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.

In British Columbia, 1 in 30 children and youth is on the autism spectrum. There are over 29,000 children and youth on the autism spectrum province-wide.*

*Ministry of Children and Family Development, December 2023

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

Canucks Autism Network was founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks co-owners Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son Christian, is on the autism spectrum.

For more info, visit Our Story.

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 office staff
• Regional Coordinators in Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo & 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 Annual Report and our Financial Statements.

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) was founded by Paolo and Clara Aquilini, Co-owners of the Vancouver Canucks. In addition, CAN receives generous funding from the Canucks for Kids Fund and support from the Vancouver Canucks organization at fundraising and community engagement events throughout the year.

For more info, visit Our Story.