“I just overheard a boy say ‘this is the best day ever,’ ” says Amy Phillips, as she watches a group of children in Halloween costumes pet, walk and hold a variety of small farm animals in the outdoor play area of the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre(RJCHC). “Hearing that alone made all the work that went into this event worthwhile.”

Amy is a clinical manager of the Autism Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital and for months, she and the team have been planning this fall festival event for their patients and their families.

Showing families they are seen, supported, and valued

For families with autistic children, everyday outings can pose significant challenges—crowds, loud noises, and unfamiliar settings can quickly become overwhelming, making it difficult to participate in traditional family experiences.

The Autism Program’s Family Events are designed to change that.

By tailoring environments to the needs of autistic children, Family Events empower them to enjoy and engage in activities that might otherwise be out of reach. Spaces are adapted to accommodate sensory sensitivities, and staff are there to support the needs of autistic children and their family members. The supportive approach at the core of these events has given many families their first full family outings ever.

In a world where social outings can be daunting for families with autistic children, these events offer a rare and precious sense of connection, understanding and belonging.

Something for everyone at the fall festival

The fall festival on October 28 was the biggest, and most elaborate Family Event to date, with over 60 families coming out. In every detail, the festival was designed to be an inclusive, safe and welcoming space for everyone.

Communication cards were at the ready for non-verbal children to join activities more independently. Crafting stations to paint, make buttons and create keychains were there for tactile kids to get creative. For those who needed to be moving, there was a dance party for them to monster mash away some of their energy. And for those who got overstimulated from the hustle and bustle, there were quiet spaces to retreat and calm down. There was also trick-or-treating, popcorn, and apple cider to capture the spirit of the season and make the evening complete.

At every activity station there were Autism Program staff ready to support children and families in whatever way they needed to ensure they would experience a successful evening.

Expanding opportunities through donor support

From its first movie night back in 2023, the Autism Program’s Family Events have been an overwhelming success. Word spread and demand for more and varied family experiences grew significantly.

As the demand for these family events has grown, so too have the costs associated with providing them. Donor support has been essential to growing and expanding Family Events’ offerings and ensure that each event is accessible and enjoyable for families.

By supporting these events, donors empower families to engage in shared activities and invite them to be part of a larger community that understands and celebrates their journey.