Linda Stewart

Pacific Autism Family Network

The Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) is a network of supports for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families across the province. The PAFN's core purpose is to bring together state of the art resources for research, information, learning, assessment, treatment and support; and building capacity to address the lifespan needs of individuals with ASD and related disorders. Serving British Columbians and ultimately all Canadians is a priority of the PAFN. The centre of knowledge and innovation involves the opening of the brand new GoodLife Fitness Family Autism Hub in Richmond, and the eventual opening and operation of spokes located in communities across the province, in collaboration with local community partners. The spoke centres will have full access to the expertise and information services offered at the hub. The PAFN is the first organization of its kind dedicated to knowledge creation and knowledge translation targeting applied models that can easily be shared and disseminated to families on the ground. It will be a place that will attract a whole new generation of thinkers and researchers – the people who want to bring to life innovative, practical, and effective clinical programs, which up until now, have not been developed due to limited access to an environment that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration over the long term. With the establishment of the Hub, we have the chance to see, track and examine patterns – to look at similar groups and test approaches that may have been identified in isolated cases and can now be applied to a broader demographic. Autism is emerging as one of the most pressing issues of our times. The Pacific Autism Family Network is a once-in-history chance for British Columbia to leverage our excellence on behalf of BC families, communities throughout Canada and – increasingly – people all over the world.