Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

April is Autism Awareness Month, and communities across the region are marking the occasion
with events, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting inclusion and
understanding of autism.

Local organization Trait d’Union Outaouais (TUOI) is at the heart of these efforts, offering
programs and events that bring together families, educators, and community members. On
Saturday, April 26, TUOI will host the annual Walk for Autism at 2 Millar Street in Gatineau, from
10 – 2 pm. The walk raises funds for TUOI’s summer day camps, which provide structured,
inclusive programming for autistic children and teens. More details are available at
traitdunionoutaouais.com.

Schools across the region also participated in meaningful ways. On April 2, World Autism
Awareness Day, students at Greater Gatineau Elementary School wore red in support of Autism
Acceptance and Appreciation Day. Meanwhile, staff at École Polyvalente de l’Érablière in
Gatineau wore blue to show their solidarity and help raise awareness.

This contrast in colors reflects a broader conversation within autism advocacy. Blue has long
been associated with autism awareness through campaigns like “Light It Up Blue,” led by
international organizations. However, many self-advocates and newer movements now embrace
red or rainbow colors through the #RedInstead campaign, which emphasizes acceptance,
diversity, and neurodiversity-led perspectives. Both gestures reflect a shared commitment to
visibility and support.

The Western Québec School Board has also launched its Autism Month Bingo, an interactive
activity that encourages students to explore autism through daily engagement—reading books
by autistic authors, watching videos on neurodiversity, and using tools created by autistic
individuals. The bingo card is accessible at coeasd.lbpsb.qc.ca/slideshow and is being used in
classrooms throughout the month.

While children and youth are central to many events, TUOI also offers services for autistic
adults, including social skills development, workshops, and employment readiness programs.
These initiatives support long-term inclusion and independence in the community.
TUOI works in partnership with the Fédération québécoise de l’autisme (FQA), which
coordinates province-wide campaigns each April. The FQA’s theme, “Faisons briller l’autisme
dans toute sa diversité,” encourages a move away from one-size-fits-all representations and
instead promotes a celebration of autism in all its forms.

To learn more or to get involved, visit traitdunionoutaouais.com or autisme.qc.ca .​

Photo: As part of Autism Awareness Month, local schools and organizations hosted events to
promote inclusion and understanding, with staff at École Polyvalente de l’Érablière in Gatineau
wearing blue to show their solidarity and help raise awareness. (TF) Photo courtesy of the École
Polyvalente de l’Érablière Facebook page