In the 1970s, there were no autism programs, little information on supporting autistic children, and no community spaces for parents. Families with autistic children were isolated, lost, and overwhelmed. 

One such family included Nina Pickburn and her son Manuel. Seeking community, Nina gathered a small group of parents around her kitchen table to share stories, exchange knowledge, and support one another. Those early gatherings became some of the first autism support groups in BC, the seed that would grow into today’s AutismBC community network. 

AutismBC continues Nina’s work today, growing connection, support, and belonging.

• Our peer groups, AutismBC Meets, reduce isolation and build communities of care.
  
  
• Ask AutismBC guides our community through complex systems and information, replacing confusion with clarity.
  
  
• AutismBC Goes brings people together for inclusive and accessible social events.

Building community is the heart of AutismBC. We need your help to support and expand our community for another 50 years to come. 

When Manuel Pickburn entered school as a child, there were no supports for autistic students in BC; no education assistants, no inclusion practices, and little understanding of what autistic children needed to learn and thrive.

His mother, AutismBC co-founder Nina Pickburn, refused to accept that.  

She approached the school board and explained, again and again, why individualized support was essential for her son’s learning and well-being. Her persistence created a turning point: Manuel became the first student in Vancouver to receive a full-time educational assistant. 

That breakthrough transformed his learning experience, and it set a precedent that helped reshape the education system for countless autistic students who followed. Nina challenged a barrier, opening doors for inclusion and equity. 

Today, AutismBC continues that barrier-breaking legacy, not just for one family, but for communities across the province.

Our work helps shift systems through: 

• Workshops that invite educators, employers, and community groups to learn ways to better support autistic people.
  
  
• Expert-led Talks that challenge outdated assumptions and promote inclusive thinking.
  
  
• Advocacy that advances accessible services, equitable policies, and practices that honor neurodivergent voices.
  
  
• Community education that ensures autistic perspectives are heard, respected, and understood.

Nina advocated for Manuel to be seen, supported, and included.  Your gift helps AutismBC continue this work, creating pathways for thousands more to access understanding and belonging.

Donate today to support AutismBC’s advocacy, education, and systems-change work across BC. 

At AutismBC, lived experience isn’t just an asset—it’s essential. We uplift the autism community from the inside because the knowledge, understanding, and empathy of lived experience is vital to supporting our members. Our staff is predominantly neurodivergent, parents of autistic kids, or both and we have been working from a place of lived experience since we were founded 50 years ago.

Lindy Chau, who is the parent of an autistic son, has been a cornerstone of AutismBC for over half our lifetime. For 25 years, Lindy has been supporting our community from the perspective of a parent who dreams of a life without imposed limitations for her son—one where he can contribute in his own unique way. 

Lindy has always believed in embracing individual differences rather than trying to change people. This philosophy guides her advocacy, her work, and has helped shape AutismBC into a neuro-affirming organization. Her vision for the future is grounded in compassion and possibility. As she takes the opportunity to retire at the end of this year, we continue her legacy by working towards a world where autistic people live fulfilling lives supported by understanding and meaningful opportunities.

Over the years, Lindy has watched AutismBC grow from a parent-focused group into an organization that centres autistic voices and uplifts diverse perspectives. This evolution toward acceptance and inclusivity is core to our identity—and it’s strengthened by donors like you. 

Your contribution helps AutismBC: 

• Hire and retain staff with lived experience, ensuring programs remain relevant, inclusive, and community-led
  
  
• Expand peer-led support groups and resources, so autistic people and families feel understood and supported
  
  
• Advocate for system-wide change, removing barriers that limit access, equity, and belonging
  
  
• Build a more connected province, grounded in acceptance, diversity, and compassion

With your support, we can continue creating spaces where autistic people feel valued, empowered, and celebrated—today and for generations to come. 

AutismBC began as an organization for parents of autistic children, but children grow up and soon our founders and their kids were facing new challenges. As our co-founder Nina reflects on her life today, she isn’t only remembering past challenges, she is navigating new ones. Her son Manuel is now 57 and has lived in group homes since he turned 19. Nina’s role as his mother and advocate continues even as an older caregiver. She must persist in planning for his long-term stability, safety, and dignity.   

Nina and Manuel’s story is a powerful reminder that autism is lifelong, and so is the need for ongoing support and understanding within families and communities. Parents must navigate aging alongside support systems that have not kept pace with their adult children’s needs. Autistic adults seek community, autonomy, and meaningful connection—yet too often encounter gaps, waitlists, and isolation. Autism doesn’t end at 18, but many services and funding for supports do.

AutismBC has expanded far beyond its origins in childhood support. Your donation will help us stand with autistic adults and aging caregivers by offering: 

• Adult Meets groups where autistic adults connect, share lived experiences, and support one another.
  
  
• Ask AutismBC which provides guidance for adults and families navigating housing, funding, employment, and service gaps.
  
  
• AutismBC Goes which offers safe welcoming social spaces for autistic adults to build community.
  
  
• Advocacy efforts that advance better adult services, improved housing options, and stronger long-term supports.
  
  
• Educational events and talks that amplify autistic adult voices and highlight the realities of adult life.

• Community-building programs that reduce isolation and strengthen belonging.

Just as Nina continues caring for Manuel into his adulthood, AutismBC continues supporting autistic people across their entire lifespan, not just during childhood, not only through transition years, but well into adulthood and aging. 

Autism doesn’t end at 18. And neither does our commitment.