ACT’s Vision
To contribute to a world where neurodivergent individuals thrive in an equitable and inclusive society.
ACT’s Mission
ACT is committed to empowering communities through factual information and education, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for a society that embraces neurodiversity. Guided by insights from the autistic community, we provide tailored services, education, and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting true equity and understanding. Our measurable efforts ensure continuous engagement and progress towards a more inclusive and supportive society.
Values
Evidence-Based Approach: Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous adherence to evidence-based practices, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information we provide.
Inclusion: We believe in creating an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of their neurodivergence, is valued and respected.
Advocacy: We stand as a voice within the autistic community, advocating for positive shifts in policies and societal perspectives.
Empowerment: We are committed to empowering neurodivergent individuals to live rich and happy lives free from discrimination.
Integrity: Our commitment to providing unbiased information is unwavering, ensuring the trust of the community we serve.
History
ACT – Autism Community Training is Canada’s leading independent, not-for-profit specializing in evidence-informed research and resources as well as training, to support individuals with disabilities/diverse abilities and their families, as well as community professionals. ACT offers live and webstreamed events, many of which are video recorded and provides information and community resources. ACT provides advocacy, as well as community outreach support and targeted in-person and virtual training. ACT ’s AID Search simplifies complex autism information. Our new Hub focuses on anxiety, behavior, gender diversity, mental health, self-injury, sensory issues, and suicidology, responding to the diverse needs of our communities across the lifespan, in multiple languages. Plus, we’ve added two new content types: Research Resources and Autism News.
ACT held its first conference in May 2003 as a community response to the great need throughout British Columbia for evidence-based specialized training opportunities on autism spectrum disorders. As a parent of an autistic child, Deborah Pugh founded ACT to ensure that families of children with developmental disabilities and/or autism, and the professionals who support them, had access to reliable information resources that support them to make informed choices.
In 2005 ACT opened its office in Burnaby as a provincial centre providing information and support under contract with the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development. While we no longer have government funding, guided by our newly formed Autistic and Indigenous Advisory Committees, ACT’s small but ambitious team continues to provide extensive online resources and a variety of training opportunities for Autistic individuals , parents/caregivers, and professionals both live and online.
ACT’s approach and the resources built over two decades, with the help of so many, are not duplicated by government or by other agencies. As a not-for-profit led by a committed Board of Directors, ACT uses web-based technology, online information databases and social media, with the support of a network of experts who volunteer their time.
ACT is most grateful to our members, donors, sponsors, presenters, and community partners including researcher practitioners and Autistic adults, and all who volunteer their time and expertise. Together, we present evidence-based research and resources that would not be possible without these relationships.