Autism

What is autism?

Autism is a natural difference in how the brain is wired, shaping how people think, feel, communicate, and experience
the world around them.

Autism 101

A collection of resources to foster understanding, acceptance, and develop early support strategies for autistic individuals, caregivers, and loved ones.

Illustration of a stylized brain with the right hemisphere highlighted in yellow, surrounded by flowing lines and yellow dots. The design represents neural connections and different perspectives on autism. Cover of the SAAAC Autism Centre’s 'Autism 101 Guide' with the tagline: 'Reframe autism. Gain a new perspective and deeper understanding with our Autism 101 Guide.

What is Autism

Autism is a distinct way the brain is wired, influencing how individuals experience emotions, communication, and the environment. It often involves repetitive behaviours and intense interests, and makes them neurodivergent, or different from most people.

What Causes Autism?

Autism is not caused by fault or punishment; it’s linked to genetic factors, prenatal influences, and differences in brain development. Much like traits such as having brown eyes or curly hair, it’s simply part of who we are.

"A bright yellow circle at the center with multicolored arrow-like shapes pointing toward it from all directions, symbolizing the many traits and experiences that converge in understanding autism. Part of the SAAAC Autism Centre’s 'Autism 101' guide promoting awareness, acceptance, and early support for autistic individuals and their communities.

Traits & Talents

There are several traits that autistic people may experience, including special interests, stims, and differences in sensory processing, emotions, motor skills, communication, relationships, and executive functions. Some will experience many traits, while others will experience few.

A colorful circular spectrum divided into eight equal segments, each in a different vibrant color with abstract symbols. The graphic represents the diversity and individuality within the autism spectrum. Part of the SAAAC Autism Centre’s 'Autism 101' guide promoting understanding, acceptance, and early support for autistic individuals and their communities.

The Autism Spectrum

Autism is a spectrum because it includes a range of traits that occur in different combinations and intensities among individuals. This means that each autistic person is unique and experiences Autism differently.

Illustration of multiple upward arrows in various colors merging and rising together, symbolizing growth, collaboration, and support. Part of the SAAAC Autism Centre’s 'Autism 101' guide aimed at fostering understanding, acceptance, and early intervention for autistic individuals and their support networks.

Embracing Neurodiversity

Human diversity is an important part of life, and the brain is no exception. Neurodiversity celebrates the fact that our brains are all wired differently. There is no “right way” for the brain to work!

Minimalist line drawing of a child holding an open yellow book, flanked by two adults on either side, symbolizing support and shared learning. Part of the SAAAC Autism Centre's 'Autism 101' guide promoting understanding, acceptance, and early support for autistic individuals and their families.

What can I do?

Redefine “normal” and focus on what you can control. Explore strategies to create a calm, supportive environment to manage stress, promote well-being, and foster growth for both neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers.

Clinical Interviews

Hear from health professionals sharing insights on supporting autistic individuals to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.

amie Laframboise and Lakshmi Solomons are seated in a professional office setting, engaged in a conversation about autism. Jamie, wearing a dark green blouse, gestures with her hands as she speaks, while Lakshmi, dressed in a light pink blazer, listens attentively with a clipboard in her lap. A round wooden table with potted plants is in the foreground, and large windows with blinds partially open reveal an outside view of a street with trees and buildings. The room has a neutral-toned wall and a calm, professional atmosphere.

Watch the full Interview

Choose Your Language

Caregiver Interviews

Hear from parents, family members, and friends as they share their experiences and perspectives on supporting their autistic loved ones.

Sarah Ahmed, seated in a bright office setting with a potted plant and window in the background, participates in SAAAC Autism Centre's Autism 101 campaign to promote awareness and acceptance of autism.

Sarah's Experience
(English)

Quratulain, smiling warmly while seated in a softly lit room with a plant in the background, participates in SAAAC Autism Centre's Autism 101 campaign to support awareness and acceptance of autism.

Quratulain's Experience
(Urdu)

Yalini Murugatheeswaran, a woman with long black hair, sits in a chair wearing a striped blouse, sharing her personal journey of raising a child diagnosed with autism. She has a thoughtful expression as she speaks, with a calm office setting in the background, including a potted plant and a window with blinds partially open.

Yalini's Experience
(Tamil)

Na Li's Experience
(Mandarin)

Sherron Grant and Clovis Grant, co-founders of the Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support, sit side by side in director's chairs, smiling warmly. Sherron wears a red, black, and white striped sweater, while Clovis wears a black jacket over a pink collared shirt. Both are parents of a son on the autism spectrum and have dedicated themselves to creating a support space for Black communities impacted by autism. The background is a neutral beige wall, and they appear engaged in conversation.

Sherron and Clovis' Experience
(English)

Baljit Ghuman, a South Asian father and parent advocate, sits in a white armchair with a neutral expression. He wears a brown long-sleeve shirt layered under a navy blue vest and black pants. A small round table with a minimalist glass vase holding delicate pink and dried branches is beside him. The background is a neutral beige wall. Baljit shares his experiences navigating the diagnostic journey for his daughter on the autism spectrum within the South Asian community.

Baljit's Experience
(English)

Downloads

Reframe autism. Gain a new perspective and deeper understanding with our Autism 101 Guide—download now!

A booklet titled 'Autism 101' by the SAAAC Autism Centre rests on a textured surface, partially inside a dark folder. The cover features a minimalist illustration of a brain with yellow and white hemispheres, surrounded by orbit-like lines and yellow circles. The subtitle reads, 'An introductory guide to Autism for caregivers.

Get Your Copy Now

Get your Autism 101 Guide! Fill out the form to access insights, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on understanding and supporting autistic individuals.

Interested in learning more about Autism?

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A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partner! Your generosity makes this project possible, helping us educate, empower, and reframe the conversation around autism.

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