News Archives - Canucks Autism Network

Dear CAN community,

Andrea is the kind of person who lights up every room because she is just so full of life and joy.

Whenever we go to a musical performance, she’s always the first to get up dancing. She’s grabbing people’s arms and pulling them onto the dancefloor. She gets the party started. Andrea changes the whole atmosphere and it’s just beautiful.

My name is Libbi and I’ve been a caregiver to Andrea for 10 years. From the day we met, we had this undeniable connection. It was impossible not to love her. Today, there’s nobody I’m closer to in the world.

Andrea only got her autism diagnosis about a year ago when she was 14. That’s when CAN came into our lives, and we entered an unfamiliar world of acceptance and belonging.

The first thing we did with CAN was attend a family event at Bear Creek Park. We just showed up not knowing what to expect and were immediately welcomed by CAN staff and other families. It felt so good to be accepted.

When me and Andrea go out into the community, I’m always on guard. For the most part, people are kind. And it’s getting better. People seem more accepting, and CAN is likely a big part of that. But I’m still always on guard.

At CAN events, I don’t have to worry about funny looks. I don’t need to apologize or explain Andrea’s ways to anyone. I can just completely relax and smile at other families knowingly.

Our Family Experience events welcomed over 16,000 attendees last year. By giving today, you can help us ensure even more families experience this same acceptance.

Give a gift of any size and it will be doubled. This means your $50 becomes $100!
Double your gift >

I like to keep Andrea busy with events and activities, but it can be challenging, so I’m always searching for things for us to do. When I enrolled Andrea in CAN Swim, I wasn’t sure how it would go and if she would even be willing to participate.

For weeks, she didn’t want to get in the water. She would just put on her swimsuit and sit at the side of the pool. The CAN staff were wonderful and so patient and still made it fun for her. They recognized that she’s also a teenager who likes to do things her way. By the last two classes, the CAN staff had worked their magic, and Andrea was in the water having a blast, proudly showing off her swimming skills.

Connecting with people can be hard for us. Yet, all Andrea wants is to be with people. Through CAN Swim, we got connected to another family and arranged a playdate. At CAN Sports Day, we met another wonderful family and are planning an event together. We’ve just started participating with CAN, and we’ve already met other families and exchanged phone numbers.

Did you know that children on the autism spectrum are up to 160 times more likely to drown?

Your donation will allow us to continue teaching essential water safety and lifesaving skills. Donate today >

It’s not always easy to step back in life with Andrea, but with Canucks Autism Network, I can. The way the staff at CAN support Andrea is just 100% complete. I don’t have any worries which is an unbelievable feeling. I wish our lives felt like that all the time.

Being a part of this network is just huge for us. CAN gives me hope that we can be part of a fun and caring community, and that is such a gift! And CAN feels like such a safe place. A place where people know us and want us to be a part of this community.

Thank you,
Libbi, Andrea’s caregiver

Donate today & double your impact!

Give a gift by August 21 and it will be generously matched by The Stober Foundation.

Fourteen Pro Sports Teams and Provincial Sport Organizations Unite at BC Place

Vancouver, BC – On Saturday, May 11, Canucks Autism Network (CAN) welcomed over 2,500 attendees at CAN Sports Day, presented by ITC Construction Group. The annual event featured 11 sports stations for children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum, and their families, to enjoy on the field at BC Place.

Now in its 10^th year, the event featured five professional sports teams – the Vancouver Canucks, Abbotsford Canucks, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Lions, and Vancouver Warriors. The event also included a range of Provincial Sport Organizations – BC Lacrosse Association, BC Athletics, British Columbia Golf, Tennis BC, Gymnastics BC, Baseball BC, BC Rugby, BC Wheelchair Basketball Society, and Let’s Play BC.

All participating organizations received autism training from CAN ahead of the event. Staff, players, alumni, and mascots were then joined by CAN coaches and volunteers in order to lead the various activities for participants.

“We believe that every individual on the autism spectrum has the right to play sports,” said Britt Andersen, CEO of Canucks Autism Network. “It is truly inspiring to see professional teams and Provincial Sport Organizations joining forces to create an unforgettable sporting experience for our CAN community.”

