SAAC Walk of a Lifetime was successfully held on 29 Aug 2026 and we hope you enjoyed the experience!
See photos from the event here:
We also hope you learned something along the way – especially from our educational booths! This year, we focused on the lifestages of persons with autism.
If you couldn’t make it in person, you’re in luck because we’ve got the content here!
Journey with Benny, a person with autism, across his lifetime.
*We recommend using a desktop device for the best viewing experience.
*Tap on the images to expand.
Although every child is discovering the world for the first time, that same world can feel far more overwhelming, unfamiliar, and difficult to make sense of for a young child with autism.
When a child cannot yet express what they are feeling, they often communicate through their behaviour. Before we judge or try to step in, we should first ask, “What is this child trying to tell me?” When we begin with understanding, we will look beyond the behaviour to provide meaningful, dignified support.
Due to sensory differences, sounds may seem louder, lights may appear brighter, and crowded spaces can quickly become difficult to process. New experiences and unexpected changes can make emotional regulation more challenging.
New experiences can make emotional regulation more challenging. When it gets too much, some children may experience a meltdown. Unlike a tantrum, a meltdown is not a way to seek attention or get their way – it is often a sign that the child is unable to cope with what is happening around and inside them. In these moments, they need your empathy and patience.
Because of sensory differences, a young child with autism may find that:
A meltdown is a child’s way of seeking attention or getting their way.
