  Boundary Autism Society - Embracing Neurodiversity in Community

Schedule First Responder Session

Our Team

Diagnosis Resources

Links and Resources

Boundary Autism Society is dedicated to fostering inclusion for neurodivergent individuals in Grand Forks, BC. We collaborate with local businesses, educate professionals, and support families through tailored programs and resources. Join us in building a more inclusive community for everyone.

A Community Built on Understanding Belonging, Acceptance, and Support

We have partnered with Sasha Tyoschin from Big Effort Swim and the Grand Forks Aquatic Center to provide autism-specific information toward an individualized swim program. Intake is open now, contact us to book!

Thank you, Jillybeans Ice Cream, for donating a portion of sales from rainbow ice cream treats and the line skp option!

Thank you so much to the Phoenix Foundation for their generous grant! 

Thank you Beem Credit Union for your generous donation to the Boundary Autism Society!

Thank you to our generous donors and sponsors!

A group of refugees huddles around a small fire, stretching out their hands to capture its warmth amidst the cold. This image captures a moment of resilience and community as people seek relief from the harsh winter conditions in a Syrian refugee camp. It reflects the struggle for warmth and comfort, highlighting the strength and solidarity of displaced individuals facing the challenges of winter in a conflict-ridden region.

Transgender flag celebrating LGBTQ Pride for June, 2019.

Group of abstract human-like figures arranged in a tree shape, representing diverse family or community connection, standing on a smooth gradient surface with soft ambient lighting.

A child's hands imprint showing their love

Laptop screen with Sweet Life diabetes community website page

'Thank you' sign nailed to a telephone pole, celebrating ICU nurses during the Coronavirus pandemic of 2019/2020.

Picture taken by Ezechiel Djenontin during a ResKP tour // www.reskp.fr

Window sign stating, thank you for supporting local

Create, share, support & build up a vision in a female community.

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 16, 2025) – Expeditionary Medical Facility 150-Bravo from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego joins in welcoming Navy Expeditionary Medical Unit 10 Gulf (EMU-10G) Sailors home at San Diego International Airport. EMU 10G supported State Department personnel during the "12-Day War" and the evacuation of State Department personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Arsenio R. Cortez Jr.)

A little cheer during lockdown in the UK. Rainbows are popping up in the windows of houses to cheer people up.

Creating and facilitating programs that provide support, resources, and guidance for families with neurodivergent members.

Support Programs for Families

Family Information to Access Autism Funding<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/autism-funding/apply">Apply for Autism Funding</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/autism-funding/apply">Autism Funding Unit Forms and Resources</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/data-monitoring-quality-assurance/find-services-for-children-teens-families/sda-grand-forks">Contact Grand Forks MCFD to connect with a Child and Youth with Special Needs Social Worker</a>Finding Service Providers <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/build-your-support-team/registry-autism-service-providers">Registered Autism Service Provider List</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/">NCAEP - Identifying Evidence-Based Interventions</a>Helpful Resources <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://library.aidecanada.ca/">AIDE Canada Online Library</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.autismbc.ca/">Autism BC</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://familysupportbc.com/">Family Support Institute of BC</a>Parent Education Resources<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/">Free Online Videos - Autism Community Training</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://autisminternetmodules.org/">Autism Internet Learning Modules</a>

Links and Resources 

Autism awareness sessions for First Responders are designed to build understanding and awareness in recognizing autism and supporting autistic individuals.*Our workshops are intended to provide general education and awareness and do not replace formal training, certification, or departmental procedures.Education sessions are free and include a sensory support kit with each booking.

Information Presentations for First Responders

The Boundary Autism Society offers supported recreation opportunities designed to reduce barriers and create welcoming, inclusive experiences for neurodivergent individuals and families.Current offerings include sensory-friendly swim nights at the Grand Forks Aquatic Centre, providing a calmer, more accessible environment for participants to enjoy the pool.We are also looking ahead to the upcoming soccer season and will offer leagues focused on participation, enjoyment, and support rather than competition. More information will be shared as the season approaches. If you are interested in coaching, please reach out!Our Community Trainer has partnered with Sasha from Big Effort Swim to develop individualized, supported swim instruction and is seeking participants this Spring. Please get in touch with us if you are interested!

Supported Recreation

Our lending library is coming soon and will include a growing collection of books, parent-friendly reading materials, and hands-on developmental and learning materials. While we will have some traditional books, the library's focus will be on supporting parents in exploring information and materials that may be useful for their child. Families will be encouraged to borrow materials to try at home and discover what works best for their child.

Coming Soon - Resource Lending Library

We collaborate with local businesses and organizations to help create inclusive environments and events that welcome neurodivergent individuals. Community partners are organizations in the Boundary that have taken our educational workshops and maintain contact with our society to better the community for autistic individuals.If your business or organization would like to book an information session or consultation to support people with autism in your community, please contact us by email.

Community Partners

Our Services 

<h3>Our Mission and Community Commitment</h3>Boundary Autism Society is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals in Grand Forks, BC. We recognize the unique challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum and other neurodivergent conditions, and our society is built on the foundation of advocacy, understanding, and community connection. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, whether they live here or are visiting, feels welcomed and valued within our community.<h3>Support and Education Programs</h3>We offer a range of services designed to educate and empower both neurodivergent individuals and the wider community. Our partnerships with local businesses help create inclusive environments. Our educational programs for first responders, community organizations, and local businesses help equip these key community members with the knowledge and skills needed to provide appropriate, accessible support.<h3>Resources and Family Support</h3>We recognize the significance of family in the journey of neurodivergent individuals. The Boundary Autism Society offers resources and support networks to local families. From guidance and informational materials to community events and peer support groups, we strive to create a network of care and connection.Our society is composed of people with lived experience who are more than happy to help families connect with resources and navigate support for their child(ren). Please contact us by email to arrange a meeting with a mentor parent to help you navigate services and the autism funding process.