Many individuals on the autism spectrum face barriers to participation in community sports and recreation. By training and uniting an entire community of BC sports leaders, the event seeks to build more inclusive and accessible sport opportunities for Autistic athletes across a variety of settings.

Each year, CAN delivers over 700 programs and trains thousands of community leaders province-wide. To learn more, visit canucksautism.ca.

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About Canucks Autism Network (CAN)

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.

CAN’s vision is for every individual with autism to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces. Learn more at canucksautism.ca.

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Media Contact

Lindsay Petrie
Director of Marketing & Communications
lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca
604.788.8565

Continued partnership between Canucks Autism Network, Vancouver International Airport, and the Air Canada Foundation increases accessibility for autism community

Richmond, B.C. – Today, individuals on the autism spectrum and their families took part in this year’s first YVR Autism Aviation Days event. The collaborative initiative between Canucks Autism Network (CAN), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and the Air Canada Foundation includes three single-day events during the month of May.

YVR Autism Aviation Days provides an opportunity for attendees to rehearse the entire pre-flight process in a highly-supported environment. The practice run includes checking-in, going through security screening, boarding an Air Canada Express aircraft for a simulated pre-flight experience, and, for the first time this year, a short taxi in the airplane.

The three events will welcome a total of 180 attendees – ranging from families with children and youth on the autism spectrum to Autistic adults looking for experience to travel independently.

“With an estimated 1 in 30 children and youth on the autism spectrum in B.C., events such as these are vital to increasing accessibility and inclusion,” said Sarah Armstrong, Director of Strategic Partnerships with Canucks Autism Network (CAN). “Airport ‘rehearsals’ can greatly benefit Autistic individuals and their families by increasing predictability and decreasing stress.”

The initiative began between CAN and YVR in 2014. After 10 years, the events have made a positive difference for more than 500 individuals.

“Travel is essential to maintaining human connections, expanding our experiences, and accessing essential services. By offering neurodiverse individuals and their families the chance to rehearse the pre-flight process, we open doors to important travel possibilities,” stated Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport. “We are proud to partner with CAN and Air Canada to create these experiences and thank the many government agencies and businesses at the airport for their support with this initiative.”

“Travelling should be accessible to everyone, and we are proud to help make that possible through initiatives like this with the help of our employees at Air Canada and of our partner, Jazz Aviation LP,” said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “In bringing these simulated pre-flight experiences to fruition again, this time in Vancouver, for children with autism and their families, we hope they can develop the confidence and comfort to take that much anticipated trip together soon.”

“We believe in providing accessible and inclusive travel experiences for everyone,” said Kirk Newhook, Vice President of Employee Relations and Operations Support at Jazz Aviation LP. “Jazz is proud to take an important role in providing these experiences to families through our participating flight and cabin crew members, and those contributing behind the scenes of this initiative, which also serves as a learning opportunity for Jazz on supporting diverse travellers.”

In addition to the rehearsal, each family receives a YVR Sensory Resource Kit, which includes noise-cancelling headphones, an airport map, and check-list to support Autistic travellers or anyone with sensory sensitivities. The kit is available year-round from any pre-security YVR Customer Care counter.

More information and select digital resources can also be accessed at Accessibility Travel Resources | YVR.

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About Canucks Autism Network (CAN)
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides programs to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond. For more information, visit canucksautism.ca.

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Media Contact
Lindsay Petrie
Director, Marketing and Communications
lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca

About Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional economic development and making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Media Contact
YVR Media Relations
media_relations@yvr.ca

About Air Canada Foundation
The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2022 impact report or the Air Canada’s 2022 Corporate Sustainability report available at www.aircanada.com/citizensoftheworld.

Air Canada Foundation Media Contact
media@aircanada.ca

Continued partnership between Canucks Autism Network, Victoria International Airport and the Air Canada Foundation increases airport accessibility for the second straight year.

VICTORIA, B.C. – This past April 21 and 28, families with children and youth on the autism spectrum took part in Autism Aviation Day at Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Coinciding with Autism Acceptance Month, the initiative is a collaborative effort between the Canucks Autism Network (CAN), YYJ, and Air Canada Foundation.

Now in its second year, YYJ Autism Aviation Days provides an opportunity for attendees to rehearse the entire pre-flight process in a highly-supported environment. The practice run included checking-in, going through security screening, boarding an Air Canada Express aircraft for a simulated pre-flight experience, and a short taxi in the airplane.

