Everyone
For 50 years, AutismBC has been a vital lifeline for the autism community in British Columbia. We’ve championed advocacy, built invaluable resources, and created opportunities for connection that change lives. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary on Jan. 9, 2025, we’re excited to share insight on our beginnings, growth, and vision for the future.
Our Beginnings
AutismBC started in the 70s with a group of parents advocating for their autistic children.
Among them was co-founder Nina Pickburn, who fought for her son to have access to a publicly funded attendant through the Vancouver School Board. Her efforts paved the way for thousands of families to secure trained Educational Assistants for autistic children.
In 1978, we changed our name from the Pacific Association for Autistic Children to the Pacific Association for Autistic Citizens, reflecting a shift in who we serve. Then again in 1990, we underwent a name change to the Autism Society of British Columbia to demonstrate to our commitment to helping citizens across the province. Now, we’re formally known as Autism Society of British Columbia, also known by the shorthand, AutismBC.
Our support group for the parents of autistic children started in the early 2000s to meet gaps in information and access to services. As one of our longest-running support groups, it has evolved to focus on parents’ struggles throughout their entire lifetimes, including after their children have moved out. It also includes autistic parents, giving them an essential space to connect and learn.
Through every change, one thing has stayed constant: Our commitment to listening to and supporting the people we serve.
Autism Funding
As an organization, we have been a key advocate for ensuring that all autistic children have access to the support and resources they need to thrive. Since our founding, we’ve worked alongside other parents to challenge the lack of government funding for essential services, including through landmark legal cases like Auton (2002) and Hewko (2006). These efforts have emphasized the importance of family involvement and the need for greater support in the education system. We continue to push for systemic change to ensure that autistic children receive the support they need without financial barriers.
In October 2021, the Ministry of Children and Family Development announced plans to replace the Autism Funding Programs with Family Connections Centres (FCC) by 2025. In response, we surveyed parents of autistic children, who raised concerns about the FCC model. Thanks to strong advocacy from the autism community, the BC Government reversed its decision to end individualized funding and committed to maintaining the Autism Funding Programs beyond 2025, ensuring continued support for autistic children.
We remain committed to advocating for the rights of autistic individuals and their families, ensuring they receive the support and recognition they deserve.
The Present and Future
Today, AutismBC is proudly neurodivergent-led. Many of our staff identify as autistic self-advocates, ensuring our programming and resources are shaped by lived experience. We’ve evolved to support autistic adults alongside parents, creating new programs and resources to support people of all ages in the autism community.
We’re also breaking barriers with leadership. Suzanne Perreault, our Executive Director, is autistic. She is also a parent to neurodivergent kids, giving her a rich, multifaceted perspective she generously shares with her team.
We’ve taken steps to include autistic people at every level of the organization. In 2020, we welcomed our first autistic board member and encourage others to express interest. Several AutismBC board members are now autistic, demonstrating our shift towards increasing diversity across our team.
As more self-advocates speak up about their experiences, rhetoric in the autism community shifted towards celebrating neurodiversity and neuroaffirming care. Harmful myths about autism have been dispelled during our organization’s lifetime, and we are always continuing to learn how best to represent the needs and values of the autistic community.
What We Make Possible
Over the years, AutismBC has grown to serve over 80,000 autistic people and their families across BC. Here’s just a glimpse of what we offer:
- Inclusive groups for autistic people of all ages
- Sensory-friendly events like mornings at Science World and PNE Barns or relaxed performances of plays
- Workshops led by self-advocates like What Is Autism?
- Advocacy to government on behalf of autistic folks in BC and their loved ones
Our advocacy milestones include securing individualized autism funding and expanding services to communities like Nanaimo, Prince George, Prince Rupert, and Kelowna.
In 2022, we embraced a fully remote workplace, ensuring accessibility for staff and the people we serve.
Through it all, we’ve helped build confidence, foster relationships, and amplify autistic voices in BC.
Want to be a part of shaping our future? There are many ways to give. We’re always accepting donations, volunteers, and expressions of interest in joining our team. Contact us to learn more.