Our History

The Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CFASA) is a non-profit organization founded in Edmonton in 1997 by parents of children with autism. Originally known as the Family Linkages Foundation of Alberta, our mission was twofold: to support our families and to build a community that understands, includes, and creates opportunities for people with autism. In 2008, we became the Centre for Autism Services Alberta, driven by a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Over the years, our organization has seen remarkable growth and achievements. In 2014, recognizing the need for services in Calgary, we expanded our reach to the city, offering tailored support for children with autism and their families. The following year, we broadened our scope even further by extending our services to various educational institutions and community agencies across the province. Simultaneously, we introduced adult programming in Edmonton, catering to individuals transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

Our commitment to serving the autism community was further demonstrated in 2017 when CFASA expanded its reach outside of Alberta, providing much-needed services in Nunavut. This expansion showcased our dedication to supporting individuals with autism beyond provincial borders.

Responding to the increasing demand for services, in 2023, CFASA opened a new facility in Calgary. This new center offers specialized services, child-focused Behaviour Developmental supports and respite services as well as early childhood programs, addressing previously unmet needs in the community.

Today, with the generous support of funders, sponsors, and private donors, our programs and services are changing outcomes, enriching lives, empowering families, fostering independence, and transforming communities. As the only autism accredited provider in Alberta, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering. Our ability to serve not only within Alberta but also beyond its borders highlights our dedication to supporting a larger community of individuals with autism.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Neurodiversity (DEIN)

At the Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CFASA), we unequivocally affirm that diversity, equity, inclusion, and the celebration of neurodiversity are not just values—we recognize them as essential pillars of ethical, effective, and human-centered support. These principles guide everything we do, from how we lead, to how we design services, to how we engage in advocacy and collaboration. All of our work grows from this foundation.

We are deeply committed to centering the voices of Autistic individuals and honouring lived experience as a vital form of expertise. We believe that Autistic people must be involved in all decisions that affect their lives and their communities. We acknowledge the harm caused by public discourse and systems that pathologize or diminish Autistic identity. In challenging political climates, we stand in solidarity with Autistic people whose value, identity, and dignity are too often questioned or erased. We reject narratives of brokenness and deficit. We know that Autistic people are whole.

We recognize that Autistic individuals and their families hold multiple, intersecting identities—across race, gender, sexuality, class, language, culture, disability, and more—and that these intersections deeply shape their experiences with systems of care, education, employment, and community. As an organization, we are committed to addressing complex layers of inequity. We work to understand how power and privilege operate at these intersections and to dismantle the barriers that disproportionately affect those who are multiply marginalized.

We believe that neurodiversity is a natural and vital part of the human experience and an essential ingredient of a thriving, compassionate society. True inclusion goes beyond representation. It requires that we share power, respect autonomy, uphold dignity, and affirm the full humanity and intersectional identities of every person we serve. Autistic individuals are integral members of our organization and our communities. They are our colleagues, friends, family, siblings, educators, clinicians, children, neighbours, and leaders. Their contributions shape and strengthen the work we do every day. Their worth is inherent, and does not change based on the level of support they need. In fact, our organization is built with and by the hands of Autistic people and caregivers. This is us, and we are better together.

At CFASA, our purpose is to empower Autistic people, neurodivergent people, families, and communities to thrive, and we are committed to embedding DEIN principles in every aspect of our organization’s values. This includes how we collaborate, lead, serve, listen, and grow. It is our mission to provide comprehensive and innovative supports and services to Autistic people across the lifespan, and we strive for that all Autistic people, neurodivergent individuals, and disabled people— to feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered.

We will continue working alongside our community to build a more just, inclusive, and affirming future—one where all people are celebrated for who they are.