“Airport ‘rehearsals’ can greatly benefit Autistic individuals and their families by increasing predictability and decreasing stress,” said Sarah Armstrong, Director of Strategic Partnerships with Canucks Autism Network (CAN). “With an estimated 1 in 30 children and youth on the autism spectrum in B.C., events such as these are vital to increasing accessibility and inclusion in the Greater Victoria region and beyond.”

Last year, the inaugural YYJ Autism Aviation Day accommodated 50 individuals with many more waitlisted. This past month, CAN, YYJ, and Air Canada Foundation were able to welcome over twice as many families.

“Victoria International Airport (YYJ) was once again very pleased to be part of YYJ Autism Aviation Day along with the Air Canada Foundation and the Canucks Autism Network (CAN),” said Rod Hunchak, Director, Business Development and Community Relations. “Hosting this tour for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to practice the airport experience while working with CAN has been a very gratifying experience for us. The event serves as a learning experience for the families and the airport and its service partners. We are committed to continuing our efforts to identify and remove barriers for people with disabilities and assist travellers to feel more comfortable and at ease when visiting our airport.”

“The wonder of travel should be accessible to everyone, and we are proud to help make that possible through initiatives like this”, said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “By engaging our employees at Air Canada and those of our partner, Jazz Aviation LP, in bringing these simulated pre-flight experiences to fruition again for children on the autism spectrum and their families, we hope they can develop the confidence and comfort to take that much anticipated trip together soon.”

“We believe in providing accessible and inclusive travel experiences for everyone,” said Kirk Newhook, Vice President of Employee Relations and Operations Support at Jazz Aviation LP. “Jazz is proud to take an important role in providing these experiences to families through our employees at Victoria airport, the participating flight and cabin crew members, and those contributing behind the scenes of this initiative, which also serves as a learning opportunity for Jazz on supporting diverse travellers.”

In addition to the rehearsal, each family also received a YYJ Sensory Resource Kit, which includes noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys to support Autistic travelers or anyone with sensory sensitivities. The resource is available year-round from the Customer Service desk, located in departures.

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Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Media Contact
Lindsay Petrie
Director, Marketing and Communications
lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca • 604-788-8565

About Victoria Airport Authority (YYJ)
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the 11th busiest airport in Canada and has been rated one of the top ten most-loved airports in the world by CNN Travel. Winner of the Best Regional Airport in North America award by Airports Council International in 2012, 2014, and 2020, YYJ provides a safe, secure, sustainable, and efficient airport that creates prosperity for our region by connecting Greater Victoria with the world. Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) has managed the operations at YYJ on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.

Victoria Airport Authority (YYJ) Media Contact
Rod Hunchak
Director, Business Development and Community Relations
250-953-7514

About Air Canada Foundation
The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities, such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2020-21 impact report or the Air Canada’s 2021 Corporate Sustainability report available at www.aircanada.com/citizensoftheworld.

Vancouver, BC – Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is thrilled to announce that the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions (“the Province”) has awarded CAN a one-time grant of $540,000 to support solutions that address mental health barriers faced by Autistic youth and adults in British Columbia.

Enhancing supports for individuals living with mental-health and substance-use needs is an integral part of A Pathway to Hope, the B.C. government’s roadmap for building mental health and addictions care more available in our health care system, for everyone in British Columbia. a comprehensive system of mental-health and addictions care for British Columbians.

“We are proud of the positive change we have created in the area of mental health supports for Autistic youth and adults, but there is so much more work to be done,” said CAN CEO Britt Andersen. “This crucial funding will allow us to begin to address the enormous need in the community.”

“When Autistic people reach out, they need resources that meet their unique needs,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “Investing in organizations like the Canucks Autism Network reflects our government’s commitment to addressing the gaps in support that Autistic people and their families face, so we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone in B.C.”

In line with the Government ‘s Pathway to Hope priority actions, CAN has identified various steps that can be immediately actioned to address mental health barriers faced by Autistic individuals.

CAN completed extensive research and consultation with clinical professionals and the Autistic community to better understand the unmet need and major obstacles facing Autistic individuals.

