, and policy, and believes that autistic children and their families deserve meaningful influence in decisions that shape their daily lives. Jodene brings a thoughtful, systems-minded approach to this work, centered on curiosity, collaboration, and a desire to improve accessibility and understanding within environments where autistic youth learn, grow, and participate.

Professionally, Jodene serves as Vice-President of Research, Advocacy and External Relations at Imagine Canada. Her work spans sector-wide policy, nonprofit funding, and research, giving her experience in high-level strategy, relationship building, and interpreting complex information to inform decisions.

Jodene lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Joel Medenilla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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I am Joel Medenilla (Uno), and my son is Joel II Medenilla (Dos)

Uno and Dos – journey through life

I am Joel Medenilla, a single parent to a 14yr old bubbly, smart and loving son, Dos, diagnosed with ASD and he is nonverbal. Our life\u2019s journey is defined by profound learning about each other and unconditional love. The diagnosis of my son with autism was a pivotal moment, shifting the family\u2019s focus and dynamic entirely.

I became a fierce advocate and a constant student in navigating the complexity of my son\u2019s world. From therapy options, educational support systems and often overwhelming landscape of community resources. Throughout this process I discovered strength that I never knew I possess, a voice for my son.

Beyond the challenges, the experience this journey of ours has brought unexpected gifts: a unique perspective on diversity, greater appreciation of small victories and a membership to a supportive community of parents. I strive to share hope and practical advice with others going through a similar path, emphasizing that the journey is not just about managing a condition, but about celebrating the uniqueness and how wonderful our children are.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lori Fankhanel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Lori Fankhanel is a trained and certified Caregiver facilitator in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT). Lori is the previous Founder and President of Sensory Processing Disorder Canada, where she attended and facilitated workshops and conferences as far as Denver, Colorado. With over 25 years of experience as a mother of two exceptional children, she has worked with many multi-disciplinary teams in Edmonton, home to her and her family. She is a strong advocate for strength-based practices as she has seen the benefits firsthand. Lori enjoys walking in nature, spending time with her family and connecting with other moms who are\u202fequally as passionate about advocacy as she is.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Monica Halsey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Monica Halsey is a lived experience educator, advocate, and systems collaborator working at the intersection of healthcare, education, and family engagement. She is the mother of two neurodivergent sons and has spent over a decade advancing family-centred care at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada\u2019s largest children\u2019s rehabilitation hospital. Monica embeds the patient and family voice across hospital initiatives, including the recent redesign of the autism diagnostic process.

She co-designed and co-facilitates a peer support group for caregivers awaiting autism assessments for their children and co-teaches the Family as Faculty Training Course, which prepares patient and family partners to co-deliver healthcare education. Monica is also a North American ambassador for the International Society for Patient Engagement Professionals (ISPEP) and is completing a Doctor of Education with a focus on neurodiversity, inclusive education, and system redesign.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sarah Macklon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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I am a forty plus year old who lives in Whitehorse, Yukon. I am the oldest of 5 and my younger brother has autism. He was diagnosed at age 3. We currently share a house, with him living in the downstairs and me upstairs; not a formal suite situation but it works for us as we have our own spaces but can still interact and help each other as needed.

Between the two of us, we have one dog, one cat and no spouses.

My current job is working with Autism Yukon, where I am the admin and office assistant. I interact with many children and adults on the spectrum every day. I also have experience working as a support worker for children and young adults with disabilities. I also grew up with a father who had multiple sclerosis (MS) so I am well versed in the world of accessibility, inclusion and disability support.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sandra Norum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Sandra Norum – As a parent with direct lived experience navigating assessment pathways, individualized supports, and community-based services for Autism, Sandra brings both personal insight and practical knowledge to her advisory work. She is committed to amplifying family voices, reducing barriers, and contributing to system-level improvements that reflect the realities of those directly affected.

Sandra is a long-time advocate for equitable access, inclusion, and family-centred support systems. With more than sixteen years of professional experience in education and mentorship, she has worked closely with diverse learners, families, and multidisciplinary teams to build environments that honour neurodiversity and lived expertise. Her approach is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and evidence-informed practice.

Sandra holds a background in psychology and educational technology and has supported districts in developing training, inclusive frameworks, and responsive learning environments. She is passionate about strengthening national dialogue, improving service navigation, and ensuring that policy decisions reflect the needs of autistic individuals and their families.

She is honoured to serve on the Family Advisory Council of Canada\u2019s National Autism Network and contribute to the advancement of Canada\u2019s Autism Strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sherron Grant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Sherron Grant, M.Ed., has been an educator for over 20 years and an advocate for persons with special needs for even longer. She is currently an elementary school Principal in the province of Ontario. Sherron supports families, has volunteered in several capacities on various Boards and committees in the disability sector and advocates for persons living with various disabilities. Sherron has been the recipient of several awards including one from Autism Ontario and recently from the CCCE for her volunteer work and in co-founding Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support, a nonprofit organization with outreach across the country. Sawubona is a safe space for connection for Black parents\/caregivers raising and caring for a loved one with a disability. \u202fHer inspiration and motivation for involvement with the National Autism Network originates from her own lived experience as a parent of an adult son living with autism. Being on this autism journey for close to 30 years, Sherron sees the need for an autism strategy which includes the voices of those who experience marginalization and obstacles on a deeper level due to intersecting identities. Authentic inclusion and acceptance on a national scale means having diverse voices at the table to share their unique needs and dreams.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Tony Stravato<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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I was born and raised in Oshawa, Ontario, where I still live today with my wife Lisa and our twin autistic boys, Roman and Rocco.

My autism advocacy journey began in 2019, when the Ontario Autism Program underwent a series of significant and deeply challenging changes. At that time, I helped co-found the Durham Crew Autism Advocates. Shortly after, I joined the Ontario Autism Coalition, where I now serve as the Vice President of Operations.

My lived experience as a parent, combined with my strong connection to the autism community, continues to guide my work.

I am committed to creating meaningful change, amplifying the voices of families, and ensuring that autistic individuals across Canada receive the support and opportunities they deserve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Indigenous Advisory Council<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dr. Grant Bruno<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Grant Bruno is n\u00eahiyaw (Plains Cree), a registered member of Samson Cree Nation located on Treaty 6 Territory, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. As both a researcher and a parent, Dr. Bruno\u2019s work is rooted in the experiences of Indigenous caregivers raising children with diverse needs. His research seeks to create culturally responsive healthcare models that reflect the strengths, challenges, and hopes of families, particularly in the areas of neurodiversity and child and youth health. Drawing on n\u00eahiyaw understandings of health and wellness, he weaves together Indigenous knowledge systems and Western frameworks to foster inclusive and decolonized approaches to healthcare.

