Autism Awareness Centre

12/18/2025

Dalhousie University / IWK Health Center are conducting a national research project, called Tooth Fairy, investigating the relationship of mental and dental health.

They are looking for participants across Canada. Check out their poster for more info and email JoinPed@dal.ca for more info!

12/13/2025

12/07/2025

Types of Autistic Catatonia
1. Excited Catatonia
Individuals may experience heightened motor activity and emotional intensity. Characteristics include:
• Increased energy and restlessness
• Enhanced repetitive movements and vocalisations
• Intense sensory experiences and responses
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2. Inhibited Catatonia
This subtype is characterised by a significant decrease in motor activity and responsiveness. Key features include:
• Periods of immobility or reduced movement
• Reduced verbal communication or selective mutism
• Muscle stiffness and preference for certain postures
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3. Mixed Catatonia
Mixed catatonia involves alternating features of both excited and inhibited catatonia, showcasing the individual’s dynamic responses to their environment and internal states.
• Fluctuation between hyperactivity/agitation and immobility/ mutism.
• Unpredictable changes in motor activity and responsiveness.
• Shifts between intense anxiety/agitation and withdrawal/ apathy.
• Disruption of daily activities, social interactions, and routine tasks
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4. Periodic Catatonia
Periodic catatonia is marked by episodic occurrences, with periods of typical functioning between episodes. This reflects the individual’s fluctuating experiences, which can be influenced by external stressors and changes in routine.
• Distinct episodes of catatonia with periods of typical functioning in between.
• Episodes can be triggered by stress or changes in routine.
• Symptoms such as immobility, mutism, and rigidity fluctuate during episodes.
• Episodes can last from hours to weeks, with varying lengths of time between episodes.
• Significant effect on the ability to perform routine activities and maintain independence.
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5. Paranoid Catatonia
Although less common, this subtype includes heightened sensory and perceptual experiences. Characteristics may include:
• Intensified sensory perceptions and responses
• Experiences of heightened vigilance and awareness
• Episodes of both motor excitement and immobility

12/03/2025

10 tips for the holiday season.

The Christmas holidays are a time of great excitement and anticipation. Holidays also mean changes in routines, visitors, crowds, line-ups, noise, bright lights, and socializing. For many autistic children and adults, the Christmas holidays can be a stressful and anxious time as well as taxing on se...

12/02/2025

Neuroaffirming means recognising that not everyone experiences joy in the same way - and that’s okay. 🌟

This holiday season, let’s rethink traditions and expectations. Ditching “how it’s always been done” can open the door to celebrations that feel calmer, safer, and more joyful for everyone.

Inclusion starts with flexibility, empathy, and the understanding that there’s no one “right” way to celebrate. ☃️ 🎄



[ID: Against a sky blue background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top and the colourful knotwork in the lower right corner, white text reads, 'Neuroaffirming means knowing that not everyone experiences joy the same way. Ditching ‘how it’s always been done’ can make the holidays more inclusive and enjoyable for all'. Beneath the text, is an image of two snowmen wearing Christmas hats standing on a sandy beach with the ocean visible in the background.]

11/21/2025

Types of Stimming

11/15/2025

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, Dr. Temple Grandin ! 🎉

We’re proud to share that Dr. Temple Grandin is one of this year’s recipients of the 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, honoring her groundbreaking work in animal science, autism advocacy, and education.

Her newly unveiled portrait will be on view at the S𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲 from November 14, 2025, through October 25, 2026, before becoming part of the museum’s permanent collection.