Autism Ontario (legally incorporated as Autism Ontario Central East Region) is a charitable organization with a history of over 49 years representing the thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families across Ontario. Made up of knowledgeable parents, professionals, and autistic self-advocates who can speak to the key issues that impact those with autism and their families, Autism Ontario is the province’s leading source of information and referral on autism, and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. There are seven regions across the province of Ontario.
The work we do helps all autistic individuals and families in their communities have access to meaningful supports, information, and connections so they are equitably and seamlessly supported across their life course.
Autism Ontario is guided by the board of directors, composed of parents, people on the spectrum, and respected professionals, who provide governance, expertise and guidance to the organization on a volunteer basis.
Autism Ontario aims to support and advocate for all autistic individuals across the province, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, religion or gender identity.
Now more than ever, we must be active and deliberate in listening to and including all autistic voices across the province. We will continue to expand our reach to neglected segments of our community. We will work to provide spaces of support and advocacy for our Black and Indigenous communities. And we will work together to dismantle the systems of oppression that prevent many autistic individuals from realizing their potential and living meaningful lives.
The Autism Ontario provincial office is located in Toronto, which is on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
We recognize, however, that our staff, volunteers, members, and the wider community are located all over the province, on different Treaty lands. It is important to recognize that wherever we are in Ontario, we are located on the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples dating back time immemorial, and we want to show our respect for their contributions and recognize the role of treaty making in what some of us know as Ontario, still shared land, based on treaty. Although hundreds of years have passed since the first treaties were signed, they are still relevant today. Perhaps now more than ever, it’s important to recognize the significance of these connections. We are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on this land, and by doing so, give our respect to its first inhabitants.
We invite you to take a moment to make a personal connection to the land where you’re visiting our website from today, and recognize the contributions of the Indigenous peoples in your location.
As we do our work, we will also reflect on the systems of oppression that prevent many autistic individuals from realizing their potential and living meaningful lives.