We're a new community initiative connecting autistic individuals and families across Edmonton — so you're not piecing this together alone.
ASDConnect YEG started the way most useful things do - from parents comparing notes on FSCD paperwork, therapist wait-lists, and which Saturday swim session doesn't have strobe lighting. We're building a place to keep that knowledge somewhere better than a group chat that scrolls away.
Right now that means three things: a short list of resources we trust enough to hand a new parent, a way to find your people at an actual meetup, and a place to ask a question without explaining your whole situation first. This is a first version, not a finished one — we'll grow it alongside the community.
Written by our community, for the family that just found out and doesn't know what to do first. We'll keep adding to this.
The wait for a formal diagnosis in Edmonton is usually the longest part of this whole process, often over a year. Ask your family doctor or pediatrician for a referral to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital autism assessment pathway the moment autism comes up as a possibility — you can always step back later, but you can't get the wait time back. A private multidisciplinary assessment is faster if you can pay out of pocket.
Family Support for Children with Disabilities is Alberta's core funding program — You do not necessarily need to wait for the final diagnosis before applying. FSCD may accept medical documentation showing that your child is undergoing assessment or has a probable disability. Apply online, or call Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton. This is the program that eventually funds therapy, respite, and aide support, so getting into the queue early matters as much as the paperwork itself.
Before you make any big decisions, call Autism Edmonton's free support navigation line. They've walked hundreds of Edmonton families through this exact system and can tell you, in plain language, what to ask for next based on your child's age. This is usually more useful than an hour of Google.
Good therapists book out. Get on wait-lists for speech, occupational therapy, or a multidisciplinary program like Centre for Autism Services Alberta even before your FSCD funding is confirmed — most will hold a spot once they know funding is in progress.
You don't need a program for this — a sensory-friendly swim time through the City of Edmonton's Adapted Programs or a drop-in through Children's Autism Services of Edmonton is often enough to remember you're not the only one figuring this out. This is also where ASDConnect YEG comes in — reach out and we'll point you to what's happening this month.
This guide reflects what we know today — always confirm current hours, wait times, and eligibility directly with each organization. Know something that should be added? Tell us.
We're small right now, so this list is short on purpose — it'll grow as the community does.
Our main hub for now — updates, questions, and connecting with other Edmonton families. Join us on Facebook.
We're organizing informal get-togethers around Edmonton — nothing fancy, just a chance to sit with other parents who get it. Watch the Facebook group for dates, or email us and we'll let you know what's coming up.
Not ready for a group? That's fine. Send us a message and we'll just talk — no agenda, no pressure to join anything.
Whether you're looking for support, want to volunteer, or just want to find your people — reach out.
