Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca welcomes everyone to join in the fun for World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, with events at four different Northern Ontario locations.
All are welcome to visit a Hands site to enjoy games, activities and refreshments, as well as helpful resources to help support families on their autism journey.
Celebrations run Wednesday April 2, 2025, from 3:30 – 6:30 pm at the following Hands locations:
- Timmins: 100 Wilson Ave (entrance via back of building)
- North Bay: 820 Lakeshore Drive
- Bracebridge: 23 Balls Drive
- Parry Sound: 2 May Street
“We’ve been looking forward to World Autism Awareness Day all year. It’s always a lot of fun for everyone and a great opportunity for our community to visit our facilities and speak to our team to learn more about Autism, the services we provide at Hands, and how we tailor our work to each individual family’s goals and needs,” said Paula Barnes, Manager of Autism Services at Hands. “The theme for this year’s events is Celebrate Differences, which fits nicely with our approach at Hands. Individuals with Autism all have their own unique gifts and challenges, and strengths and weaknesses. It is important that we are aware of and celebrate everyone’s individuality, so we can accept people for who they are and help them grow into their best self.”
To celebrate World Autism Awareness, Hands will also be sharing facts related to Autism Awareness on their Autism Facebook page over the month of April.
Why is Autism Awareness Important?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. About 1 in every 50 Canadian children and adolescents has been diagnosed with autism, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“Awareness is a really important first step that helps to start conversations, which lead to acceptance, equity, access, and empowerment,” said Barnes. “As an Agency that works with people with Autism, it is important that we build awareness us to advocate on an individual or family’s behalf to strive for equity, to provide access to important resources, and to empower them to live their best life. We are proud to bring 25 years of leadership in working with people and families with Autism to help create a better day, today and tomorrow.”
If you would like to learn more and see how their experience can support you and your family, email Autism@handstfhn.ca, or call 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333.
Additionally, check out Hands’ Autism Facebook page for more information.
Unable to join in the fun at Hands on April 2? No problem! There are many ways you can get involved in World Autism Awareness Day:
Check out another event:
Learn more about Autism:
Read some recommended books as reviewed by members of the Autism and Behavioural Services Team:
- Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Autism
- A Boy Called Bat
- Veux-tu etre mon ami?
- The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide
- The Reason I Jump
- My Brother Charlie
Check out the Tip Sheet on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