Critical findings include:

Autistic youth and adults are seven times more likely to attempt suicide and are at a greater risk of substance misuse and addiction than non-Autistic people
66% of newly diagnosed Autistic adults have reported feeling suicidal
Roughly 70% of Autistic people experience at least one co-occurring mental health issue

Major barriers that Autistic individuals face when attempting to access mental health services include cost, ineligibility due to their diagnosis, a lack of autism-informed clinicians, and long waitlists for those with autism training.

CAN has already begun addressing the mental health challenges faced by Autistic youth and adults by introducing a stream of Mental Health & Wellness programs that encourage participants to explore their own mental health, improve their overall wellness, and connect with their community.

Programs and workshops have been developed and led by a combination of CAN staff, community partners, clinicians, self-advocates, and facilitators with lived experience and focus on areas such as emotional expression, social connection, peer support, healthy sleeping, healthy boundaries, healthy eating, and healthy relationships and sexuality.

According to Kayla Tellier, CAN Women’s Peer Support Group Facilitator, being able to talk to someone with lived experience can make all the difference.

“Peer groups like CAN’s Women’s Group help Autistic people feel more comfortable sharing and connecting because the group is led by someone who may have personally experienced some of their struggles and will listen without judgment,” explains Kayla. “Hearing that you aren’t the only one who going through something can be really helpful, especially when other Neurodivergent individuals share strategies that worked for them. It can be a lot more helpful than being given strategies meant for a typical individual.”

CAN has also taken steps to begin to address barriers Autistic youth and adults face in the community and workplace when attempting to access mental health supports.

The following initiatives are already underway or in development:

Partnering with Foundry BC to develop training for Foundry frontline staff and Peer Support Workers around strategies and best practices for supporting Autistic youth
Developing online modules such as Supporting Autistic Mental Health in the Workplace designed to help employers understand the needs of Autistic employees, and practical supports to increase mental health in the workplace
Providing increased Suicide Intervention and Mental Health training to frontline CAN Youth and Adult Staff
Delivering live training to the BC Crisis Centre to equip staff with the necessary skills and strategies to support Autistic youth and adults in crisis situations

“The Crisis Centre of BC worked with Canucks Autism Network to tailor a workshop for our training/education and distress services teams,” shared Lu Ripley, Director, Community Learning & Engagement. “Our staff found the session to be beneficial, relevant, and practical. Staff have readily applied the knowledge and skills gained to their work to help better meet the needs of attendees and/or callers on the autism spectrum.”

The funding will enable CAN to make an even greater impact through the following initiatives:

Expansion of the delivery and development of Autism Informed Mental Health Training for Mental Health Workers in the community
Creation of Autism Informed Crisis Response Resources and more training in the community
Increase in offerings for youth and adults in need of 1:1 mental health supports
Expansion of Introductory Wellness Programs and Peer-Led Support Groups

For more information about CAN’s current portfolio of mental health and wellness offerings, please visit canucksautism.ca/mentalhealth.

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For media inquiries: Lindsay Petrie, CAN Director of Marketing & Communications
lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is thrilled to announce a total of $50,000 in sponsorship funding from TD Bank Group (TD) to support the delivery of five CAN Family Experiences. The designated Family Experiences will be offered across the Lower Mainland, in the Interior, and in the Fraser Valley, and expect to welcome a cumulative 4,200 CAN members.

CAN Family Experiences aim to bring families with children on the autism spectrum together to connect over shared experiences, while enjoying an accessible community activity in a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. In addition to the financial support, TD has committed upwards of 20 staff volunteers who will welcome, support, and engage with CAN families at each Family Experience.

TD District Vice Presidents, Steven Tsangaris (Burnaby Tri-Cities) and Tony Mauro (Richmond, South Vancouver, South Delta), presented the $50,000 cheque to CAN CEO, Britt Andersen, during the Eagle Quest Mini Golf Family Experience on Saturday, May 6th in Coquitlam.

“At Canucks Autism Network, we believe that every individual on the spectrum and their family has the right to meaningful social connections,” said Britt Andersen, CAN CEO. “Building more inclusive, accepting, and supportive communities is at the core of what we do, which is why we are grateful to TD Bank Group for their commitment to community inclusion. TD’s generous funding will help us build a community of support where families with children on the spectrum can connect and feel a sense of belonging.”

