We know autistic people are more likely to be queer, gender non-conforming, or trans than non-autistic people, but the auti-gender and ace communities are less commonly recognized, understood, and celebrated.  At AutismBC, we’re challenging that through sharing knowledge, speaking against stigmas, and advocating for positive change. What does it mean to be auti-ace?  Autistic people who identify with an orientation under the ace umbrella often self-describe as “auti-ace.” The “ace umbrella” refers to a broad range of identities related to asexuality or aromanticism. For example:&nbs ..read more

Canada doesn’t have a national autism strategy, but the federal government has committed to creating one for the first time.  National autism strategies are comprehensive plans implemented by a government to address the needs and challenges faced by autistic people and their families. A national strategy would help encourage a unified approach, ensure consistency in the services provided between provinces, promote best practices, and address support gaps. The ultimate goal is to improve autistic people’s quality of life and create equal opportunities for success.  Thirteen countries ..read more

Do you know of a Summer Camp program that we should have included on this list? Let us know here.  All camps are day camps unless otherwise noted.  We do not oversee these programs but we wanted to make a searchable and regional list to help you plan for your loved ones.  Online:  Canucks Autism Network  Easter Seals Summer Programs Recreational Respite  Therapy Through Arts  Online Playgroups (Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society)  The C.O.D.E Initiative  This Worlds Ours   Sirotas Alchymy (martial arts) – Camps and day programs ..read more

Food aversion, or the strong dislike or avoidance of certain foods or textures, is common amongst autistic people — and it doesn’t end with childhood. Disordered eating, which often comes as a result, can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of autistic adults, so it’s crucial to take positive steps toward managing symptoms. Sensory processing issues and stress around socializing might also contribute to food aversion, which is useful to understand so you can help make eating a more positive experience for yourself. Understanding  For autistic people with food aversion ..read more

The teen years can be a turbulent time for families and a particularly challenging time for neurodivergent youth. From new social pressures to their changing bodies, autistic teens experience unique social, cognitive, and emotional changes. However, autistic teens can thrive during their adolescent years when supported and safe.  Here are 12 tips to support autistic teens:  Be patient. The teen years are difficult, and your teen needs your support while navigating school, stresses, and social life.   Provide for their sensory needs. Sensory items such as fidgets can reduc ..read more

Olivia “Liv” Robinson (they/them or she/her) is an artist, self-diagnosed autistic person, and non-profit worker living in Vancouver who has been unable to get a formal diagnosis because it’s prohibitively expensive. They work in Student Services for Arts Umbrella, a non-profit youth arts education centre. Liv also moderates AutismBC’s Getting Together on the Spectrum online event, which creates space for autistic adults to learn from and grow with each other. Liv immigrated from Ireland to Canada to pursue her Master of Fine Arts degree after finishing an undergrad in fine art painting. My ..read more

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Megan Flamand (she/they) from Surrey, BC, is an Indigenous Child and Youth Care Worker for Surrey Schools and an autistic adult. Her story shows how bias in the medical system can lead to being misdiagnosed and how barriers in the healthcare system can limit access to care. Trigger Warning: This conversation includes references to mental health, childhood neglect, addiction, and the struggle of being undiagnosed as an autistic individual.   Realizing that I’m autistic I had many moments growing up where I questioned possibly being autistic, but the moment I really realized I was autisti ..read more

To improve the diagnosis and care of autistic women and girls, it is important to understand the unique challenges they face. Here are just a few examples. Misdiagnosis and Underdiagnosis  A patient and doctor, both women, sit across from another. (Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch) Autistic women and girls are often misdiagnosed with conditions like borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Although these conditions can coexist with autism, it is important to recognize that certain symptoms or characteristics may be better attributed to autism or PTSD res ..read more

Shannon Davis (she/her) is a late-diagnosed autistic woman from Vancouver Island. She shares her story of realizing her autism and how many clinicians she had to go through to get a professional diagnosis. I’ve been a lawyer for over 10 years. Writing is one of my favourite parts of my job and something I spend a lot of time doing, but I’m nervous about writing this. I’m used to writing for judges and government officials about the interesting quirks of BC’s provincial taxes, or what happens to your undergraduate student loan when you declare bankruptcy shortly after finishing a second degree ..read more