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.

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

Canucks Autism Network provides programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through accessibility consultation and training initiatives across BC and beyond.

In short, we focus on three areas: program delivery, training and community engagement.

For more info, visit Our Vision, Mission and Values.

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

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

For more info, visit Our Vision, Mission and Values.

• Over 9,100 individuals on the autism spectrum and their families have been directly impacted by CAN programs since our inception in 2008.
• We deliver approximately 700+ programs each year.
• We train thousands of community members each year.

View our annual report for more >

• Over 50 full-time head office staff in Vancouver
• Regional Lead, Inclusive Employment Specialist, and Navigator in Kelowna
• Regional Manager in Kamloops
• Regional Lead in Nanaimo
• Regional Manager in Victoria
• 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.