“We’re so proud to present this donation to the Canucks Autism Network to help expand the incredible Family Experiences program,” said Tony Mauro, District Vice President, TD Bank Group. “At TD, we believe in supporting programs and initiatives focused on increasing access for people to take part and feel a sense of belonging in their community.”

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About Canucks Autism Network
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) was founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son has autism. CAN is dedicated to providing programs to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.

For more information:
Lindsay Petrie, Director of Marketing & Communications, Canucks Autism Network
lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca

Photo credit: Air Canada/Célian Genier

Canucks Autism Network partners with YYJ & Air Canada Foundation for Autism Aviation Day

Victoria, BC – On April 29, 2023, Victoria International Airport (YYJ) and Air Canada Foundation welcomed over 50 individuals from the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) community for Autism Aviation Day.

Rounding out April as Autism Acceptance Month, the event provided an opportunity for children and youth on the autism spectrum and their families to rehearse the entire pre-flight process. The practice run included checking-in, going through security, and boarding an Air Canada aircraft for a simulated pre-flight experience.

Airport ‘rehearsals’ can greatly benefit individuals on the autism spectrum and their families by increasing predictability and decreasing stress. With 1 in 29 children and youth on the autism spectrum in BC, the initiative seeks to increase autism accessibility.

“Our vision is for every individual on the autism spectrum to be understood, accepted, and supported in all community spaces,” said Hallie Mitchell, CAN’s Director of Training and Community Engagement. “We are thrilled to partner with YYJ and the Air Canada Foundation to open up a world of travel opportunities for the autism community.”

CAN’s new partnership with YYJ builds off the success of similar initiatives launched with both Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Kelowna International Airport (YLW).

“Victoria International Airport (YYJ) was very pleased to be part of YYJ Autism Day along with the Air Canada Foundation and Canucks Autism Network (CAN),” said Rod Hunchak, Director, Business Development and Community Relations. “Hosting this tour for individuals on the spectrum and their families to practice the airport experience and working with CAN has been a very gratifying educational experience for us. We are committed to continuing our work at the airport to identify and remove barriers for persons with disabilities and make travel accessible for all.”

“We know experiences like this help individuals on the autism spectrum develop the confidence to travel by air. Employees at Air Canada and Jazz Aviation LP spearheaded this initiative to make the magic of travel accessible for everyone,” said Valerie Durand, Spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “80% of the individuals on the autism spectrum on board during the rehearsal were children, and as a Foundation committed to the health and well-being of kids, we couldn‘t be more proud to support this event. I know our colleagues at Air Canada and Jazz enjoyed welcoming them on board!”

The event also represented the launch of an Autism Resource Kit that attending families and all future travelers will be able to access ahead of any departing flight from YYJ airport. Developed in partnership with CAN, the kit features noise cancelling headphones and sensory items to help reduce anxiety.

This partnered initiative from CAN, YYJ, and the Air Canada Foundation is also delivered with support from AutismBC, Travel with Ange, Beaches Resorts, Royal Caribbean & Visit Huntington Beach.

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CAN Media Contact
Lindsay Petrie, Director of Marketing & Communications
lindsay.petrie@canucksautism.ca

About Victoria Airport Authority (YYJ)
Victoria Airport Authority is a not-for-profit authority that has managed the safe and secure operations of the Victoria International Airport on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.

YYJ Media Contact
Rod Hunchak; Director, Business Development and Community Relations
250-953-7514

About the Air Canada Foundation
The Air Canada Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on the health and well-being of children and youth, was launched in 2012. It offers both financial and in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities. Core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals across Canada, enabling sick children to access the medical care they need away from home. The Air Canada Foundation, in collaboration with the airline, also engages directly in fundraising activities, such as the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages customers to donate loose change of all denominations on board flights or through collection containers available in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Foundation also offers continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activity as the need arises. For more information about the Air Canada Foundation, please read the 2020-21 impact report or the Air Canada’s 2021 Corporate Sustainability report available at www.aircanada.com/citizensoftheworld.

