Autism Yukon

Our Mission: Through advocacy, support, education and collaboration, Autism Yukon is committed to fostering an understanding and inclusive community for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals.

AUTISM YUKON 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Autism Yukon was founded in 2007 by a group of parents who were compelled to create a more inclusive environment for autistic individuals and families in the Yukon.

Our Mandate:

Our mandate is three-fold:

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Advocacy and Inclusion

Advocating for the rights and needs of autistic and other neurodivergent individuals and promoting inclusive policies and practices in education, employment, healthcare and community settings.

Support for Individuals and Families

Providing a person-centered approach to support services for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals and their families by addressing their unique needs across the lifespan.

Collaboration and Partnership

Collaborating with government agencies, community organizations and other stakeholders to create a network of support for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Autism Yukon is proud to be the Northern Hub for AIDE Canada.

Visit AIDE Canada’s website for resources, toolkits and more :

www.AIDECanada.ca

Programs

SENSORY ROOM (SNOEZELEN ROOM)

A MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE for INDIVIDUALS of ALL AGES

WHAT IS A SENSORY ROOM?

A safe, multi-sensory, stimulating and/or relaxing environment that allows clients to self-regulate and choose a variety of sensations that they wish to experience – movement, massage, sights, sounds, smells, touch, vibrations, etc.

WHO CAN USE IT?

Research has shown that multisensory rooms are beneficial for individuals with autism and also individuals with brain injuries, learning disabilities, dementia, mental health concerns, challenging behaviours, physical challenges and more.

USE OF THE ROOM

MAKING APPOINTMENTS

The Sensory Room will be booked by appointment. It is not available for drop-in. Appointments will be 45 minutes in length. A parent/guardian, caregiver, or support professional must always be present in the room. Users will be required to review the Sensory Room policies and to sign a legal release.

INTERESTED?

Families and professionals interested in using the Sensory Room MUST attend an introductory workshop before using the room.

There is no cost for this session.

To learn more or arrange an orientation session please reach out to info@autismyukon.org

SENSORY ROOM PHILOSOPHY

The room should be artificially created and supported by the natural environment.

The session should be devoted to the stimulation of all the senses.
It must be safe, comfortable, consistent and predictable (start out in the same way each time).
Empowerment through self-choice.
Using the sensory room is a demand-free activity and provides the possibility of both interactive and passive use.
Facilitators must be trained. Clients should not be in the room alone.

Fornes, S. (2009). Multi Sensory Environments. Ashville, Alabama, Chrilisan, LLC.

ALREADY TRAINED?

Here are some forms you may find useful.

Sensory Room Pre-checklist Sensory Room Record and Monitoring Form

COMMUNITY NAVIGATION

Community Navigation provides individuals, families, educators, employers and anyone else who is interested with information about autism. We provide support throughout the diagnostic process. This can also include helping families find “who to talk to about what.” This service is available for families and/or self-advocates of all ages. Please contact navigation@autismyukon.org

CARES CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM

The CARES Caregiver support program gives families a safe place to learn new skills, to share, be heard and connect in a way that fosters resiliency.

This eight week Zoom group is designed to address the social, emotional, and psychological challenges that caregivers of children with complex needs often face. We support caregivers in caring for themselves, because when they prioritize their own well-being, they’re better equipped to support their loved ones.

NEXT GROUP STARTING END OF OCTOBER 2025.

For more information contact navigator@autismyukon.org

PEERS

PROGRAM FOR THE EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT OF RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relationship Skills) is an evidence-based, social skills intervention program for motivated teens or young adults who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session, young adults are taught important skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during socialization activities.

Please contact Autism Yukon directly at info@autismyukon.org about the next PEERS program for teens (15 to 18) or young adults (18 years of age and older).

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PROJECT LIFESAVER

Autism Yukon is an agency of Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver a search and rescue program designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering.

Autism Yukon is an agency of Project Lifesaver International. As an agency we work together with Yukon Search and Rescue and the RCMP to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children who wander due to Autism, Alzheimer's, and other cognitive conditions.

For more information about the project, please visit the following website: https://projectlifesaver.org/about-us/

If you are interested in signing up or learning more, please call the office at 667-6406 or email info@autismyukon.org to set up a meeting and demonstration.

LAUNCH INTO LIFE!

The Launch Program helps families prepare for and respond to key life transitions, and to guide the journey from adolescence to adulthood. Families will create an individualized Transition Plan with their teen or young adult and be provided with valuable information to help their teen/young adult succeed.

This is mainly delivered on an individual/family basis as part of our community navigation services. Occasionally we offer a 6-week group.

We explore a variety of topics including creating a future vision, preparing for key transitions, managing health and mental health issues, finding social and recreational programs, developing life and vocational skills, exploring volunteer and work opportunities, housing and support program options, and legal and financial issues.

To learn more about or access this program please reach out to navigator@autismyukon.org

CST

CAREGIVER SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM

This program is a caregiver-mediated program geared towards caregivers of children aged 2 years – 8 years 11 months with a developmental delay or developmental disorder, affecting their language abilities and social skills.

The program consists of 9 weekly group sessions with other parents, as well as three home visits. Areas of focus are: helping children become and stay more engaged, shared engagement in routines, understanding and promoting communication, helping in times of dysregulation, teaching new skills and problem solving.

An English language group is starting in October 2025 and a French language group is starting in January 2026. Please contact the Project Coordinator to complete an intake form to determine if this group is the right fit for you and your child. projectcoordinator@autismyukon.org

Publications

Printed copies are also available for free from Autism Yukon (we are in the process of updating our booklets - please watch for revised versions in the Fall of 2025)