Autism Awareness Centre Celebrates 21 Years

The month of June marks the Autism Awareness Centre’s (AACI) 21st anniversary. Another year has just flown by!

Over the past 21 years, I’ve had the opportunity to run conferences, workshops, and trainings all over Canada and the UK. Many of the people I’ve met became lifelong friends who have supported me both professionally and personally. You’ve made my life richer, expanded my knowledge, and I feel deeply grateful to have worked with many different people who shared their wisdom, viewpoints, and experience with me.  It has made me a better parent to my two autistic adult children, Marc and Julia.

I continue to develop as a speaker/presenter online and have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience throughout Canada, the USA, UK and Europe. The work has been interesting and challenging and has helped me learn new information. I enjoy creating bespoke presentations for schools, agencies, community organizations, libraries, conferences, and governments. Every audience is different and although needs can be similar, there is always something unique too.

I have a dedicated Maureen Bennie, Speaker website if you wish to book a presentation. I have a list of presentations that are written and ready to go, but can also create something to suit your specific needs.

AACI Online

We continue to be a strong presence online with a variety of offerings.

Webinars

We have on demand webinars available on a variety of topics such as toileting, interoception, mental health, anxiety, sensory issues, social skills, behaviors of concern, and more. When you purchase a webinar, you can watch it at a time that is convenient for you.

Blog Posts

New blogs are posted twice a month with the exception of July. I’ve been creating presentations around many of the topics I write about. This past year, posts have featured a variety of subjects such as monotropism, splinter skills, debriefing after an incident, and much more! At the end of every blog post are links to other related posts and books/resources that support further knowledge. If you need further guidance, don’t hesitate to ask.

Our Expanding Bookstore and Line of E-Books

Our bookstore continues to expand with new titles every month. Our bimonthly email blast features a new book or resource. We look forward to continuing our personalized service in the area of book and resource support. If you know about newly published good books that should be in our bookstore, please let us know.

For the last 4 years, AACI has been publishing a series of inexpensive e-books that provide an excellent introduction to a variety of topics. Many resources are listed should you wish to delve deeper into the topic. Look for upcoming second editions over the course of the year.

An Introduction the Low Arousal Approach Online Course

For the past 2 years, Studio 3 Canada has been offering a monthly 6 hour introductory training course online. This course are open to anyone  and sells out at least two weeks in advance. This has been a great way to learn about the theory behind the Low Arousal Approach. The online training can also be booked by an organization for a minimum of 12 people, up to a maximum of 15 people. The cost is $125 per person plus GST. Our last course before the summer starts is June 6th. We’ll offer more courses in September 2024.

Our 2 and 3 day training course must be delivered in person because physical skills are taught. It is not safe to teach physical skills online. Organizations may book courses by contacting me at maureen@autismawarenesscentre.com .

A dedicated Low Arousal Approach website was launched in the fall of 2023. You can learn about the courses, FAQs, course outcomes, and read articles.

Studio 3 Canada – Low Arousal Approach In-Person Training

We are excited to announce a new Train the Trainer 15 day course taking place in Winnipeg, MB starting in October 2024.  The course is already full, but if you would like to be placed on the waiting list please email maureen@autismawarenesscentre.com .

We are hoping to run more Train the Trainer courses in 2025. Let me know if your province would like to have Low Arousal Approach trainers. Our community has grown significantly with over 100 Canadian trainers. Trainers are supporting each other with monthly meetings and ongoing guidance is given by our  UK Director of Global Training. It’s exciting to see such a dramatic change in how we view behaviors of concern and support individuals in the reduction of anxiety and stress.

In 2023 – 2024, we’ve offered 1, 2 and 3 day courses throughout BC, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia as well as professional development training for larger groups. We also ran our first 3 day course in the USA.

The Year Ahead

As we continue to adapt and participate in the online delivery of education and in-person training, Autism Awareness Centre Inc. (AACI) will be there with innovative ways to impart information and keep learning current. There are small things you can do to help us keep going and continue the global work that we do like join our email list, follow us on social media, and share our content with your friends and family. If you need resources, consider purchasing them from our bookstore as the proceeds go directly back into AACI operations. Attend the online trainings or watch our on demand webinars. With no sponsorship, grants or funding of any kind, these sources of revenue are the only ones that keep AACI operational.

I thank you for your continued support of Autism Awareness Centre Inc. and Studio 3 Canada. I’m so grateful to have been in your service for 21 years and hope to continue my work. Running this company has been a life changing experience. No one knows what the future will bring, but we’ll always adapt as best we can. Let us know how we can help.

Stay safe, stay well and enjoy the summer days ahead!