Additional news

https://www.canucksautismnetwork2024-070224.local/blog/yvr-autism-tour-2022/

Foundry and Canucks Autism Network Offer New Youth Peer Support Training Initiative

https://www.canucksautismnetwork2024-070224.local/blog/canucks-autism-network-to-deliver-vital-autism-training-across-sectors-in-nelson-bc/

As we get ready to celebrate World Autism Day, the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) community will take centre stage as the Canucks take on the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow evening.

📅 Sun, Apr 2, 5pm 📺 Sportsnet Pacific 📻 Sportsnet 650

Since 2008, the Vancouver Canucks and Canucks For Kids Fund have been our biggest supporters. It was 15 years ago that CAN was founded by Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son Christian is on the autism spectrum.

In our earlier years, we focused on providing sports & rec opportunities for children. Since then, we’ve grown up alongside our participants to offer a range of employment, mental health & leisure programs for Autistic youth & adults, as well. Beyond our programs, CAN’s training initiatives seek to increase capacity to support and include Autistic individuals across community spaces.

Sunday afternoon will be a celebration of inclusion & acceptance, featuring a number of children & adults on the autism spectrum:

PA announcer Ryan Chilton will be back at the mic.
Professional singer Miriah Reitmeier will perform both national anthems.
CAN hockey players Gavin, Ben & Makayla will be featured at ice level as part of the Rogers Every Kid’s Dream & Toyota Junior Trainer programs.

Ryan Chilton, Miriah Reitmeier with Daniel Sedin and Nish Lal with Christian Aquilini

Ryan is an adult on the spectrum who originally co-emceed our 2014 CAN Sports Day with the “voice of the Canucks” – Al Murdoch. Since then, Ryan’s skills have flourished and he is currently the official PA announcer for the BCHL Coquitlam Express.

Based out of Surrey, Miriah Reitmeier is a professional singer who has previously sang the anthem at the Canucks’ Autism Acceptance Game in 2011 and CAN Sports Day in 2014.

“As a singer living with autism, I want to inspire others in the autism community to pursue their dreams and passions in the performing arts.” -Miriah

Meanwhile, Gavin, Ben and Makayla are all athletes on the autism spectrum who have honed their skills in the CAN hockey program.

The afternoon will also feature a range of individuals from the CAN community who have been instrumental in our participants’ successes.

Nish Lal is a longtime CAN program staff who was one of our very first volunteers back in 2008. With unparalleled enthusiasm and genuine care for each participant he encounters, he is recognized by the CAN community across the Lower Mainland. Tomorrow afternoon, he will be cranking the BCLC Community Hero siren.

CAN CEO Britt Andersen will be interviewed on both the Sportsnet Pacific telecast and the Sportsnet 650 airwaves during intermission. Meanwhile, CAN Director of Marketing & Communications Lindsay Petrie will speak about the cause during an in-game interview broadcasted on the jumbotron.

See highlights from the 2022 game:

In addition to featuring CAN, the Canucks continue to offer accessibility resources to any fans who may benefit.

In 2019, Rogers Arena became the first Canadian NHL stadium to introduce comprehensive autism accessibility resources for all games and events.

These include noise-cancelling headphones (on loan), sensory toys and a quiet room available upon request. For Canucks games specifically, fans can also benefit from an activity storybook and game timeline to increase expectations on the game day experience.

For full details, please visit the Canucks’ autism accessibility page.

Looking for ways to support the cause through the game?

Proceeds from Canucks 50/50 benefit CAN & a range of other deserving charities.
Fans can buy tickets in-game and online.
Or make a donation directly to CAN!
Visit canucksautism.ca/donate.

A huge thank you to entire Canucks organization for celebrating autism acceptance and for supporting the cause year-round. It is because of them that we can continue our work across BC and beyond.

More News & Stories

Government of B.C. awards $540,000 to Canucks Autism Network in support of mental health initiatives for Autistic individuals

CAN removes diagnosis barrier for youth & adults to access programs

“Mom, I’m really happy today.”

May 4, 2022

At Canucks Autism Network (CAN), we recognize that needs change with age. We believe that every Autistic individual should be supported during important transitions into adulthood.

We’re proud to have evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of our members by addressing some of the major gaps and most urgent issues impacting youth and adults on the spectrum. This includes program opportunities in employment, social and community connection, and most recently, mental health.

One of the most common barriers that Autistic youth and adults face is the need for a formal autism diagnosis to access supports.