Dr. Bruno is currently the Academic Lead for Indigenous Child Health at the Women and Children\u2019s Health Research Institute (WCHRI). He is the founder of the Ispimihk Aw\u00e2sisak (Sky Children Program) and the Indigenous Caregiving Collective, both of which centre the voices of families and caregivers in shaping programs and research for children with neurodevelopmental differences. He is currently the co-chair of the Indigenous Advisory Council for Canada\u2019s National Autism strategy and also serves as the Scientific Advisor, Indigenous Initiatives for the Kids Brain Health Network, where he continues to advocate for caregiver-driven solutions that strengthen Indigenous child and youth health.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jessie Gartshore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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My name is Jessie Gartshore (she\/her\/kwe). I am a part-Anishinaabe, part-settler Health Leader and have spent over 20 years supporting not-for-profit children\u2019s health organizations. My clinical background is as a Behaviour Analyst and have spent the last 10 years in operational leadership. I am an Ojibway Kwe with ancestors from the Crane Clan (Ajijaak Dodem) of Batchewana First Nation and Clan Gartshore of Scotland. My passion for leadership draws on my ability to work and gather with others. I am the Senior Manager for the Maternal Child & Youth Health Stream at Six Nations which includes close to 100 hardworking health providers supporting our most precious resources: our expectant mothers, our babies, our children and youth. I started my professional career as a Behaviour Therapist in 2004 and supported all of the iterations of provincially funded autism programs for children and youth in Ontario. Since my time with Six Nations, we have advocated and brought Autism Services on-reserve for our families. We used the innovation grant funding to root our entry to school program in culture and our most recent innovation grant is supporting capacity building for our Primary Care and Allied Health professionals in the development of a diagnostic pathway, rooted in culture on reserve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Allie DaCunha<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Hello, my name is Allie. I am an autistic woman living in Brantford, Ontario. I am Mi\u2019kmaq from Potlotek First Nation. I was diagnosed with autism in 2024. I sought out my diagnosis after my son was diagnosed in 2021.

I work as a Nurse Educator on Six Nations of the Grand River. In my role I work with children from kindergarten to grade 12. My past working experience includes working in group homes with adults, a vast majority of them being autistic. I have been seeking opportunities to become more active and involved in the Autism community.

I am excited to be part of the National Autism Network. As an autistic person, raising an autistic child, and working in an Indigenous community, I bring various perspectives and voices into the conversation. I am eager to advocate and help Canada be a place where autistic people feel heard, seen and supported.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jenn Hobbis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Jenn Hobbis is a member of the Indigenous Advisory Council for the National Autism Network. She has worked in special education in Whitehorse, Yukon for 19 years, supporting children ages four through twelve who are diagnosed, or suspected to be on, the autism spectrum. Her work includes mentoring emerging educators and providing training on sensory regulation, movement and body break supports, communication strategies, early phonological awareness and various speech and language supports in-school.

She is also the mother of a 20-year-old daughter on the autism spectrum, and began navigating the diagnostic process when her daughter was two years old, with a formal diagnosis at age five. This lived experience continues to inform her advocacy and systems-level perspective.

Jenn has served as an executive board member with Autism Yukon, and recently worked for a year as an Indigenous student advocate for Central Okanagan School District No. 23, in British Columbia.

She currently works as an Indigenous Patient Health and Social Liaison Worker at Whitehorse General Hospital (with the First Nations Health Branch) in Whitehorse, and is also a certified ESL teacher, supporting adult newcomers to Canada.

She is a member of the Crow Clan of Kluane First Nation, with Southern Tutchone heritage, from the Kluane Lake region, of the Yukon Territory.
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Lori Gauthier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Lori Gauthier is a mother of four sons with autism who range in age from 13 to 20 years old. She lives in Fort St James, BC where she is an active member of the Nak\u2019azdli Whut\u2019en nation and belongs to the Lhts\u2019umusyoo (Beaver clan).

Lori currently works as the Children and Youth with Diverse Needs Coordinator for Nak\u2019azdli Whut\u2019en where she helps children with diverse needs and their families access support services that they need in a culturally grounded, and family-centred way.

Lori is also the North Regional Network Coordinator for the Family Support Institute of B.C. She is a former member of Autism B.C.\u2019s Board of Directors, MCFD\u2019s Minister\u2019s Advisory Council and a member of their Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Lori has had the honour of working alongside Indigenous families across BC, including in Keremeos, Terrace, Prince George, Yekooche, and Takla Lake in various roles. Her passion for helping families navigate supports and systems shines in everything she does. She is deeply committed to making sure the voices of families in rural and remote communities are heard and valued.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Natachia Slezsak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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I am Natachia Slezsak, from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and a member of the Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan. I am a mother of five children, including a child with autism, an experience that has given me a deep understanding of the challenges families face and inspires my commitment to creating better supports for individuals and their communities.

With over 20 years in healthcare, starting on the frontlines as a nurse, I have built a career in program development and leadership, focusing on mental health, crisis response, and trauma-informed, culturally responsive systems of care. My personal and professional experiences come together to guide my work, ensuring services are both effective and grounded in the realities of the community I serve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Shannon Nazaruk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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I am a late-diagnosed Autistic M\u00e9tis person, a devoted parent of an amazing Autistic young adult, and the daughter of a Residential School Survivor. My intersectional identity shapes the personal stories and cultural insights I share with warmth and authenticity to promote understanding of my communities. I find joy and purpose as an advocate focused on identity, inclusion, and belonging. My current advocacy includes public speaking and volunteering with the Indigenous Relations Circle for the Autism Society of Alberta.

With over 15 years of experience navigating health and education systems, I understand the challenges faced and the tenacity needed to support our families. My continued learning and community engagement have further developed my determination, and I enjoy collaborating with others to create new solutions and discover innovative ideas.

