Who We Are

The Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary (AAFS) provides social, life and recreaions skill training for children and youth and the Autism/Aspergers/PDD spectrum. We recognize that everyone has unique social abilities and we do our best to expand on those skills. Our society gives children and youth with ASD a safe environment to learn and practice recreation, social and life skills, make friends and have fun.

In May 2005, The AAFS was incorporated as a not for profit in the province of Alberta. A few months later, the AAFS became a registered charity with Revenue Canada.

The AAFS was founded by a small group of parents who saw a need for social and recreation programming specific to the ASD community. Many kids on the Autism spectrum did not fit traditional day camps or recreation programs for typical children nor did they fit Camps and programs for Children with disabilities. A program was needed that was tailored to their
special social/recreational needs, a program where the staff understood their abilities and they would be accepted for who they are.

The AAFS started as an agency that provided respite care in a recreational environment for ASD kids. The Alberta Government provides respite funding to families that have children with special needs. Families then use this funding to hire private individuals or agencies to work with their children.

In 2005 when AAFS incorporated, there were 8 member families. Today our membership is well over 100 and  growing everyday.