Autism Speaks Canada Grants nearly $400,000

TORONTO, March 7, 2016 -- The Autism Speaks Canada Family Services Community Grants program presented by Toys"R" Us and Babies"R"Us proudly provides funding for autism focused service providers across Canada.

The purpose of these grants is to build the field of services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families by funding service providers to increase their capacity to effectively serve this growing community. The 2015 Family Services Community Grant recipients focus on supporting the need for more collaborative service delivery approaches and address the unique needs of underserved communities across Canada, specifically funding linguistically and culturally diverse groups and rural communities. Grants are chosen through a rigorous review process, including a community panel of individuals with ASD, family members, friends, service providers and research experts across Canada. In 2015, Autism Speaks Canada awarded $395,496.37 to 33 organizations across the country. Since 2010, approximately $3 million has been granted to over 160 organizations across Canada to increase their capacity through the creation, expansion and development of programs to support individuals and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For more information on the Family Services Community Grants program, including project descriptions, please visit: www.autismspeaks.ca.

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioural challenges, and restricted and repetitive behaviours. An estimated 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks Canada

Autism Speaks, along with Autism Speaks Canada, is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization.  Autism Speaks Canada is committed to building the capacity for research and services across the country; raising public awareness; and collaborating with other organizations to speak alongside the autism community.  Since its inception, Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada have invested over $200 million into scientific research.  Since 2010, over $4 million has been granted to organizations across Canada to increase their capacity to support individuals and families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism Speaks Canada is committed to raising the funds necessary to improve lives today and transform lives tomorrow across the autism spectrum and along the lifespan.  

Quick Facts

• Autism Speaks, along with Autism Speaks Canada, is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. 
• The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder has increased 100% over the last 10 years. Currently, an estimated 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum.
• The cost of care for an individual with autism can be up to $5.5 million higher than for an individual without autism.

Quotes

"By mobilizing innovation, collaboration, and expansion, our annual Autism Speaks Canada Family Services Community Grants presented by Toys R Us and Babies R Us have the potential to increase capacity and access to evidence informed support services across the country.  In essence, our Family Services Community Grants are our organization's way of impacting the autism community on a local and national level." says Jill Farber, Executive Director at Autism Speaks Canada

"The Autism Speaks Canada Community Grants program provides the autism community essential programs that are critical for families. This program has helped transform how our country supports individuals and families impacted by autism. We are thankful for the work of Autism Speaks Canada and their tireless efforts to improve the lives of Canadian families living with autism." – Hon. Mike Lake, PC, MP, Edmonton-Wetaskiwin

"The purpose of the community grants is to build capacity across the country for resources and innovation that make life better for individuals with autism and their families. Important discussions about autism have been started across the country about how to improve services. This grant process has really been a catalyst to encourage innovative work. I applaud Autism Speaks Canada for its continued work in advancing awareness and innovation in Canada." – David Nicholas, Associate Professor, University of Calgary

CONTACT: Carrie Habert
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