I am excited to join the Indigenous Advisory Council and am committed to bringing my experience and enthusiasm to the National Autism Network and the Indigenous Autistic communities I serve. I believe in the power of culture, community, and connection – and I look forward to our future together!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Vanessa Roesler<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Vanessa Roesler serves as the coordinator of the Kikino Aboriginal Headstart program and holds certifications in Early Learning and Mental Health: Aboriginal Connections from MacEwan University. As both a professional and a parent to three children\u2014including an Autistic daughter and a neurodiverse son\u2014she draws on her extensive experience to support other Indigenous communities. Within the Kikino Metis Settlement, Vanessa has established a family support group, a lending library for sensory resources, and the Autism Parent Resource initiative, all aimed at assisting families in their Autism journeys. Through her leadership, these projects have increased access to culturally relevant support and information, helping families navigate services and celebrate their children\u2019s strengths. Vanessa regularly collaborates with educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to advocate for inclusive practices and better outcomes for Indigenous children. Her passion for empowering others is reflected in her ongoing commitment to building a more understanding and supportive environment for all families affected by Autism.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Strategic Priority Committee 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Angela MacDonald-Pr\u00e9gent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Angela MacDonald-Pr\u00e9gent is the Autism Advanced Practice Leader at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, where she provides strategic leadership for autism services for young children across Nova Scotia.

A speech-language pathologist and researcher, Angela specializes in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for minimally speaking Autistic children. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a specialization in Language Acquisition from McGill University. Her research focused on improving communication outcomes using AAC and expanding assessment options for minimally speaking Autistic children. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Angela has worked extensively with Autistic children and those with other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Her previous roles include serving as a clinical interventionist for preschool-aged Autistic children at the IWK Health Centre and as a consulting speech-language pathologist at Miriam Intervention in Montr\u00e9al.

Nationally, Angela co-led a research study for the National Autism Waitlist Initiative as a Data-to-Policy Fellow with the Autism Alliance of Canada, facilitating collaboration between diagnostic leaders and caregivers to build consensus on commonly used terms for tracking autism assessment waitlists. She is also a member of the Program Advisory Committee for Kids Brain Health Network. Angela has published in peer-reviewed journals, presented internationally, and is deeply committed to integrating lived experience into all aspects of her work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Antigone Oreopoulos Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Antigone Oreopoulos, PhD, MBA, is a physiotherapist, epidemiologist, and advocate specializing in sensorimotor impairment, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and neurological movement therapy in nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic children and adults. She brings a combination of clinical expertise, research training, and lived experience as the mother of a nonspeaking autistic child who communicates through text-based augmented alternative communication (AAC).

Antigone\u2019s clinical work, research, and teaching focus on addressing gaps in motor assessment, early physical therapy intervention, life long mobility support, and access to functional communication for nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic individuals. She is also committed to improving the ongoing education and empowerment of clinicians, parents, and others who work with autistic individuals with complex needs. Antigone coaches families to build sustainable therapeutic programs, collaborates with schools to improve AAC access and adapted physical education participation, and works closely with the nonspeaking \/ minimally speaking self-advocate community across Canada.

Previously, she held leadership roles in public health analytics, taught postgraduate courses in knowledge translation and patient advocacy, and served on the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board. Antigone is dedicated to ensuring that nonspeaking autistic people and their families are heard, included, and supported in both mental and physical health across the lifespan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Connor M. Kerns Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Associate Professor, University of British Columbia

Dr. Connor Kerns is an Associate Professor, Registered Psychologist and Director of the Anxiety Stress and Autism Program (ASAP) in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her research focuses on anxiety, and stress-related disorders in autistic youth and young adults with the aim of developing and testing new assessment tools and psychotherapies. She has secured numerous federal and foundation sponsored grants to support this research program in Canada and previously in the USA, including early career researcher awards from Killam Foundation, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and National Institutes of Health. In addition to >100 scientific publications, she is lead author of a diagnostic interview tailored to assess anxiety disorders in autistic youth published by Oxford University Press, the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule with Autism Spectrum Addendum (ADIS\/ASA), and editor of a clinical textbook on the evidence-based assessment and treatment of anxiety in autistic children. She has previously sat on working groups focused on enhancing the health of autistic individuals for both the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and US DHHS Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.

Dr. Kerns earned her BA in Psychology and English from Cornell University, her M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University, and completed her clinical internship at the AI Dupont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE. She also completed specialized training in autism, anxiety, OCD and childhood trauma assessment and treatment at the Department of Psychiatry at University of Pennsylvania and the Center for Autism Research at Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia. Finally, she gained knowledge in public health approaches to autism research as a faculty member at the multi-disciplinary AJ Drexel Autism Institute in Philadelphia, PA prior to her appointment at UBC in 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ghita Wiebe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Ghita Wiebe (she\/her) is a developmental pediatrician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Saskatchewan. She is also the Provincial Division Head for Child Development and serves as Physician Lead for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Provincial Autism Strategy. The SHA Provincial Autism Strategy\u2019s vision is that children and their caregivers have access to quality supports and services as close to home as possible. The strategy envisions a world where neurodiversity is understood and accepted.

She leads SK ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) Autism Diagnostics and Care. Dr. Wiebe\u2019s work focuses on transforming autism systems of care through innovative community-based approaches. She is especially interested in educational and clinical models that foster collaborative knowledge-sharing and expertise, empowering community teams to care for children and families in a lifespan approach that is neurodiversity affirming, and in ways that center lived and living experience.

Through her academic research, community partnerships, professional leadership, and personal advocacy, she champions culturally responsive neurodevelopmental care that embraces diverse perspectives and strengths-based approaches. She is very grateful to be involved with the National Autism Network.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Kimberley Ward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Kimberley Ward (she\/her)
Kim is a Registered Psychologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary and more than 30 years of experience supporting the Autism community. She is the Executive Director of Society for Autism Support and Services (SASS) in Calgary, a role she has held since 2018.

Kim contributes to Autism advocacy at the national level as a member of the Canadian Autism Alliance of Canada Board of Directors, where she serves as Board Secretary and Chair of the Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award Committee.

She also plays an active role in provincial collaboration through her involvement with Autism Alberta\u2019s Alliance Planning Committee.

Driven by a commitment to build inclusive communities and enhance supports for Autistic individuals and their families, Kim continues to champion meaningful change across local, provincial, and national networks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Marie-Pier Vandette<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Marie-Pier Vandette, C. Psych., is a clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents, and families. She is a member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario as well as the Ordre des psychologues du Qu\u00e9bec. In 2020, she founded her own private practice, The Interdisciplinary Family Centre of Eastern Ontario (CIFO), which addresses a significant gap in mental-health services in the region and now has two locations: one in Rockland and another in Casselman.

