Autism Ontario Central West Region

12/26/2025

Autism Ontario Scholarship Funds open doors to education, creativity, and personal growth.

During this season of giving, we reflect on the power of opportunity and how your support can change the future for students whose lives are shaped by autism.

Our CEO, Marg Spoelstra, shares, “We’ve heard from more than one hundred recipients who told us how their confidence grew because they felt seen, supported, and excited about their future.”

Envision a future where gifts like yours nurture dreams to grow and thrive!
www.autismontario.com/holiday

12/23/2025

Every donation, no matter the amount, can spark the confidence a young person needs to pursue their goals.

Support future scholarship recipients like Lacey as they navigate the unique experiences of autism in their lives by donating to Autism Ontario this holiday season: www.autismontario.com/holiday

12/19/2025

This holiday season, you can support Autism Ontario's programs and services while keeping those warm, fuzzy winter pyjamas clean!

Until New Year’s Day, enjoy up to 70% off Tru Earth stocking stuffers, bundles, and sustainable favourites—all at gift-worthy prices.

Our Unique Fundraising Link: https://tru-earth.sjv.io/autismontario

Choose high-quality, eco-friendly products from a proudly Canadian company.

Thank you for supporting our fundraiser!

12/18/2025

To register or for more info: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=11907&reset=1
Caregivers and preschoolers (0-6) - Join us for a calming and inclusive EarlyON Play, Learn, Connect program designed specifically with sensory sensitivities in mind. Children will explore hands-on activities at their own pace, while parents and caregivers engage in supportive conversation with EarlyON facilitators and each other. Autism Ontario will be on-site with resources, and ready to answer any of your questions. Cost: Free.
Please contact kim.tran@autismontario.com for any questions

12/18/2025

As we wrap up the year, we want to take a moment to thank you, our incredible community of families, professionals, volunteers, donors and partners, for your continued support.

This season of gratitude is a time to reflect, reconnect, and recognize the power of community. We’re so grateful for everything you do to support autistic children, youth, adults, and their families across Ontario.

From our Autism Ontario community to yours – wishing you a warm, restful, and joyful holiday season.
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Alors que l’année tire à sa fin, nous tenons à remercier notre incroyable communauté de familles, de professionnel·le·s, de bénévoles, de donateurs et de partenaires pour votre soutien indéfectible.

Cette saison de gratitude est l’occasion de réfléchir, de se reconnecter et de reconnaître la force de notre communauté. Nous sommes profondément reconnaissant·e·s pour tout ce que vous faites afin de soutenir les enfants, les jeunes, les adultes autistes et leurs familles à travers l’Ontario.

De notre communauté d’Autisme Ontario à la vôtre – nous vous souhaitons un temps des Fêtes chaleureux, reposant et rempli de joie.

12/18/2025

Preschoolers and parents can join us for a fun sensory day at Smartizen in Waterloo! Sensory play builds more than just smiles! In this program, children will work at their own pace alongside their adult to boost fine motor development through hands-on activities and fun themed sensory trays.

Location: Smartizen, 370 University Ave E, Unit 203A, Waterloo ON N2K 3N2

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026; Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Register: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=11942

For questions about this or other events in this area please contact julie@autismontario.com.

12/18/2025

Caregivers are invited to a Dotable Mandala class in Waterloo. Dot painting, also known as dotting or mandala painting, is a technique where an image is created by applying small, distinct dots of color to a surface. In this 2-hour workshop, all materials are included such as candle holders with guidelines, paints, instructions and tools. Participants will each create their own mandala artwork to take home.

This is a caregiver only event.

Location: Monarch House Waterloo, 630 Weber St N, Suite 204, Waterloo ON N2V 2N2

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026; Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Register: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=11883

For questions about this or other events in this area please contact julie@autismontario.com

12/17/2025

Preschoolers (ages 2-6) and parents can join us for a fun sensory day at Smartizen in Waterloo!

Sensory play builds more than just smiles! In this program, children will work at their own pace alongside their adult to boost fine motor development through hands-on activities and fun themed sensory trays.

Location: Smartizen, 370 University Ave E, Unit 203A, Waterloo ON N2K 3N2

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026; Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Register soon as there are limited spaces available: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=11942

12/17/2025

We have lots of activities planned across the province for 2026!

Don't forget to visit our event site at www.autismontario.com/events to sign up for events such as Make and Mingle Mandala for Caregivers in Waterloo:

Caregivers are invited to a Dotable Mandala class in Waterloo. Dot painting, also known as dotting or mandala painting, is a technique where an image is created by applying small, distinct dots of color to a surface.

In this 2-hour workshop, all materials are included such as candle holders with guidelines, paints, instructions and tools. Participants will each create their own mandala artwork to take home.

This is a caregiver only event.

Location: Monarch House Waterloo, 630 Weber St N, Suite 204, Waterloo ON N2V 2N2

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026; Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Register: https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=11883

12/16/2025

“Thank you, Autism Ontario, for supporting students who think differently, and for helping us feel seen not just for our challenges, but for our potential.”

This powerful quote from Junxi, a Scholarship recipient and who is pursuing physician-scientist in training, is a reminder of why your donations matter.

Together, we can help more individuals in the autistic community follow their dreams.

Donate to Autism Ontario today: www.autismontario.com/holiday

12/15/2025

***UPDATE: The OPP has announced that Autumn has been found safe ***

Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public’s help to locate Autmn Steele-Cluckie, a 17-year-old who was last seen on Wednesday, December 10, around 9:00 p.m. in the Rainham Road and Sandusk Road area of Haldimand County.

Autmn is autistic and, according to her family, may have difficulty communicating and does not have the life skills to be on her own. She is also currently without her medication.

She is described as:
17 years old
Approximately 5’6” with a slim build
Brown hair, blue eyes, and freckles
Possibly wearing a black jacket with fur on the hood
If you see Autmn or have any information about her whereabouts, please contact Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

Send a message to learn more

12/10/2025

Autism Ontario is partnered with ECHOage, a birthday party platform that helps kids receive the gifts they really want while providing them the chance to give to charity!

Share this post and learn how your next birthday party can create a supportive and inclusive Ontario for autism:

https://old.echoage.com/autism-ontario