"Kids Play For Autism 2026" w/ Autism Canada

Welcome back Jamie McCleary from Autism Canada to chat about a super fun upcoming event called Kids Play For Autism, kicking off this April for Autism Acceptance Day (April 2nd).This event is all about play — and we know that play looks different for everyone, especially for children on the autism spectrum. Jamie shares the heartwarming origin story of the event and how we can all get involved. We also discuss what play can mean for all kids, emphasizing that it’s not about rigid rules or competitive spirits. Instead, it’s about joy, movement, and inclusion. Kids are encouraged to express their unique ways of participating, whether that means running around, spinning, or simply being themselves! It’s a reminder that play should be inclusive, flexible, and most importantly, fun! Join us as we get excited for the event and explore how we can all contribute to making play accessible for every child.Timestamps:(01:32) - Welcome(02:27) - Introduction to Kids Play for Autismmie(23:34) - Understanding Play and Communication in Children(37:50) - Understanding Indicating Behaviours(48:20) - Expanding Play InterestsMentioned In This Episode:About Autism Canada:For five decades, Autism Canada has stood at the forefront of addressing the complex challenges faced by Autistic people and their support networks across the nation. Established in 1976, our organization has been unwavering in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life and well-being Autistic people. We achieve this through robust education, targeted advocacy, and steadfast support.Learn more about Autism Canada by visiting: autismcanada.orgAbout Kids Play For Autism 2026:This April, in honour of World Autism Acceptance Day (April 2nd) and Autism Canada’s 50th year, we’re inviting kids, families, and schools across Canada to take action, by doing what kids love most: play.Kids Play for Autism Acceptance is a joyful, movement based fundraising campaign where kids get active, work toward shared goals, and raise funds to support Autistic people and their families across Canada.Inspired by Laura, a young advocate who first launched this idea in 2024 by turning her love of the monkey bars into a powerful fundraiser, this campaign shows how play can create real impact.Whether at school, at home, or in the community, every jump, lap, game, and challenge helps build more inclusive communities through play.Kids Play toolkit: This toolkit goes over the Kids Play for Autism campaign, the story being it, fundraising ideas, and social media materials.Kids Play for Autism fundraising/campaign link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/peer-to-peer/kids-play-for-autism--2026****Visit The Sensory Supply for the best in sensory products to soothe, stimulate, and inspire.Learn about our clinic Elemenoe where we work to reach milestones together through speech, language, behaviour & learning.Visit neurodiversallyspeaking.com for all podcast & show info:Follow us:InstagramFacebookXYouTubeTikTokContact:Have a question or a topic that you'd love to hear on the show? Get in touch with us at [email protected]