FAQs

Autism is characterized by differences with social communication, sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviour, as well as a wide range of individual strengths, interests and abilities.

There are huge variations in how Autistic traits present themselves across individuals. Most people who have a diagnosis of autism also have a second form of neurodivergence, most commonly ADHD and/or anxiety.

Want to learn more?

The CAN Learning Hub offers two FREE 5-minute mini courses online. These include “What are autism and neurodiversity?” and “What does it mean to be sensory-friendly?”

In British Columbia, 1 in 25 children and youth is on the autism spectrum. There are over 34,000 children and youth on the autism spectrum province-wide.*

There is no publicly available data for the prevalence of autism in adults.

*Ministry of Children and Family Development & BC Stats Population Estaimtes and Projections, 2024

Founded in 2008, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a national leader in delivering programs for Autistic children, youth, and adults, and in providing customized autism training for the broader community.

Canucks Autism Network is a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Our registered charity number is: 82247 2957 RR0001.

Our mission is to build inclusive communities where individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive.

Our vision is for every individual on the autism spectrum to be understood, accepted, and supported in all community spaces.

We believe that every child on the autism spectrum has the right to play sports.

We believe that every individual on the spectrum and their family has the right to meaningful social connections.

We believe that every Autistic youth should be supported during important transitions into adulthood.

We believe that every community should take action to include and support individuals on the spectrum.

We believe that every Autistic individual has the right to equitable access to meaningful employment.

We believe that people on the spectrum have the right to an active voice: to be heard, valued and seen.

In 2024, we delivered over 640 programs for children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum across BC.

In total, there are over 20,100 Autistic individuals and family members accessing CAN programs in our registration system.

In addition to our programs, we have delivered over 140 training workshops to over 3,200 community members across BC and Canada.

This comprehensive approach with both programs and training is representative of our commitment to foster a more inclusive community.

View our annual report for more >

Our efforts are led by a team of over 50 full-time staff.

That includes office staff in our Vancouver headquarters and Kelowna office, as well as our regional managers and leads in Kamloops, Nanaimo, and Victoria.

In addition to our office staff, we have hundreds of part-time program staff (ie. onsite supervisors, coaches, support workers and program assistants), learning facilitators, event staff and volunteers across BC.

Canucks Autism Network is governed by a democratically elected Board of Directors.

Our financials are audited yearly. View our most recent Annual Report, Financial Statements and Pay Transparency Report.

We are often hiring for a range of full-time office positions at our Vancouver headquarters, as well as part-time program staff (ie. support workers, coaches & more), training (ie. learning facilitators) and event positions across the Lower Mainland, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo and Victoria. See current opportunities at canucksautism.ca/jobs.

In addition to our staff, we are always looking for dedicated and passionate individuals who want to donate their time. Our volunteers collaborate with our trained and qualified staff to provide individualized and adapted support to children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to support CAN programs. Learn more at canucksautism.ca/volunteer.

Players, alumni, and personnel show their support by attending select programs and signature events like CAN Sports Day and the CAN Pro-Am Hockey Tournament.

Tickets are occasionally donated by the Canucks for Kids Fund, season ticket holders, or other supporters to give to our members. However, we cannot predict at any time when tickets may be made available or how they will be distributed.

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a core beneficiary of the Canucks For Kids Fund.

Since our inaugural year in 2008, Canucks Sports & Entertainment have been our biggest supporters.

We receive generous funding and support from the Canucks year-round.