Since 2024, following the award of nearly $600,000 in ministerial grants, she has developed the Eastern Ontario Autism Program, which allows her team, i.e., composed of psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists, to offer free services to autistic children and adolescents.

In 2024, she expanded her private practice into the province of Quebec by founding The Interdisciplinary Family Centre of Outaouais to help address the shortage of autism services in that region. Through this work, she is building important collaborations across public and community sectors. Dr. Vandette also serves as the lead psychologist in an interdisciplinary neurodevelopmental health program within a pediatric hospital setting, providing services to youth up to age 18 with complex mental-health, neurodevelopmental, and medical needs. She is a part-time and clinical professor at the University of Ottawa, where she teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

She is also a clinical supervisor and has had the opportunity to supervise approximately thirty graduate students to date. Finally, she recently co-founded and serves as President of Propsychnet, a new national platform designed to make mental health more accessible, human, and understandable for everyone, both mental-health professionals and the population.

Dr. Vandette is a content ambassador in the areas of clinical supervision, neurodivergence, and child, adolescent, and family clinical practice. Through a digital platform, she is currently developing a support community for parents of autistic children.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Yona Lunsky, PH.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

Yona Lunsky, PhD, CPsych, is the Scientific Director of the\u202fAzrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Director of the Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities Program (www.hcardd.ca) and a Senior Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), in Toronto, Canada. She is also Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, an Adjunct Scientist at ICES, and a Clinical Psychologist. She has been studying the mental and physical health of adults with developmental disabilities including autism and their families for more than 25 years, and has published over 300 papers on this topic. She works closely with people with developmental disabilities, their families, and clinical providers to identify health care gaps and co-design innovative solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Kelsey Kerr<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Lire la biographie\n \n \n <\/svg> <\/span>\n <\/span>\n\n\n\n

I am honoured and humbled to have been selected to support the work of the National Autism Network. I am of mixed settler and First Nation ancestry,  Irish and Finnish on my mother\u2019s side and Scottish and Ha\u00ed\u026bzaqv on my father\u2019s. I was raised on the unceded and ancestral homelands of the k\u02b7ik\u02b7\u0259\u019b\u0313\u0259m (Kwikwetlem), s\u0259lilw\u0259ta\u026c (Tsleil-Waututh),  x\u02b7m\u0259\u03b8k\u02b7\u0259y\u0313\u0259m (Musqueam), S\u1e35wx\u0331w\u00fa7mesh (Squamish), q\u0313ic\u0313\u0259y\u0313 (Katzie), q\u02bc\u02b7a:n\u0313 \u019b\u02bc\u0259n\u0313 (Kwantlen), qiq\u00e9yt (Qayqayt), and St\u00f3:l\u014d (Sto:lo) Peoples, Port Moody BC.  

I am a family member to two Autistic individuals and a Speech-Language Pathologist. I have worked in Northern Canada for all of my career and since developed a passion for advocating for equitable services and resources for those I serve. I currently work for a school board providing wholistic wrap around supports to school teams and have witnessed the impact this approach has for learners. I believe that each person is gifted with strengths and when community wraps around them they can flourish and overcome obstacles through caring relationships.  

To feel connected to myself, I enjoy gardening, skiing, dancing, painting, running for a very long time up and down mountains, being an Auntie and spending time with my dog Eve. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jacqueline Morrison<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Hello! My name is\u202f Jacqueline\u202f Morrison. I reside in Ottawa and am working in early education and community health. I hold a Bachelor\u2019s degree in the Humanities and I have completed 3 years of midwifery education. My journey through my career and post secondary education paths have been marked by my brain style. In 2022, I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I was prompted to seek a psychological evaluation in part due to the ways I navigated stress, social communication, and workplaces.

While midwifery is a special interest of mine, most careers in healthcare are a difficult match for those autistic people \u2013 like me \u2013 who thrive with routine and lose steam more quickly with the presence of overwhelming stimulus input. I have a strong interest in making healthcare careers more accessible to autistic workers, many of whom I know would be excellent care providers.

I believe that the current factors limiting success for autistic people in healthcare careers include (among many others) a) non-accommodating education and b) inflexible job roles.

My special interests are reproductive health and parenting in the early years. I also love to cook plant-based food, do yoga, and spend time with my friends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Liam Bienstock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Liam Bienstock (he\/him) is an occupational therapist and inclusive designer. His clinical work and early role at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute focused on supporting Autistic individuals and their families in daily living, education, and community participation. A key part of his practice involves coaching families on financial supports, where he frequently sees barriers that limit economic inclusion.

With a Master of Inclusive Design from OCAD University, Liam has collaborated with the Autism Alliance of Canada and Mobilizing Justice on research into transportation equity and the Autistic experience. This work underscores how mobility shapes access to work, education, healthcare, voting, and civic life\u2014and how inadequate transportation restricts participation.

Liam is Chair of La Fondation Place Coco and serves nationally on the Canada Revenue Agency\u2019s Disability Advisory Committee, advising on improvements to disability-related tax measures that affect Autistic Canadians. His advocacy is informed by both professional experience and the systemic challenges his clients have voiced.

As the older sibling of an Autistic adult, Liam is personally committed to strengthening supports during the transition to adulthood and advancing equitable, lifelong inclusion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Charli Miller<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Charli Miller is the Director of Economic Inclusion at Autism Nova Scotia, where she leads initiatives to create inclusive employment opportunities for autistic youth and adults across the province. Based in Halifax and originally from the Annapolis Valley, Charli brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic, queer woman to her work.

In her role, Charli oversees program operations, evaluation, and reporting to ensure measurable outcomes. She builds partnerships with service providers, advocates for inclusive hiring practices, and aligns organizational efforts with provincial and national goals. Her leadership focuses on removing barriers and fostering workplaces that value neurodiverse talent.

