Empowering Connections
National Support Line
A CN-Supported National Support Line for the Autistic and Neurodivergent Community.
Providing early, personalized connection during times of disconnection, uncertainty, or emotional strain, with a focus on peer-informed care, active listening, and empathy.
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What is Empowering Connections?
Autism Canada is proud to announce a new partnership with CN to establish Empowering Connections, a CN-supported National Support Line launching in October 2025. With CN as a founding partner, this initiative will help reduce feelings of isolation and create meaningful connections for Autistic and neurodivergent people in Canada. Connection will be provided by Autistic-led staff with lived experience, ensuring compassionate, peer-informed care.
The support line will be accessible through phone, chat, virtual meetings, and email, offering a welcoming space for empathy and understanding during challenging moments. Grounded in lived experience, Empowering Connections nurtures well-being, trust, and a sense of belonging within the neurodivergent community.
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Mission and Vision
Our Vision: To provide timely, compassionate connection for Autistic and neurodivergent people navigating moments of uncertainty, stress, or disconnection.
Our Mission: To foster meaningful connections for Autistic and neurodivergent people in Canada by offering presence rooted in active listening, empathy, and lived experience.
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Get Support
Launching in October 2025, Empowering Connections will provide accessible peer connection whenever it is most needed.
Through this support line, Autistic and neurodivergent people can expect:
· Accessible Connection: available via phone, chat, Zoom, or email
· Peer-Informed Care: conversations with Autistic-led staff who bring lived experience
· Compassionate Presence: empathetic, active listening that encourages understanding and belonging
All services will be offered in English, French, and Spanish, and are grounded in accessibility, inclusivity, and lived experience.
To access support, please use the options below in selecting whether this is your first time using the National Support Line or if you are a returning client.
Changes and Cancellations: go to your confirmation or reminder email and find "Click here to make changes to this event" near bottom of email. The sender is "no-reply@scheduler.zoom.us" and the subject line includes "National Support Line". Note: declining the invite does not provide notification, you must reschedule or cancel via the link in email.
Cancellation Policy: If I schedule a session with Empowering Connections National Support Line: 1) I agree to provide at least 24 hours’ notice if I need to cancel or reschedule. 2) I understand that repeated no-shows or late cancellations may result in limited access to future bookings, in order to respect staff time and availability for others. 3) In case of unexpected emergencies, I will notify staff as soon as reasonably possible.