Autism Edmonton

What Autism Edmonton does

Autism Edmonton, legally the Autism Society of Edmonton Area, is a registered Canadian charitable non-profit organization (Charitable Registration #107282055RR0001) founded in 1971 and headquartered at 101, 11720 Kingsway Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta. It is the oldest autism organization in Alberta and operates as the primary autism service hub for Edmonton and surrounding communities, serving autistic individuals across the full life span — from children aged 7-12 (Occasio Junior) and youth 13-18+ (Occasio Senior), to working-age adults (The League), LGBTQ2S+ autistic adults (province-wide discussion group in partnership with Autism Calgary and Autism Alberta), and autistic seniors aged 50+ (The Golden League, The Grey & Great). Beyond direct programs, it serves parents, caregivers, and families through peer discussion groups, support and resource navigation, and a resource guide plus First Steps and Next Steps diagnostic guides.

The organization's core offerings are organized into a community-based service portfolio: recreational and respite programs (Occasio, The League, The Golden League), peer discussion groups segmented by life stage and identity, social-recreational Community Connections events, the Pantry food security program for food-insecure autistic families, housing navigation through the Autism Housing Network of Alberta partnership with Sinneave Foundation, and educational workshops. Signature fundraising events include Cycle for Autism Edmonton (17th year, hosted June 2025/2026 at Gold Bar Park), Wine Survivor, and the Opening Doors for Autism Gala & Auction. The organization has no proprietary technology platform; service delivery is human-led by program coordinators and a team of Social Architects, several of whom are autistic or have lived family experience.

Autism Edmonton operates a diversified non-profit revenue model. Programs and services are provided free of charge or at low cost, and membership is free. Funding is sourced from individual and corporate donations (including car donations and Skip The Depot food container returns), government grants from the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada, the United Way and the Edmonton Community Foundation, corporate sponsorships across multiple sectors, and special-event fundraising (Cycle for Autism, Wine Survivor, the Gala). The marketing and go-to-market approach is community-led, relying on word-of-mouth referrals, healthcare and school network referrals, social media, monthly email newsletters, Eventbrite registrations, and direct community engagement. Strategic and financial partnerships include Air Canada Foundation, Air Canada, Edmonton International Airport, Autism Calgary, Autism Alberta, the Sinneave Foundation, the Canadian Red Cross, and corporate event sponsors. The organization is led by Executive Director Cassandra Rasko, with a broader leadership team including Director of Strategy & Growth Laura Haynes and Programs Director Morine Rossi.

Name

Autism Edmonton

Legal name

Autism Society of Edmonton Area

Website

https://autismedmonton.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Autism Edmonton is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1971 that supports autistic individuals of all ages and their families in Edmonton and Alberta through recreation programs, peer discussion groups, housing and food-security supports, resource navigation, and community events, funded via donations, government grants, and special-event fundraising.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community-Based Autism Support Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ)

Keywords

• Autism support services
• Community programs
• Non-profit charitable services
• Disability advocacy services
• Social-recreational programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Edmonton

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual and corporate donations collected through the organization's website, CanadaHelps platform, and direct giving programs including car donations and Skip The Depot food donations.
2. Government Funding: Funding from Government of Alberta and Government of Canada as evidenced by their recognition as partners and sponsors on the website.
3. Membership Fees: Free individual and organizational memberships providing access to programs, resources, and community connections.
4. Special Events Fundraising: Major annual fundraising events including Cycle for Autism Edmonton (celebrating 17 years) and Wine Survivor fundraising lottery-style game, with sponsorship from corporate partners.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Support from corporate sponsors including financial contributions and in-kind donations from companies across various sectors including real estate, healthcare, financial services, and retail.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Autism Edmonton is a registered non-profit charitable organization that delivers free or low-cost community-based programs and support services for autistic individuals of all ages and their families in the Edmonton region. Its core offerings span youth recreation (Occasio), adult social-recreational programs (The League, The Golden League), peer discussion groups, senior supports, housing navigation, food security (The Pantry), workshops, community events, and resource navigation—funded primarily through donations, government grants, corporate sponsorships, and signature fundraising events.

Product overview

Autism Edmonton is a non-profit organization (operating as the Autism Society of Edmonton Area since 1971) offering a comprehensive suite of programs and services for autistic individuals across all ages and stages of life. The core program portfolio includes youth services (Occasio for ages 7-18+), adult social programs (The League, The Golden League), peer discussion groups, senior supports (The Grey & Great), food security (The Pantry), housing navigation (AHNA), community connections, workshops, and resource guides. The organization also hosts signature fundraising events including Cycle for Autism Edmonton, Wine Survivor, and the Opening Doors for Autism Gala & Auction. All programs emphasize inclusion, acceptance, and supporting autistic individuals and their families in the Edmonton community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Occasio: Youth program for autistic individuals aged 7-18+ that provides opportunities for growth and support for families.
• The League
• The Golden League
• The Pantry
• Cycle for Autism Edmonton

