Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, language, and communication, and by rigid and repetitive behavior, it can be disabling in many and varied ways. In North America and Europe, the incidence of autism is estimated to be 6.5%.

It is an edifying and meaningful component of a person’s identity, and it defines the ways in which an individual experiences and understands the world around them.

The Laurel Foundation supports program development and research for autistic persons, with the aim of promoting quality of life for persons on the autism spectrum.

Funded Projects

• SFU Autism & Developmental Disorders Lab | Family Quality of Life and ASD: Targeting Hard-to-Reach Groups in BC. Follow up and expansion of initial survey and qualitative analysis that investigated quality of life among families caring for a child with ASD in the province of BC. Specifically, targeted hard-to-reach and vulnerable families across the province. Dr Grace Iarocci (SFU) & Dr. Emily Gardiner UBC)
• Autism Befriending Program Study, Dept of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia
• UBC, I Can Do It Myself!: An Evaluation of the Outcomes of a Curriculum Designed to Teach Self-Determination Skills to Adolescents with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Pat Mirenda, UBC and Leslie Jones CBI Consultants Ltd
• Examining Quality of Life in Families of Children with ASD: From Diagnosis to Adulthood
• Discussion Series – SFU ADDL
• Quality of Life and ASD: Targeting Hard-to-Reach Groups in BC
• Zajac Ranch Family Camp 2021 | Empower campers across the Autism Spectrum to participate, develop life-long skills and build independence.

Grants

Grant Application Procedure

The Laurel Foundation will entertain grant applications that conform to the goals and objectives of the Constitution. The Program Committee meets regularly to consider requests for funding and support within the Tri-Cities area of the Lower Mainland in BC. Applications that relate to the priorities of the Laurel Foundation will receive favourable consideration. Funding is available to benefit as many individuals as possible through research, pilot programs and innovative service delivery models. The results are then promulgated and described as successful models on the web site for widespread accessibility to families, professionals and practitioners. Applicants must use the Grant Application Form, and submit it either through the Laurel Foundation website or by email info@laurelfoundation.ca.