Charli holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology. Her career has included roles supporting individuals with disabilities in employment, education, and residential settings. As a parent of two young children and someone who has faced employment challenges firsthand, Charli is deeply committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the workforce.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Samuel Ragot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Samuel\u202fRagot\u202fis a doctoral candidate at the School of Social Work at McGill University and works as a Senior Policy Analyst and Advocacy Advisor at the Quebec Intellectual Disability Society. In the context of his work,\u202fSamuel\u202fhas worked on major pieces of legislation in the province, such as the reform of the guardianship regime and the creation and implementation of the Basic Income Program. Trained as a political scientist (UQAM) and holding a graduate degree in bioethics (UdeM),\u202fSamuel\u2019s research program is focused on three main topics: financial support programs for persons with disabilities in Canada, employment of autistic individuals and persons with intellectual disabilities, and caregiver support. His goal is to help improve public policies to foster the inclusion and economic participation of persons with disabilities.\u202fSamuel\u202fhas lived experience of disability and caregiving. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lara McLachlan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Lara McLachlan<\/strong>\u202fis the Founder and Board Chair of the Neurodiversity Change Foundation (NCF), where she leads initiatives focused on advancing neuroinclusive systems in healthcare, employment, and leadership. Her work focuses on translating lived experience and research evidence into practical system change through partnerships across Canada. She brings over 25 years of experience in health system transformation, community development, reporting, and changemaking. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jasmine Cha<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Jasmine\u202fis an inclusion advocate, systems thinker, and vocal Autistic woman of colour committed to building a more equitable world. She was named one of Alberta\u2019s Top 30 Under 30 for her work advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and continues to\u202fchampion equity through both local and global initiatives.\u202f 
She brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise to her work.

Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in adulthood after years of masking and misdiagnosis,\u202fJasmine\u202funderstands firsthand the barriers Autistic people face when accessing education, economic security, and support. Her experience fuels her commitment to policies and services that reflect the full spectrum of Autistic realities.\u202f\u202f 

Professionally, she has worked across nonprofit, tech, and international policy spaces, including as a Delegate to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68). She currently supports youth civic engagement and system navigation through her roles in multiple nonprofit organizations.\u202f 

Jasmine\u202fcontinues to advocate for inclusive design, real-world impact, and\u202fchanges that actually work for marginalized communities\u2014not just on paper, but in practice. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Strategic Priority Committee 3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Data collection, public health surveillance, and research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dr. Elizabeth Straus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Elizabeth Straus (they\/she) is an autistic, disabled, queer, white settler nurse scholar and educator whose research focuses at the intersections of autism, gender, sexuality, and mental well-being.

Currently residing in Dish with One Spoon Territory, the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe in what is colonially known as Niagara region in Ontario, they hold appointments as an Assistant Professor in the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University and as an Adjunct Professor with Re\u2022Vision: The Centre for Art and Social Justice at the University of Guelph.

They currently lead\u202fBeyond the Normative Knot, a multimedia storytelling and interview project that explores autistic experience at the intersections of gender, sexuality, and autistic identities. They are deeply committed to advancing access and affirming approaches in research and practice, with an emphasis on autistic-led, community-engaged, and intersectional approaches.\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Flora Blanchette<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Flora Blanchette (she\/her) is a professor, researcher, advocate, and parent to an autistic child.

She received her dual M.S. and PhD in in Psychology and Women\u2019s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Penn State.\u202fHer work adopts a critical, liberationist lens and spans topics including prejudice and discrimination, oppression, disability, health disparities, decarceration, activism, and the development of inclusive environments.

She has over 60 peer-reviewed publications and has spoken at national and international events and conferences. All of her work aims to center the perspectives of people who experience various forms of oppression.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. M. Florencia Ricci<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. M. Florencia Ricci, MD, PhD,\u202fis a developmental pediatrician, a clinician\u2013researcher with the Children\u2019s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, and an Associate Professor in the Section of Child Development within the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba. She also serves as Co-Director of the Manitoba Neonatal Follow-up Clinic.

Dr. Ricci\u2019s current research focuses on environmental factors that may influence the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder. She has been supported in this work by a 2021 ENRRICH Catalyst Grant, a 2024 Manitoba Medical Service Foundation Grant, and funding from the Kali Dyck Foundation for the development of ADORE\u2014the Autism Diagnostic Outcomes Registry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jennifer Zwicker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Jennifer Zwicker is the Director of Social Policy and Health at the School of Public Policy and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. She holds a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Disability Policy for Children and Youth and serves as Chief Scientist for Kids Brain Health Network. Her research program focuses on evaluating interventions and informing policy related to funding, services, and supports for children and youth with disabilities and their families.

With a strong emphasis on interest holder and government engagement, Jennifer\u2019s work bridges research and policy, contributing to peer-reviewed publications, policy papers, op-eds, and briefing notes for provincial and federal ministries as well as senate committees. She is currently a co-chair for the Federal Disability Advisory Committee and has worked on national efforts, including the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences National Autism Strategy Working Group and the Royal Society of Canada Expert Working Group on disability-inclusive policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Kathryn Szechy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Kathryn (Kathy) Szechy is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Western University, Ontario, a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Her research interests include challenges in adulthood for individuals on the autism spectrum, including post-secondary education and employment. She also studies the intersection of disability and social, racial, and economic disadvantage through the lens of critical disability studies. She is coauthor on several peer-reviewed publications on topics related to autism, disability, social work practice, child development, and mental health.

Dr. Szechy has 22 years of social work practice experience in Canada and the United States. She has practiced in child, adolescent, and adult mental health settings and school social work. She is a registered social worker in Ontario, was a Licensed Masters Social Worker in Michigan (2004-2025), and held State of Michigan School Social Work Certification. In addition, she is the proud parent of two adult sons, one autistic and one non-autistic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Megan Thomas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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I am a UK trained Developmental Pediatrician, who worked in the NHS for over 30 years. I was clinical lead for the Child Development Service working with a fantastic multi-disciplinary team for nearly 23 years.

I led a number of service developments including the preschool neurodevelopmental pathway, that also encompassed autism assessments and supports. I moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2020, and am an Associate Professor and Developmental Pediatrician in the Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University\/IWK Health.

I am the Clinical Co-Lead for the Provincial Preschool Autism Service. To find the best answers for children and families, I am involved in research, both my own and supporting others.

My PhD was with families with preschool children with predominantly non-verbal autism spectrum disorders, families with complex health needs requiring technology on a daily basis and families with preschool children without any identified health or developmental needs. This resulted in an even deeper passion to ensure that the services we provide are helpful and meet the needs of families, rather than creating more demands and stress.

