Our programs span every stage of life—from early childhood to adulthood—helping Autistic individuals build skills, connect with their communities, and achieve their goals. We partner with Autistic individuals, families, schools, and community organizations to create meaningful opportunities, break down barriers, and promote a society that embraces neurodiversity.
Person Directed
- We foster self-determination and autonomy by embracing a person-directed approach, where each individual leads decisions about their own supports and goals. Our work is grounded in honouring voice, choice, assent, and meaningful participation at every step.
Family and Community Supported
- We recognize the importance of strong, interdependent, and collaborative relationships between individuals, families, and communities. By centring relationships and shared knowledge, we create supportive networks that nurture growth, connection, and belonging.
Across the Lifespan
- We actively support individuals at every stage of life within a wide range of programs. We build long-term, meaningful supports that adapt to evolving strengths, needs, and aspirations—honouring the whole person while fostering belonging, continuity of care, and preferred levels of participation across all environments.
Centring Lived and Living Experience
- Autistic individuals are at the heart of our services. Lived experience refers to the knowledge and understanding gained from a person’s direct encounters and choices in the past. Living experience refers to a person’s present feelings, perspectives, and identities. We consider the lived and living experience of our participants and families to be central to co-created programming and shared decision-making.
Accessibility and Adjustments
- Where possible, we adapt the environment and offer tools to increase accessibility, regulation, autonomy, and participation. Barriers are reduced, choices are offered in how and where someone participates, and spaces are adapted to match the needs of the person.
Transforming Community
- We are dedicated to building a community that appreciates, accepts, and creates opportunities for Autistic individuals. We are fortunate to have the support of volunteers, funders, donors, partners, allies, advocates, and self-advocates who join us in our mission. Together, we transform our communities by educating, advocating, and amplifying the voices of Autistic people.
Evidence Based and Ethical Decision Making
- We are committed to evidence-based practice by integrating empirical research, professional expertise, and the values and preferences of the individuals we support. We recognize the importance of Autistic-led research, and lived and living experience in shaping meaningful, effective supports. We make ethical decisions that maximize benefits and minimize harm.
Mutual Connection Framework (MCF)
- We offer services through our unique Mutual Connection Framework (MCF) – a holistic, co-created approach that blends key elements from evidence-informed models including Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Interventions (NDBI), Person-Centred Active Support (PCAS), the NeuroRelational Framework (NRF), and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice (NAP). The MCF is tailored to each individual’s needs, fostering engagement, learning, and wellbeing by integrating both research evidence and lived/living experience. It is continuously refined through collaboration with individuals, families, professionals, and researchers across disciplines.
Purpose
To empower Autistic people, neurodivergent people, families, and communities to thrive.
Mission
To provide comprehensive and innovative supports and services to Autistic people across the lifespan.
Vision
Autistic and/or neurodivergent individuals across Alberta and beyond lead engaged, fulfilling lives with equitable opportunities for participation.
Values
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Differences make us stronger.
We honour diversity and intersectionality in all its forms, including neurodiversity. We promote equitable access for Autistic people across the spaces and activities that are important to them. We are inclusive of and responsive to overlapping identities, cultures, belonging, and unique experiences.
Neurodiversity Affirming Services – Authenticity is always welcomed.
We provide neurodiversity affirming supports and services that reflect what is important to Autistic and/or neurodivergent people.
Partnership – Strong relationships are at the heart of our work.
We build authentic and collaborative relationships with those we serve and people who work or volunteer with us. We provide education and advocate for equitable participation within communities.
Safety – Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.
We promote psychological, physical, and emotional well-being. We build open communication, respect autonomy and boundaries, adapt environments, teach self-advocacy, and appreciate the uniqueness of every individual to create trust.
Continuous Improvement – If better is possible, we do it.
We are committed to ongoing learning, innovation, and quality improvement, ensuring our services consistently reflect best practices and the evolving needs of individuals and communities.
