Autism Awareness Centre Celebrates 22 Years

The month of June marks Autism Awareness Centre’s (AACI) 22nd anniversary. When I co-founded this company in 2003, my children were 4 and 6 years old; I was only four years in to the autism journey. So much has changed in the autism world. We are hearing more autistic voices, improving our understanding of autistic neurology, moving away from compliance based approaches, and celebrating neurodiversity rather than trying to change it.

Over the past 22 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. I’ve seen children grow up, leave home, pursue higher education, and find employment. Knowing so many different people from all walks of life has my life more meaningful and expanded my knowledge. I feel deeply grateful to have worked with people who were willing to share their wisdom, viewpoints, and experiences with me.  It has made me a better parent to my two autistic adult children, Marc and Julia, and increased my ability to support them to live their best lives possible.

I continue to develop as a speaker/presenter online and have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with so many different organizations and audiences. 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. These opportunities keep me researching, learning, and growing.

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 and August. 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 movement differences, info dumping, flow states, restraint collapse and much more! These posts as well as our Q & A section are written to deepen our understanding of autism. Greater understanding helps us change our lens from which we view behavior. At the end of every blog post are links to other related posts and books/resources that support further knowledge. You can find our newsletter sign up at the bottom of our website homepage. 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. Note – we do not carry self-published books.

For the past 5 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 expanded second editions.

Resource Support and Information

Over the years, I have seen a steady increase in the volume of mail worldwide from people seeking help, advice and resources in their community. The web is a wonderful tool to do research and find what people are looking for. It gives me great joy to give assistance to anyone who is struggling. I do my best to find what they are looking for. It’s challenging at times, but so worthwhile and rewarding. I answer as many questions as I am able to.

An Introduction the Low Arousal Approach Online Course

For the past 3 years, Studio 3 Canada has been offering a 6 hour introductory training course online. This course are open to anyone  and tends to sell 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 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 Kentville, NS starting in September 2025.  Due to a recent cancellation, we have two places available for this course. Please email maureen@autismawarenesscentre.com for more information or to register .

We are hoping to run more Train the Trainer courses in 2026. Let me know if an organization in 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 2024-2025, we offered 1, 2 and 3 day courses throughout BC, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia as well as professional development training for larger groups. Continuing professional development was offered to trainers in Manitoba and BC. We also ran our second 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 22 years and hope to continue my work. Running this company has been a life changing experience. It also keeps me optimistic. No one knows what the future will bring, there has already been major world shifts in 2025, but we’ll adapt as best we can. Let us know how we can help.

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