Products and services

• Occasio Free youth program for autistic individuals aged 7-18+ providing social, recreational, and respite activities; Occasio Junior serves ages 7-12 and Occasio Senior serves ages 13-18+.
• The League Free social-recreational program for adults on the autism spectrum that helps participants expand social circles and build peer relationships through community activities.
• The Golden League Free social-recreational program for Autism Edmonton members aged 50+, offering peer connection and age-appropriate community activities.
• The Pantry Food Support Free food security program that provides fresh and nutritious foods and essential items to autistic families experiencing food insecurity, delivered in an autism-friendly environment.
• Housing Supports Free housing navigation service for autistic adults delivered through the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA), helping individuals find housing opportunities and navigate independent living.
• Peer Discussion Groups Free peer support groups including the Autistic Adults Discussion Group, the province-wide LGBTQ2S+ Discussion Group (with Autism Calgary and Autism Alberta), Parents of Autistic Children and Youth Discussion Group, and Parents of Autistic Adults Discussion Group.
• Senior Supports Free support services designed for autistic seniors, including The Grey & Great Discussion Group for adults 50+ focused on self-care and peer support.
• Community Connections Free or low-cost community events and outings with sensory accommodations for autistic individuals and their families, promoting participation in welcoming environments.
• Workshops & Educational Events Free educational workshops and events for the autism community covering autism awareness, skills development, and family support topics.
• Support & Resource Navigation Free guidance and assistance helping autistic individuals and families navigate available autism-related resources and support services.
• First Steps Guide Free introductory guide for families and individuals newly navigating an autism diagnosis, providing initial information and next steps.
• Next Steps Guide Free follow-up resource guide for individuals and families progressing beyond initial autism diagnosis support.
• Resource Guide Free directory of autism-related resources, services, and information for the autism community in Edmonton.
• Wine Survivor Fundraiser Annual fundraising event where teams purchase tickets and compete through elimination draws for wine prizes, with proceeds supporting Autism Edmonton programs.
• Opening Doors for Autism Gala & Auction Annual gala and auction fundraiser supporting Autism Edmonton's mission to enhance the lives of autistic people.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serving Edmonton and surrounding area since 1971
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and supportive.

• Air Canada FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2025Air Canada Foundation partnered with Autism Edmonton to host Autism Aviation Day at Edmonton International Airport. The initiative aims to familiarize children on the autism spectrum with air travel and improve airport accessibility for neurodivergent travelers. The event included donating aircraft seats to the airport's sensory room and is part of a series planned across Canada in 2025.
• Air CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2025Air Canada partnered with Autism Edmonton and the Air Canada Foundation to host Autism Aviation Day at Edmonton International Airport, aiming to build confidence for neurodivergent travelers and their families through hands-on airport familiarization experiences.
• Edmonton International AirportcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2025Edmonton International Airport hosted the Autism Aviation Day event in partnership with Air Canada Foundation, Autism Edmonton, and Air Canada. The airport received donated aircraft seats for their sensory room as part of the accessibility initiative.
• Autism CalgarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvince-wide LGBTQ2S+ Autistic Adult Discussion Group hosted in partnership with Autism Calgary, Autism Alberta, and Autism Edmonton. This is a collaborative initiative serving autistic adults across Alberta who are part of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
• Autism AlbertacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvince-wide LGBTQ2S+ Autistic Adult Discussion Group hosted in partnership with Autism Calgary, Autism Alberta, and Autism Edmonton. This collaborative initiative serves autistic adults across Alberta who are part of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
• Canadian Red CrosssupportiveOthersListed as a sponsor and community partner supporting Autism Edmonton's programs and services.
• SinneavecoreOthersPartnership focused on housing supports for autistic individuals. Sinneave Foundation works with Autism Edmonton on the Housing Opportunities in Alberta initiative, helping autistic adults find housing.
• Pacific Wine & SpiritssupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerChampagne Sponsor for Wine Survivor fundraising event, providing support for this major annual fundraiser.
• Fresh Focus MediasupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerChampagne Sponsor for Wine Survivor fundraising event and website development partner currently working on a new website for Autism Edmonton.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Pacific Autism Family Network: British Columbia-based autism services organization with a lifespan service model and family support navigation analogous to Autism Edmonton. Comparable program mix but serves a different province.
• SAAAC Autism Centre: Toronto-based autism services center offering programs for children, youth, and adults with autism. Comparable community-based nonprofit model with after-school, recreational, and family supports analogous to Occasio and The League.
• Kerry's Place Autism Services: Ontario-based autism services nonprofit offering lifespan supports, residential services, and community programs. Comparable service model to Autism Edmonton but operates in a different province and includes residential care.
• Autism Ontario: Provincial autism organization in Ontario providing information, resources, and advocacy to autistic individuals and families. Comparable to Autism Alberta's role relative to Autism Edmonton, but for Ontario.

Direct peers

• Autism Calgary: Calgary-based autism nonprofit serving individuals and families across the lifespan with similar community programs, peer groups, and resource navigation. Direct peer operating in the same province with a directly comparable service mix and funding model.
• Autism Alberta: Provincial autism organization in Alberta and explicit collaborating partner of Autism Edmonton (e.g., co-hosting LGBTQ2S+ Discussion Group). Comparable mandate of advocacy, resources, and community support for autistic Albertans.
• Sinneave Foundation (now Brightstone Families): Calgary-based autism services organization with explicit partnership on the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA). Directly comparable in supporting autistic adults with housing, employment, and life skills.

Broad incumbents

• Autism Society of America: Large US national autism organization with affiliate network model. Conceptually comparable to Autism Canada but with broader programmatic reach; useful analog for understanding how a regional autism nonprofit relates to a national umbrella.
• Autism Speaks Canada: National advocacy and fundraising organization for autism in Canada with significant corporate sponsorship and government engagement. Overlaps with Autism Edmonton on awareness, advocacy, and donor-funded programming but at a national scale.
• Autism Canada: National autism advocacy and resource organization operating across Canada with a much broader scope than Autism Edmonton. Functions as an umbrella/policy voice rather than direct local service delivery, but overlapping mandate on resources and advocacy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses6 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AutismEdmonton
• Facebookfacebook.com/autismedmonton
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/autism-edmonton

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Autism Edmonton