About AAFS – Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary

AAFS provides respite care in a social and recreational environment for children, youth and adults on the spectrum of Autism; this includes, but is not limited to, Autism, Aspergers, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder.

AAFS is both dreamt-up and made a reality by the youth themselves. We envision and facilitate the implementation of programming where our youth can choose their own adventures and have a hand in every intricate detail of each activity regardless of how difficult it is to conceptualize or organize. We work with them, for them.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Everyone deserves to be accepted exactly as they are.
Everyone needs a community where they feel they belong.
Differences are strengths, and individuality should be celebrated.
Social growth happens through real experiences, connection, and taking safe risks.
Every person deserves the opportunity to explore, participate, and experience the world in their own way.
Meaningful relationships and friendships are essential to a fulfilling life.
Potential matters more than limitations.
Being part of a community means being a friend among friends, not just present, but truly included.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Everything we do is grounded in a simple philosophy, one that shapes how we support our members, build relationships, and create a sense of belonging.

CARE in Action

Community

Everyone deserves a sense of community. We don’t just create it, we build it, and we are part of it.

Acceptance

Acceptance starts with the self. We model and teach acceptance in everything we do, supporting our members in being accepted by others and in embracing who they are.

Relationships

Genuine relationships create lasting impact. Our relationship-based approach supports not only our members, but also the staff and volunteers who remain connected to AAFS long after their time with us.

Experience

Everyone deserves to experience the world in their own way. We encourage exploration without rigid expectations, supporting each member to engage with environments in ways that are meaningful to them.

We bring CARE to life through:

Play

Play is essential to development at every age. It supports cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being—and it’s at the heart of what we do.

Adventure & Risk

Adventure is an essential part of life, and growth often involves risk. We provide a safe environment where members can take appropriate risks, explore, and learn through experience.

Resilience

Resilience is key to long-term success. We create opportunities for members to solve problems, overcome challenges, and build confidence in their ability to bounce back.

OUR WHY

We exist so people with autism can be their best selves, living fully, building meaningful relationships, and belonging in a world rooted in acceptance, connection, and joy.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to create an accepting environment where people in the autism community can build friendships, grow social skills, and feel connected to the world around them.

OUR VISION

Our vision is a world without barriers to acceptance, where everyone is free to live a fulfilling life filled with connection, friendship, and play.

OUR VALUES

We believe everyone deserves to be themselves, fully and without judgment.
We support our members in understanding and embracing their unique qualities, because those differences are a source of strength. In a supportive community, this confidence grows into real-world social and life skills
We go beyond teaching social skills. We help members develop social thinking, which is the ability to understand themselves, relate to others, and navigate everyday situations with awareness and respect.
Our frontline team, known as Social Experience Guides (SEGs), lead with empathy and respect. Modelling these values helps each member build a stronger sense of self, confidence, and belonging.