I am committed to working alongside families and colleagues to ensure respectful, supportive practices that embrace and celebrate diversity, remove barriers and enable equitable access.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dr.\u202fMayada\u202fElsabbagh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dr.\u202fMayada\u202fElsabbagh is a Professor in Neurology and Neurosurgery at The Neuro of McGill University. She is also appointed as a Research Scientist at the McGill University Health Centre where her program is integrated with diagnosis and support services for autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.

Her research focuses on understanding the root causes of autism and tracing its developmental pathways across the lifespan. Her team uses developmental models to explain complex interactions of risk and protective factors leading to variable outcomes in autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Her scientific contributions include the discovery of very early brain function markers for autism before the onset of behavioural signs and the scale-up of community-based interventions.

The approach combines innovative research with the mission of accelerating the pace of discovery and its translation into community impact. To achieve this, the team relies on converging methods that span techniques for the study of brain development (EEG, eye-tracking), behavioural and clinical assessment tools, and novel qualitative methods to capture first-person perspectives of children and youth.

Dr. Elsabbagh has supported the successful launch of several collaborative research and translational networks in Canada and Europe, including the Transforming Autism Care Consortium (TACC), a Quebec research network supported by the Fonds de recherche du Qu\u00e9bec and several community partners. Dr. Elsabbagh is a program director of the Canadian Neurodevelopment Research Training (CanNRT) platform.

She is also active in global efforts to improve evidence-based practice in the community and capacity building in low -and middle-income countries. These efforts include CST-Canada, a clinical trials platform for the WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST) Program, which integrates research, training, and international exchange, expanding access to evidence-informed intervention in the community.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Strategic Priority Committee 4<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Public awareness, understanding and acceptance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dori Zener<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dori Zener is a Registered Social Worker, speaker, and educator, who has dedicated her career to creating Neurodiversity-Affirming mental health opportunities for autistic people across the lifespan. Her mission is to empower neurodivergent individuals, igniting self-awareness and self-compassion, so they can thrive in every facet of life.

Dori offers training based on her clinical expertise, centered around her INVEST model, which provides a Neuro-Affirming framework for counselling. She is deeply committed to fostering autism acceptance, and actively contributes to expanding the understanding of autism through publications, workshops, research collaborations, and corporate consultations.

Dori is excited to take on a new leadership position with the National Autism Network where she will be co-chairing the Strategic Priority Area 4 Committee: Public Awareness, Understanding, & Acceptance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Aaron Goss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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My name is Aaron Goss (he\/him), and I\u2019m an autistic Knowledge Translation professional, published historian, and professional musician. A Gen-X\u2019er, I\u2019m painfully aware of how our understanding of neurodivergence has changed since my childhood, when assessments by both a developmental psychologist and a pediatrician failed to identify my autism or ADHD. Subsequent decades of masking undiagnosed neurodivergence contributed to struggles with anxiety, depression, alcohol use disorder, and periods of housing insecurity. An ADHD diagnosis at age 49 confirmed something I\u2019d always known, also led me to the subsequent, surprising realization that I\u2019m also autistic.

Creativity and a sense of social justice drive my work as a Knowledge Broker, where I plan communications for population data research and tailor messages for diverse audiences. Sharing research on autism and neurodivergence on social media in our current political and social climate has underscored the urgent need to challenge misinformation and stigmatization in autism discussions.

I live on Treaty 1 territory, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with my neurodivergent partner Brandi, a dog, and two cats. I\u2019ve done advocacy work supporting community development, housing, and alcohol-free living, and am excited for the chance to contribute to a better future for autistic Canadians.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Katie Heckman<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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I live in North Vancouver, BC, and am passionate about inclusion, challenging what society deems as \u2018normal\u2019, and creating spaces where Autistic people can thrive.

I am a later-in-life diagnosed Autistic ADHDer with a background in healthcare and clinical education. My lived experience navigating systems and environments not built for neurodivergent people directly shapes my work.

Amidst the ableism I have experienced, I have also encountered people and spaces that are truly accepting and inclusive. This gives me hope that we can move toward a society that not only understands and accepts Autistic people, but truly celebrates us.\u202f

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experiences and perspectives while learning from my fellow committee members to advance public awareness, understanding and acceptance.\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Margaux Wosk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Margaux Wosk is an Autistic, disabled, and self-employed advocate based in British Columbia. She brings lived experience in disability rights, accessibility, and inclusive communication. Margaux is the President of BC People First, a nonprofit run by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has spoken on Parliament Hill about Bill C-22 and regularly gives presentations across Canada. Public speaking is one of her strongest skills, and she uses it to share knowledge, encourage inclusion, and highlight the experiences of Autistic and disabled people. She is also a cast member on the CBC television show\u202fThe Assembly.

Margaux runs Retrophiliac, her small business that designs disability-focused communication items such as pins, stickers, and lanyards. Her products support visibility, autonomy, and pride within disability and neurodivergent communities. Her work has been featured in several media outlets and is used by disabled people, caregivers, educators, and community organizations.

Margaux advocates for the recognition of self-employed disabled people, accessible communication, and the importance of centering lived experience in decision-making. She was a 2025 finalist for the Most Outstanding Impact \u2013 Volunteer Award through Charity Village and received the Community Award \u2013 Emerging Leader from BC Achievement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Megan Pilatzke<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Megan is a proud autistic woman and member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. After discovering her autism in 2021 at 31 years old, she has dedicated her career to advocacy and bettering the lives of other neurodivergent people.Megan works with Specialisterne Canada, a non-profit dedicated to building neuro-inclusive workplaces, and is a sought-after public speaker, having presented for organizations like Autism Canada, Flourish Health Services, CAMH, and the Senate of Canada. She is also a published academic author, specializing in autistic employment. Megan lives in Sudbury, Ontario with her two cats, Oliver and Abigail. In her spare time, she is a dedicated pool player and musician.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sarah Ahmed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Sarah Ahmed is a senior marketing and communications executive with extensive experience leading national awareness campaigns in the disability,\u202fnonprofit and corporate\u202fsectors. She currently serves as Senior Director, Brand & Digital Marketing at March of Dimes Canada and previously led national marketing and public education initiatives for the autism community while working with\u202fUnited Nations and UNICEF.\u202f

She holds a Master\u2019s in Government and\u202fPublic Policy from Harvard University, grounding her work in evidence-based approaches to social change. A proud mother of an autistic son, Sulaiman, Sarah brings a deeply personal commitment to this work.

