ECHO Autism Saskatchewan

ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a collaborative learning model that connects community participants with interdisciplinary teams of specialists and lived experience partners through virtual sessions focused on real-world practice and discussion.

ECHO programs use an “All Teach, All Learn” approach, recognizing that knowledge is shared across professions, communities, and lived experience perspectives. Sessions typically include brief presentations, case-based discussion, practical strategies, and opportunities for mentorship and peer connection.

Rather than requiring professionals to travel to specialized centres, ECHO helps move knowledge and support closer to home.

ECHO Autism Saskatchewan focuses on supporting professionals, caregivers, and community partners involved in the care, education, and support of autistic children and youth from birth to age 19.

Our programs are guided by neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based approaches and include lived experience perspectives alongside professional expertise.

ECHO Autism Saskatchewan is committed to improving equitable access to autism-focused learning opportunities across Saskatchewan communities, including rural, remote, northern, and urban regions.

Hub teams are developed specifically for each ECHO topic or program and may include healthcare providers, educators, allied health professionals, community partners, autistic individuals, caregivers, and other lived experience experts whose knowledge and perspectives are relevant to the focus of the program.

Many ECHO programs also offer continuing education credits or certificates of participation for eligible professions.

Participation varies depending on the focus of each ECHO program.

Some ECHO programs are designed for professionals working with autistic children and youth, while others are open to broader community participation, including caregivers, autistic individuals, and allies.

Participants in past ECHO Autism Saskatchewan programs have included:

• Physicians and nurse practitioners
• Pediatric specialists
• Psychologists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech-language pathologists
• Social workers
• Educators and school-based professionals
• Mental health professionals
• Community organization staff
• Parents and caregivers
• Autistic individuals and lived experience partners

Early Intervention ECHO

A collaborative learning series focused on supporting young autistic children and their families through neurodiversity-affirming early supports, interdisciplinary practice, and family-centered approaches.

Elementary Years ECHO

Focused on inclusive educational practices, communication, sensory needs, and collaborative approaches for supporting autistic students within school environments, in their communities, and at home.

Diagnostics and Care ECHO

Focused on supporting physicians, nurse practitioners, and psychologists in autism diagnostic assessment and ongoing care for autistic children and youth across Saskatchewan communities.

Spotlight Sessions

Open-access virtual learning sessions featuring lived experience panels, topic-focused presentations, and interactive discussions related to autism, neurodiversity, and community support.

ECHO Autism Saskatchewan supports knowledge sharing and relationship-building across professions, communities, and lived experience perspectives.

Programs are designed to:

• Build autism-related knowledge and confidence
• Increase access to mentorship and collaborative learning
• Support professional development and continuing education
• Strengthen capacity in rural, remote, northern, and urban communities
• Encourage equitable and neurodiversity-affirming practices
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across Saskatchewan

By offering programs virtually and at no cost to participants, ECHO Autism Saskatchewan helps reduce barriers to professional learning and community participation.

Additional ECHO Autism Saskatchewan programs and learning opportunities will be shared here as they become available.

Please check back for future offerings, registration information, and announcements.