Canucks Autism Network (CAN) was founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son has autism. CAN is dedicated to providing programs to individuals with autism and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.
Autism is characterized by difficulties with social communication, sensory sensitivities and repetitive behavior, as well as a wide range of individual strengths, interests and abilities. Each person with autism is affected differently and to different degrees. There are over 16,000 children and youth with autism in BC and boys are almost five times more likely to have autism. One in every 46 kids is diagnosed with autism.
Children with autism face barriers to participating in community-based programs, and often feel excluded. CAN provides sports and recreation programs designed for children, youth and adults with autism with a high ratio of specialized support. They host family events that are welcoming and inclusive of the whole family.
CAN also provides live and on-line training and consultation for sport & rec providers, first responders, employers, schools, businesses and community spaces. Hundreds of people are trained each year.
Visit their website for more information on CAN’s many and varied programs to support people and families with autism.