Due to legal/political jurisdiction issues (Indigenous affairs are under the purview of the federal government, while disability services are handled by the provincial governments), Indigenous individuals and families might face extra challenges when seeking ASD-related funding supports. At this time (Fall 2021) there isn’t really a single streamlined way for Indigenous people living on reserves to gain access to standard or personalized ASD-related supports and services. However, that does NOT mean that these supports and services are completely inaccessible; rather, until advocates are able to push changes through to fix these issues and inequalities, those wishing to gain access to programming need to put in extra work beyond what is typical in the disability sector.
Autism Calgary recognizes the unique circumstances Indigenous people face when accessing disability related supports and services. If you have questions or would like to connect with our support team, please contact Stephanie James, Support and Resource Specialist. Email: .
Caregiver Supports
An Exploration of Indigenous Autism in Canada: A Nehiyaw Perspective
Recorded February 22, 2024. Indigenous people are often under-presented in the discourse around autism. Drawing from his experience as a parent and member of Samson Cree Nation, Grant will explore ideas and concepts on how to better support Indigenous families with autistic children by incorporating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into practice. Grant will also discuss the significance of Indigenous culture and connection in creating healthy environments, as well as explore practical tips for integrating holistic models into Western approaches, practices, services, and supports. Join Grant as he guides us on an exploration of Indigenous autism in Canada.
The Gift of Being Different, a short documentary, follows Grant Bruno as he navigates the world of autism. Grant is a parent to Autistic children and a PhD researcher exploring autism in First Nations communities. Grant is a registered member of nipsihkipahk (Samson Cree Nation), one of the reserves that makes up Maskwacis, Alberta. Through the film we learn his community views autism as a gift.
Raising Our Children in Love – Akomimoksin and Sâkihitowin
Autism Society Alberta held an event on July 14, 2024. Grant Bruno and Pearl Yellow Old Woman-Healy, members of our Indigenous Relations Circle, give a keynote presentation on their experiences raising autistic children as Indigenous people.
Caregiving Panel: Community-Centred Caregiving Perspectives on Autism
Autism Society Alberta held an event on July 14, 2024. In this panel, Indigenous caregivers of autistic children and young adults from Treaties 6, 7 and 8 discuss their experiences of raising their children while interacting with educational and medical systems. They discuss many facets of caregiving from diagnosis to adulthood. Ryan Running Rabbit moderates this discussion.
Autism Society Alberta held an event on July 14, 2024. In this video Dr. Lindblom discusses the research she has undertaken in relation to autism and Indigenous Peoples around the world. During this presentation, Indigenous Autism in Global Contexts, talks about her experiences as she’s researched in Canada and Sweden.
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) is provincial funding for the extraordinary costs of raising a child with a disability. Some things that can be funded are therapy (speech therapy, occupational therapy etc), counselling, respite (caregiver relief), aide/behavioral support, medical expenses and more.
Jordan’s Principle funding is for First Nations children under 18 living on or off reserve to access disability related, social related or medically related services and supports such as therapy, health expenses, social inclusion, education support and more. You can submit your own application OR you can contact the First Nations Health Consortium and they help with this.
*** PDD is NOT available to adults living on reserve
Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) is provincial funding that helps adults with developmental disabilities get services to live as independently as possible in their community.
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is provincial “financial and health benefits for eligible Albertans with a permanent medical condition that prevents them from earning a living.” AISH provides a monthly living allowance to cover housing, food, clothing and other basic needs. The health benefits cover medical, dental, optical and more.
The “Assisted Living Program provides funds to identified service providers to help provide non-medical, social support services to people living on-reserve with chronic illness or disability”.