Thursday, April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising understanding and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while recognizing individuals living with autism around the world, including our own family members, friends, neighbours, classmates and colleagues.
Across the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, school communities will mark the day in meaningful ways as we reflect on the dignity of every individual and our shared commitment to ensuring each belongs in our Catholic learning communities. Included below is the “Prayer of St. Francis for Autism,” offered as a reflection for World Autism Awareness Day. School communities may also choose to wear blue in recognition and support of individuals living with autism.
Members of the community are also invited to come together in celebration and support. On Saturday, April 25, all are welcome to celebrate the autism community at a free family carnival taking place at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Education Centre (20 Education Court, Hamilton). The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., rain or shine, and no registration is required. Families can enjoy a variety of activities including face painting, crafts and games, live performances, a balloon twister, and a sensory room, with refreshments available.
Also taking place is a Silent Art Auction at the Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre. To celebrate, the centre will be showcasing art that has been created by children and youth in support of the MCH Autism Program. Everyone is invited to drop in on Thursday to bid on their favourite piece of art.
See flyer for more details.
Learn more at Autism Ontario
A Prayer of St. Francis for Autism
By Tim Tucker
Lord, let thy peace fill me up until I overflow;
that where people cannot speak, I may be their advocate;
that where anyone is rejected, I may extend my arms in welcome;
that where parents are heavy burdened, I may offer a word of comfort;
that where our children struggle, I may lift them up and cheer;
that where some see disability, I may reveal to them extraordinary gifts;
that where others judge, I may share with them my deep gladness;
and that where any are overlooked, I may help the lights of all to shine.
O Giver of These Gifts,
grant that I may not so much seek to be reassured as to reassure;
to be praised, as to praise;
to be accepted, as to accept;
for it is in all our uncertainty that we are inspired to hope;
it is in great challenges that we discover our greatest joys,
and it is in our community of wanderers that we find the way home.
Amen.
Autism Awareness Carnival Flyer for April 2026 (1).pdf
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