She is dedicated to helping build an inclusive and accepting Canada where children like Sulaiman can thrive and reach their full potential. Sarah is honoured to contribute to Strategic Priority Area 4: Public Awareness, Understanding & Acceptance as part of the National Autism Network.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Susan Noble<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Susan Noble is a passionate advocate whose professional and personal commitment to advancing autism understanding, acceptance, and support has been shaped by decades of experience as an educator and her role as a parent of an adult son on the autism spectrum. Susan is the co-founder of the Kelowna-based non-profit Autism Okanagan, a member of Okanagan College\u2019s Adult Education and Training Program Advisory Committee and was a finalist in the 2024 BC Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards, reflecting her ongoing leadership and impact in the autism community.

She has also worked in the inclusive employment sector as an Inclusive Employment Specialist with the Canucks Autism Network, representing Ready, Willing and Able, helping to create pathways to meaningful employment for Autistic individuals. In this role, she supported employers by increasing their understanding of autism and neurodiversity, educating employers on the benefits of inclusive hiring and providing guidance on best practices for recruiting, supervising, and retaining Autistic employees.

Susan is honored to serve on the National Autism Network\u2019s Strategic Priority Committee for Public Awareness, Understanding, and Acceptance, contributing her expertise, ideas, and lived experience to advancing Canada\u2019s national autism strategy and fostering more inclusive communities nationwide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Vanessa Bourlon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Vanessa is a late-diagnosed autistic adult from Regina, Saskatchewan, and a proud parent of two autistic children. She is an educator with 17 years of experience in inclusive education and student support. Vanessa is deeply committed to advancing neuro-inclusive and neuro-affirming environments in which autistic individuals are respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. She brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work with the Canadian National Autism Network.

Vanessa holds a French Bachelor of Education, along with certificates in Inclusive Education and Autism Studies. These qualifications provide a strong foundation in accessibility frameworks, inclusive design, and neuro-affirming practice. Throughout her career, Vanessa has led school-wide inclusive initiatives, delivered professional learning for educators, and developed programs that promote student success in inclusive and supportive learning environments. Her work has focused on supporting neurodivergent learners and second-language learners while fostering strong collaborative relationships with educators, families, and professional and community partners.

Beyond the classroom, Vanessa serves as an advisor to the Saskatchewan Health Authority\u2019s Provincial Accessibility Advisory Committee and has contributed to the ECHO Autism training program, including participation as a panelist for medical professionals across Saskatchewan. She is also a member of the Provincial Neurodivergent Advocacy Partnership, where she shares lived experience, collaborates on research and community initiatives, and advocates for neuro-affirming healthcare practices and accessible tools that support the neurodivergent community in Saskatchewan.

Fluent in both of Canada\u2019s official languages, Vanessa believes that understanding, compassion, and collaboration are essential to building truly inclusive environments. She envisions a society in which autistic individuals are valued and understood, and where all people, regardless of neurotype, have equitable opportunities to thrive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Tools and resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dr. Fakhri Shafai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Fakhri Shafai has been working with Autistic people and people with intellectual disabilities for over 20 years. She has a master\u2019s in education focused on best practices for teaching biology to neurodivergent youth. She then earned a PhD in neuroscience that focused on sensory processing differences in Autistic people.

Dr. Shafai works as the Chief Science Officer of AIDE Canada, where she leads the content creation of knowledge translation resources for the neurodivergent community and their families. She is also the Director of Professional Training for the Pacific Autism Family Network, where she provides specialized de-escalation training to law enforcement officers and first responders. She recently co-moderated and presented at the first ever think tank at the United Nations focused on meeting the needs of Autistic seniors.

Her research interests include autism and aging in the senior years, sensory processing differences, and understanding child development through a cultural lens.\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Gurpreet Singh Binepal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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As a clinician, researcher, and parent advocate, my journey in autism care spans transformative work in India and active leadership in Canada. In Punjab, I played a pivotal role in founding the first public sector Centre of Excellence for Autism and in launching the province\u2019s inaugural ECHO Autism hub\u2014both initiatives established multidisciplinary, functioning-based care models designed to help individuals thrive.

After relocating to Canada, I continued my commitment as an active member of the Saskatchewan provincial Autism Strategy council. There, I contributed to the development of an online map to help families locate resources and provided feedback on autism content for the Mom and Kids provincial website. I am actively engaged as a research partner with the Provincial Neurodivergent Advocacy Partnership (PNAP), a community-driven initiative led by Dr. Ghita Wiebe that is dedicated to transforming care for Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals in Saskatchewan. In addition, I have served as a hub team member for ECHO Autism diagnostics and care, contributing to collaborative efforts that advance best practices and support for neurodivergent communities.

With over two decades of experience in the health sector, I am eager to contribute meaningfully to the National Autism Strategy. My primary goal is to develop and disseminate practical tools and resources that focus on functioning and help individuals thrive, empower self-advocates and families, and ensure equitable access for all communities. I am dedicated to strengthening autism networks, mentoring stakeholders, and fostering cross-sector partnerships to support the creation of culturally sensitive, evidence-based resources. My ongoing aim is to advance Canada\u2019s autism strategy by championing holistic, strengths-based approaches and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion for autistic individuals and their families.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jill Cormier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Jill Cormier is a previous graduate of New Brunswick Community College and University of New Brunswick. She previously worked as a pharmacy technician for 18 years before moving to beautiful Nova Scotia in 2018.

Jill started her career at Autism Nova Scotia in May 2019 expanding her role in 2022 as the Family Support Supervisor as well as the Maritime Hub Coordinator for AIDE Canada. Over the past few years, she has built a variety of partnerships and developed a wealth of knowledge in service navigation, advocacy skills and collaboration and education within the community and in schools. She provides families and individuals with 1:1 support including understanding the diagnoses process, transition to and from school, respite services and working with communities ensuring acceptance, inclusion and respect for diversity exists everywhere for everyone.

She has maintained her personal development with Trauma informed training, ASIST, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and recently received her Certification as an Autism Specialist through IBCCES in 2025.