In talking with CAN members and the broader autism community, many themes have emerged as potential barriers to formal diagnosis including cost, access to a professional who is qualified to provide a diagnosis, fear of not being believed, and other challenges navigating the healthcare system.

For the above reasons, CAN will no longer be requiring a formal diagnosis for individuals over 13 years of age who are interested in accessing any program or service provided by CAN. This important decision to increase accessibility has already been met with enthusiasm from our CAN community.

Longtime CAN program participant, and now CAN program and training team staff member, Kayla Tellier shared her excitement about the change.

“I almost didn’t get a diagnosis. The cost and fact that it was a late diagnosis would have been barriers if not for having an amazing counselor at the time,” Kayla shared.

“I am very excited about this change as I experienced barriers to services for a couple years after high school and struggled to get a diagnosis due to doctor issues and cost. I was lucky enough that I eventually did get my diagnosis, but I can see these issues being a continued barrier for many others, especially women/girls who frequently go undiagnosed. Allowing people to self-diagnose for services opens opportunities for those who were not lucky enough to find a workaround and for those facing other barriers that often stand in the way.”

CAN Office Administrator and program participant, Maxwell, elaborated on the importance of this shift to allowing individuals who are self-diagnosed to access CAN programs and services.

“As an Autistic individual, I have invested so much time in trying to find appropriate services that would match my support needs. I have eventually just given up on services after having to put in a LOT of trial and error in finding things that can help me,” Max shared.

“Making the diagnosis criteria optional for youth & adults opens a gate of opportunities for other individuals on the spectrum, especially in their time of transitioning from high school onto their own journey.”

CAN’s core program focus areas for youth and adults include:

employment & volunteering
social connection
recreation & leisure
mental health & wellness
life skills development

Category: News

Our Family Experience events welcomed over 16,000 attendees last year. By giving today, you can help us ensure even more families experience this same acceptance.

Give a gift of any size and it will be doubled. This means your $50 becomes $100!
Double your gift >

Did you know that children on the autism spectrum are up to 160 times more likely to drown?

Your donation will allow us to continue teaching essential water safety and lifesaving skills. Donate today >

Donate today & double your impact!

Additional news

Sunday afternoon will be a celebration of inclusion & acceptance, featuring a number of children & adults on the autism spectrum:

The afternoon will also feature a range of individuals from the CAN community who have been instrumental in our participants’ successes.

In addition to featuring CAN, the Canucks continue to offer accessibility resources to any fans who may benefit.

Looking for ways to support the cause through the game?

Further reading

Additional Info

Here’s what we know:

More News & Stories

One of the most common barriers that Autistic youth and adults face is the need for a formal autism diagnosis to access supports.

“I almost didn’t get a diagnosis. The cost and fact that it was a late diagnosis would have been barriers if not for having an amazing counselor at the time,” Kayla shared.

Get involved! Sign up for our youth & adult newsletter >

Questions? Email youthandadults@canucksautism.ca

Our Family Experience events welcomed over 16,000 attendees last year. By giving today, you can help us ensure even more families experience this same acceptance.

Give a gift of any size and it will be doubled. This means your $50 becomes $100! Double your gift >

Did you know that children on the autism spectrum are up to 160 times more likely to drown?

Your donation will allow us to continue teaching essential water safety and lifesaving skills. Donate today >

Donate today & double your impact!

Additional news

Sunday afternoon will be a celebration of inclusion & acceptance, featuring a number of children & adults on the autism spectrum:

The afternoon will also feature a range of individuals from the CAN community who have been instrumental in our participants’ successes.

In addition to featuring CAN, the Canucks continue to offer accessibility resources to any fans who may benefit.

Looking for ways to support the cause through the game?

Further reading

Additional Info

Here’s what we know:

More News & Stories

One of the most common barriers that Autistic youth and adults face is the need for a formal autism diagnosis to access supports.

“I almost didn’t get a diagnosis. The cost and fact that it was a late diagnosis would have been barriers if not for having an amazing counselor at the time,” Kayla shared.

Get involved! Sign up for our youth & adult newsletter >

Questions? Email youthandadults@canucksautism.ca

Give a gift of any size and it will be doubled. This means your $50 becomes $100!
Double your gift >