Training 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

The Public Health Authority of Canada estimates 1 in 66 children is on the autism spectrum in Canada.

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

Our province-wide training team offers customizable autism workshops and accessibility consultation to various groups.

These include sport coaches, recreation staff, first responders, mental health providers, school staff, employers, travel organizations, and a range of community venues.

We are proud to provide customized solutions for a range of sectors. If you don’t see your organization type listed, reach out to us directly at training@canucksautism.ca. We will be happy to help!

Our workshops provide an introduction to autism and strategies for supporting individuals on the spectrum in a variety of settings.

Topics vary by sector, but can include:

• Identifying and understanding autism
• Communication strategies and tips
• Inclusive hiring & workplace accessibility
• Behaviour support and motivational strategies
• Coaching/teaching tools
• Rapport-building strategies
• Social inclusion supports

Each of our live training workshops can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization.

Content typically includes topics such as recognizing autism, communication tips, increasing predictability, supporting positive behaviour, and providing support during difficulty.

Get in touch with us directly! We would love to hear about your desired learning outcomes and share what we can offer.

To book a training workshop for any community sector, please fill out this form.

For all other inquiries, please email training@canucksautism.ca!

Most of our training workshops operate on a cost-recovery basis and standard fees do apply (with the exception of employer training, which is offered for free through Ready, Willing & Able).

To learn more, please inquire directly: training@canucksautism.ca

We do not want costs to be a barrier to receiving high quality training. We are committed to offering you a rate that works for your organization.

If you are working within financial constraints, please let us know and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Of course! We are happy to provide certificates to all attendees.

We welcome your feedback! Please fill out this Training Feedback form.

We actively collaborate with various organizations and community spaces to increase accessibility for individuals on the spectrum.

This type of community engagement can include:

• Individualized Consultation
• Resource Development (ie.training videos, activity storybooks, checklists, maps, etc)
• Hosting autism-friendly programs or Sensory Friendly Spaces at events
• Helping employers develop and implement inclusive hiring strategies and inclusive practices.

Tell us what you had in mind! Fill out our form and a member of our Training & Accessibility Consultation team will be in touch.

Through our role as a Ready Willing and Able delivery partner, we can support businesses of all sizes and industries to address specific labour needs through providing consultation services to help employers develop and implement inclusive hiring strategies, as well as training  to help organizations learn inclusive practices and supports that can benefit your workplace.

For Lower Mainland businesses Contact: Ross MacMillan

For Kelowna businesses Contact: Susan Noble

Canucks Autism Network live training workshops can be eligible for National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) professional development credits and BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) continuing education credits.

Contact training@canucksautism.ca for information about how to obtain your credits.

Sport training is designed for local sport clubs, provincial sport organizations and national sport organizations (i.e. baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, gymnastics, rugby, etc.).

Recreation training is for community recreation leaders teaching swim, skate, fitness, art, or day camps, typically associated with community centres.

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

Canucks Autism Network considers a community space or venue to include any organization that directly interacts with or provides services to the general public.

Community spaces to which we have provided training include: Rogers Arena, Science World, Vancouver Aquarium, City of Surrey & more.