For many years, Jill\u2019s passion and desire to support and advocate for autistic individuals and their families has extended beyond her professional role. Over the years, she has proudly supported both her autistic son and neurodiverse daughter throughout their own family journey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Kara Dymond Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Kara Dymond, OCT, Ph.D, is a late-diagnosed autistic\/ADHD advocate, teacher, teacher educator, researcher, and author. She teaches a specialized program for autistic students in a large urban school board, collaborating closely with students, families, and educational staff at multiple schools.

Kara\u2019s students and brother inspired her books The Autism Lens and Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom. Kara teaches graduate courses at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto related to inclusive education and special education.

Currently she designs and delivers courses on classroom neurodiversity and accessible education. Nominated by colleagues and 21 graduate students, Kara earned the 2024 Award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education. Current research includes an ongoing collective self-study on Universal Design for Learning and accessibility in teacher education; a study on factors influencing wellbeing and participation in community third spaces for autistic adults; and she is planning a participatory action research project with teachers who want to investigate and operationalize accessible practices and neurodiversity-affirming pedagogy in their own contexts.

In 2025, Kara was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for improving the lives of autistic people and their communities across Canada, nominated by Autism Canada for her frequent collaborations in community webinars.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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KT Timm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Karen Ann Timm (she\/her) is a Canadian educational leader, researcher, and internationally recognized Neurodivergent advocate with over 25 years of experience in public education. Founder of NeuroRealMe Consulting and the Neurodivergent Infinity Network of Educators (NINE), Karen\u2019s work is grounded in neuroaffirming, anti-ableist, and human-rights-based practice, with a strong focus on dismantling systemic barriers faced by Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent humans\u2014particularly those who are multiply marginalized. She leads and supports policy development, professional learning, and large-scale community initiatives that prioritize accessibility, sensory inclusion, and authentic participation.\u202f

Karen\u2019s research interests include Autistic ways of being, sensory accessibility, AAC, and inclusive systems design. She is widely sought after as a bespoke presenter, consultant, and collaborator, bringing both lived experience and scholarly expertise to her work in education and beyond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Maxine Share\u202f<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Maxine Share\u202fis an Autistic writer and educator and a retired autism consultant with more than 25 years of experience supporting Autistic people and their families across the lifespan. With a background in journalism, she brings clarity to complex topics and uses strong storytelling to make information accessible, affirming, and practical.

For a decade, Maxine worked with Canada\u2019s largest autism service provider, supporting more than 200 individuals and families each year. Her work included individualized support, consultation, delivering educational workshops, and teaching an Autism Specialist certificate course. She also facilitated parent support groups for several years.

Maxine currently develops online autism resources for Autistic people, their families, and the wider community for Autism and Intellectual Disability Education (AIDE) Canada. Her work for this government-funded non-profit has included toolkits, webinars, and training programs on topics such as ableism, Autistic grief, motivation, and menopause.

She also facilitates a monthly support group for Autistic parents, combining education with peer-based discussion grounded in lived experience.

Maxine has participated in numerous autism-related research projects, particularly those focused on quality of life and mental health.

She is a co-founder and writer of\u202fAutism Goggles, a popular Facebook pafe with nearly 36,000 followers. Her Autistic son and four Autistic grandchildren continue to inspire her work and\u202f drive to increase understanding of and supports for autism.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Melissa Bandura<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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I am an advocate for autistic acceptance who brings lived experience, insight, and compassion to my work. Having navigated support systems in rural Saskatchewan firsthand, I understand what resources are available, what truly supports families, and where critical gaps remain. I am eager to contribute to solutions that improve access to meaningful resources and supports for autistic individuals and those who care for them. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dr.\u202fNancy\u202f Marshall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Dr.\u202fNancy\u202fMarshall\u202f(PhD, MA CYC, RSW) is a Child and Youth Care (CYC) practitioner, a registered social worker (RSW), an educational consultant, and a part-time instructor in the Faculty of Education at York University teaching Disability and Inclusion in Education.\u202f

Nancy\u202frecently launched\u202fAffirmAbility in Practice\u202f- a small private practice in Toronto providing neurodiversity-affirming training to schools and organizations, and therapy services to children, youth, and families. She has over 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent young people in schools, group homes, and therapeutic settings.\u202f

Nancy\u202fhas lived experience as a neurodivergent adult with ADHD, and is a loving auntie to autistic and neurodivergent nieces and nephews. She believes that autistic-centred, neuroscience-aligned, and relational approaches offer the best support for autistic individuals.\u202f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Paula Holmes-Rodman Ph.D.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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Paula Holmes-Rodman, PhD is a multidisciplinary scholar, writer, and facilitator whose work bridges interpretive anthropology, narrative-based medicine, and patient advocacy. Her work focuses on how story, interpretation, and relational care can transform clinical encounters, particularly for neurodivergent patients and those navigating serious illness.

She holds an Advanced Certificate in Narrative-Based Medicine from the University of Toronto, reflecting an applied turn toward clinical and community-based practice. In collaboration with Autism Canada, Dr. Holmes-Rodman co-developed the Self-Advocacy Guide for Cancer Patients on the Autism Spectrum, a resource recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She also created the first dedicated clinical tool designed to support oncology nurses in providing neuroaffirming care.

Dr. Holmes-Rodman collaborates with organizations including Ovarian Cancer Canada, Hospice Calgary, and Wellspring, developing workshops, guides, and webinar series that advance equitable, story-based care. She has taught the first clinical humanities course of its kind at Dalhousie Medical School, contributing to the integration of narrative practice into medical education.

Her publications appear in academic and public-facing venues such as Intima, Ars Medica, and Anthropologica, addressing end-of-life narratives, autism and cancer, Indigenous ethnohistory, and patient navigation. Across institutional and grassroots spaces, her work emphasizes relationality, co-authorship, and the transformative possibilities of story.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Shannon Vacchiano<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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I am a parent of a child living with autism and an advocate for families to receive support from the very first point of contact, delivered with support, privacy, dignity, and respect. I have\u202f volunteered as a family mentor with the Children\u2019s Treatment Network, supporting new families of recently diagnosed children\u202f by helping them navigate resources, understand available supports, and feel less overwhelmed. By sharing our lived experience, I helped families see that they are never alone. This community is very supportive and determined advocates for their children.

Through my journey, I see a clear need for consistent, accessible resources for people living with autism, starting at diagnosis. Supports should be easy to navigate and not dependent on out-of-pocket costs, and available consistently across Canada. Families deserve equitable, timely support so they can focus on helping their children thrive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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