SAAAC Autism Centre

We deeply appreciate the dedication of our volunteers and the incredible work they do to support our mission. As part of our commitment to their professional growth, we provide opportunities for them to connect with and learn from experienced professionals in the autism landscape. 💡✨ Our recent Career Network Event highlighted the expertise of SAAAC’s staff and board members, who came out to mentor and inspire volunteers, post-secondary students, and young professionals. Through thoughtful discussions about career journeys and tackling systemic challenges in developmental health, they showcased the power of mentorship and collaboration in driving meaningful change. 🤝🌍 Special thanks to our amazing team for sharing their insights and helping shape the next wave of leaders in the developmental health field. #AutismSupport #CareerDevelopment #Mentorship #Leadership #SAAAC #InclusiveFuture #VolunteerAppreciation

We’re proud to announce that every single family at SAAAC is now eligible for free caregiver mental health support through our CARES Program. Led by the dedicated Shankavi Selvanathan, with the expertise of co-creators Dr. Kira Vimalakanthan and Dr. Shivajan Sivapalan, CARES reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the well-being of caregivers. Caregivers play a critical role in their families, and we believe their mental health and resilience are just as important. This winter, we’re making CARES more accessible than ever, with expanded time slots, flexible options, and personalized support to fit every family’s needs. At SAAAC, we strive to create an inclusive and innovative environment—one that empowers families, inspires caregivers, and shows the transformative impact of what we do. 💙 This is what care looks like. 💻 Families can register for the program: https://lnkd.in/en8icVb5

At SAAAC Autism Centre, our Holiday Market has always been more than just an event—it’s a platform for our autistic young adults to shine. From talented artisans crafting beautiful products to customer service stars helping you find the perfect gift, this event embodies encouragement, empowerment, and the inclusion of our students in the community's economic fabric. This year, we’re excited to bring you even more wonderful products, vendors, and treats. It’s a festive occasion for the whole family, and I would love for you to join us! 📅 Saturday, December 14, 2024 📍 1870 Birchmount Road, Upper Level, Scarborough 🎟 Register for free: https://bit.ly/4eS2HNI Together, let’s celebrate their skills, support life-changing programs, and share the holiday spirit.

At SAAAC Autism Centre, our volunteer program is designed to train, support, and empower individuals to create meaningful connections while growing their skills. Take it from Amnah Atta, a psychology student who says, “Volunteering at SAAAC has taught me to adapt, build empathy, and grow as an individual.” Looking to give back, gain new skills, or join an inclusive community? SAAAC offers an experience that’s as rewarding as it is transformative. Meet Amnah: https://lnkd.in/gbpWKpSi Volunteer with SAAAC: https://lnkd.in/g3sAw8mx

SAAAC Autism Centre is proud to partner with Smile Lab (https://www.smile-lab.ca/) to bring accessible, compassionate dental care to our community! Together, we're creating safe spaces for individuals on the autism spectrum, ensuring that dental hygience is a positive and supportive experience. A heartfelt thank you to Smile Lab for making dental care accessible and inclusive to our community. https://lnkd.in/eAp9saXn #InclusiveCare #AutismAwareness #SAAAC #smilelab #DentalCareForAll

🎃 Happy Halloween from the SAAAC Autism Centre! 🎃 Our team is bringing the Halloween spirit to life with creative costumes and lots of festive fun. There’s no shortage of energy, laughter, and camaraderie here—especially on days like this! Wishing everyone a safe and spooky Halloween! 👻 #HappyHalloween #TeamCulture #SAAAC

"When I first joined SAAAC, I hadn’t fully grasped the extent of the barriers neurodiverse adults face in the job market. With autistic adults experiencing a staggering 77% unemployment rate, Goodness Gift’s employment and training program has become a powerful force for change, helping break down barriers and create pathways to fulfilling, long-term careers. Being part of this journey with our Goodness Gift Employees has been inspiring; I’ve seen firsthand that neurodiverse individuals bring remarkable passion, capability, and resilience to the workplace. A heartfelt thank you to CareFirst for recognizing the importance of this mission and welcoming, Michael and Iman, two of our talented team members onto theirs. Together, we're working toward a more inclusive future." SAAAC Autism Centre Goodness Gift

24 hours to go! We're 90% sold out! As we count down the final hours before Amma, Where Are You?, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey it has been to bring this musical and art exhibition to life. It’s been a long few months, filled with hard work, passion, and dedication from so many talented people. I am deeply grateful to all our performers who have spent countless hours refining their craft, rehearsing, and giving their all to this initiative. This production is about more than just a show; it’s a powerful story of love, loss, and resilience inspired by a real family who has been part of the SAAAC community for years. To everyone who has supported this project—our volunteers, our staff, and especially our artists—thank you. Your commitment to making this vision a reality has been truly inspiring. If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, there’s still time. Let’s come together tomorrow night and celebrate the power of inclusive arts, storytelling, and community. 📅 Event Details: 📅 Date: Friday, October 18, 2024 🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Location: Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON 🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3MiIDIx Let’s make this night unforgettable! ✨

🎨 A big shoutout to our dedicated art department, led by Vithunan Sivakumar and supported by talented instructors like Arrun Selva. Together, they’re helping emerging autistic artists like Akilan Vijayakanthan find their unique voice and style through creative expression. Akilan’s journey in our visual arts program has been transformative. Inspired by Monet-style impressionism, he’s developed a beautiful, intricate style that reflects his creativity and growth. It’s amazing to see how the right guidance and support can unlock such incredible potential. 🌟 Come see Akilan’s work and support other talented autistic artists at our Amma, Where Are You? Musical + Art Exhibition! It’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of inclusive arts. 📅 Event Details: 📅 Date: Friday, October 18, 2024 🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Location: Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON 🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3MiIDIx

This is what makes the SAAAC Autism Centre so special. In preparation for our Amma, Where Are You? Musical + Art Exhibition, we’ve had incredible community dancers, artists, actors, and technicians volunteer their time to make this event truly remarkable. Our amazing students and staff are also dedicating endless hours to making this an unforgettable evening, bringing to life the true story of a family rebuilding after a heartbreaking loss. 📅 Date: Fri, Oct 18, 2024 🕖 Time: 7PM – 10PM 📍 Location: Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard AveE 🎟️ Tickets: $50, $100 👉 Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3MiIDIx This inclusive arts event gives autistic performers and artists a platform to showcase their incredible talents, proving that creativity knows no boundaries. Join us for an evening that will uplift, inspire, and celebrate the power of community and the arts. 🎭🎨