Toolkit for Kids Play
Play. Move. Make an Impact.
Kids Play for Autism is a national Autism Acceptance fundraising and engagement campaign led by Autism Canada. Every April, children across Canada are invited to support the Autistic community by doing what they love, playing.
Built around movement, joy, and inclusion, Kids Play for Autism celebrates that play is for everyone. There is no single way to participate. Families, schools, sports teams, and communities are encouraged to choose what works best for them.
Quick links:
The Inspiration Behind Kids Play, Laura’s Story
Kids Play for Autism was inspired by Laura, an Autistic advocate who set out to raise funds by mastering the monkey bars, an activity she truly loved.
Her original goal was to raise $250. With determination, joy, and the support of her community, Laura raised an incredible $1,385.
Laura’s mom shared:
“An Autistic person advocating for the cause felt even more impactful. It sends the message that Autistic people can contribute to the community, including by advocating for other neurodivergent people. When I asked Laura how she felt about continuing to help Autistic children, she gave a BIG yes.”
Why Kids Play Matters
Funds raised through Kids Play for Autism support Autism Canada’s programs and services, which provide vital resources, information, and supports nationwide.
Beyond fundraising, Kids Play:
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Promotes autism acceptance beyond awareness alone
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Centers joy, movement, and inclusion
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Challenges narrow ideas of who gets to participate in advocacy
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By playing together, children help build a more inclusive future, one moment of joy at a time.
How Kids Play for Autism Works
1. Register: Sign up on Zeffy to take part. Registration is free.
2. Play: Choose any activity your child enjoys, such as organized sports, free play, movement breaks, playground time, or backyard games.
3. Share: Capture the moment. Send photos or videos to media@autismcanada.org or tag @autismcanada on social media to help spread autism acceptance.
4. Fundraise: Invite family members, friends, teammates, or community members to donate to your campaign in support of Autism Canada’s programs and services, which provide essential resources to Autistic people across Canada.
Ways to Participate
Participate Through a School
Kids Play for Autism fits easily into school environments and does not require extensive planning or disruption.
What Participation Can Look Like
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A short movement or stretch break
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A gym class or recess activity
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A whole school play moment
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Classroom or grade wide fundraising goals
How Long Does It Take
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Five minutes, a dedicated movement break
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One class period, organized or free play
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One day, World Autism Acceptance Day on April 2
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Ongoing activities throughout April
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Month Long Participation Ideas
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Weekly movement challenges
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Tracking classroom fundraising goals
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Rotating activities such as movement, art, play, and reflection
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A culminating play celebration on April 2
Students may also register individually to fundraise through Kids Play for Autism, whether or not their school participates as a group.
Participate as a Family or Individual
Kids Play for Autism can be done anywhere, no school or organization required.
Families and individuals can:
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Choose a favourite activity such as biking, swimming, dancing, or playground play
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Set a personal or family fundraising goal
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Invite friends and relatives to sponsor playtime
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Share moments to help normalize autism acceptance in everyday life
This pathway is especially welcoming for families who homeschool, prefer self directed activities, or want flexibility in how they participate.
Participate Through Sports Teams and Clubs
Kids Play for Autism is a natural fit for organized sports and recreational programs, including:
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Soccer, hockey, basketball, and volleyball teams
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Dance studios and gymnastics clubs
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Swimming programs
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Martial arts schools
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Community recreation leagues
How Teams Can Participate
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Dedicate a practice, game, or tournament to Autism Acceptance
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Set a team wide fundraising goal
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Share team photos or videos to amplify the message of acceptance
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Coaches, parents, and league organizers are encouraged to register teams and help promote inclusion through play.
Participate Through the Community
Community groups can adapt Kids Play for Autism in ways that make sense for them, including:
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Community centres
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Faith based organizations
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Youth groups
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Neighbourhood play events
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Local movement-based fundraisers
There is no required format, only a shared commitment to play, inclusion, and impact.
Fundraising Ideas
Fundraising through Kids Play for Autism is about participation, not performance. Ideas include:
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Sponsor per minute or sponsor per activity challenges
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Team, class, or family fundraising goals
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Friendly competitions between classes, teams, or siblings
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Play a thons or movement days
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Matching donations from workplaces
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Recognition for participation and effort
Every contribution helps support Autistic people, families, and caregivers across Canada.
Share Your Kids Play Moment, Content for Social Media
Use the captions and associated graphics below when posting photos or videos of your Kids Play for Autism participation. These captions are designed for families, individuals, sports teams, and community groups. If you require any customized content or graphics, feel free to reach out to naureen@autismcanada.org.
General
Option 1
We are participating in Kids Play for Autism this April, turning play into impact and supporting Autism Canada’s programs and services. Support our involvement or start your own campaign here, [Fundraising link]
Option 2
We are aiming to raise $[AMOUNT] this month through Kids Play for Autism to support Autism Canada’s programs and services. Every contribution makes a difference. Support our campaign here, [Fundraising link]
Parent or Family
My child is participating in Kids Play for Autism, doing what they love while helping support Autism Canada’s programs and services this April. If you would like to support our campaign or join in, you can get involved here, [Fundraising link]
Sports Teams or Clubs
Our team is playing for more than the game this April as part of Kids Play for Autism. Help us reach our fundraising goal or register your own team to participate here, [Fundraising link]
Hashtags
#KidsPlayForAutism #AutismAcceptance #WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth #PlayForAcceptance #InclusivePlay #AutismCanada