Advocating for and Fostering Inclusion in the Boundary

Our community partners are businesses and community groups that have partnered with us to offer special events and have attended our autism information workshops. Thank you, partners! We could not achieve our goals without you.

Our Community Partners

Autism Awareness Month fundraising bracelets.

Photo Gallery

Photographie faisant partie de la série de photographies "Letters" : Community

help support social distancing on the bridge in Chelsea

Protest Demonstration – End Fossil Fuels // Global Climate Strike 09-15-2023 – FFF Fridays for Future

I pass by this building everyday to work.  I always thought it was a bit sad the message of ‘support’ and ‘community’ was around the steel bar window.

Media encourages community during covid 19 health crisis

we are in this togather , please stay home
my instagram @dhaya_edd

Protest of the Religious Discrimination Bill by LGBTQI+ Activists in Sydney, Australia (Feb 12, 2022)

Autism Awareness Information Presentation

Autism information presentations for First Responders are designed to build understanding and awareness in recognizing autism and supporting autistic individuals.

These offerings are informational and do not replace formal training, certification, or departmental procedures.

This session is intended to provide general education and awareness and does not replace departmental policies, procedures, or formal training requirements.

Information presentations are free and include a sensory support kit.

Boundary Autism Society Contact

Sam is passionate about neurodivergence. She is a mother of a neurodiverse child, and this realization spurred her learning journey about autism five years ago. Sam's learning journey led her to discover her neurodivergence and contribute her knowledge and passion toward positive change for neurodivergent people in her community. Sam finds fulfillment in building connections and support within the Boundary, bringing a grounded realness to our team.

Sam Popoff

Treasurer / Director

Amanda Bugeaud is our community trainer. She has been a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst since 2019 and has 15 years of experience supporting autistic individuals. Like many of our members, Amanda is a mother of neurodiverse children and has a personal understanding of neurodiversity. Amanda is an advocate with experience working with families, community organizations, and schools. With a neurodiversity affirming and strength-based lens in her practice, Amanda has a passion for training community organizations to make a more inclusive, informed and welcoming community.

Amanda Bugeaud MPEd, BCBA

Secretary / Director / Community Trainer

Shena is the founder of the Boundary Autism Society, a dedicated wife, and a proud mother of three wonderful children. Her youngest son was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and is non-speaking. Shena’s advocacy journey began after an RCMP constable visited her son’s classroom—a visit that revealed a gap in first responder training for interacting with autistic individuals. Together, they created an emergency plan for her son, but Shena knew more needed to be done.Driven by a deep commitment to inclusion and safety, she founded the Boundary Autism Society to bring meaningful programs and services to the Boundary region for neurodivergent individuals. Shena is grateful to be joined by an incredible team that shares her passion for building a more welcoming, informed, and supportive community for everyone.

Shena Dovedoff 

Founder / President / Director

Linda Daloise

Director

Ethan is the Vice-President of the Boundary Autism Society. He brings insight and lived experience of the autistic mind to help our decision making and is the autistic voice of our organization.

Ethan Laktin

Vice - President

Team

Organized community events tailored to be sensory-friendly, ensuring accessibility and comfort for neurodivergent individuals.

Sensory Friendly Events

Community outreach programs aimed at increasing awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity across all age groups.

Woman doctor holding red ribbon HIV, world AIDS day awareness ribbon. More of my photos and videos Adobe Stock:http://bit.ly/3RqlciK More of my photos and videos Shutterstock: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/ALEKSANDRBERDYUGIN My email: bermix999@gmail.com

Neurodiversity Awareness Campaigns

Connecting neurodivergent youth with trained mentors to foster personal growth, social skills, and confidence.

Grandson and grandfather are doing homework together at home then doing high-five, old man is showing thumbs-up. Happy loving family and education concept.

Youth Mentorship Programs

Assistance with navigating legal rights and advocating for accommodations in educational and community settings.

Sitting around table discussing diabetes advocacy

Advocacy and Legal Support

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.variety.bc.ca/support/assessments/">Variety Children's Charity Grant for Private Assessment</a>

Funding Support to Access Diagnosis

Private Assessment Service Providers<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.variety.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Autism-Assessment-Partner-Provider-List-Dec10-2025.pdf">Variety Children's Charity List of Private Assessment Service Providers</a>Autism Assessment Process Information<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.interiorhealth.ca/sites/default/files/PDFS/ihcan-brochure.pdf">Interior Health Children's Assessment Network Brochure</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bcdisability.com/autism-diagnosis">BC Disability Diagnostic Assessment Information</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actcommunity.ca/information/autism-diagnosis-in-bc/">Autism Community Training - Diagnosis Information</a>New Diagnosis<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actcommunity.ca/information/autism-diagnosis-in-bc/">Autism Community Training - New Diagnosis Hub</a>

Autism Assessment Resources

Family Information to Access Autism Funding<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/autism-funding/apply">Apply for Autism Funding</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/autism-funding/apply">Autism Funding Unit Forms and Resources</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/data-monitoring-quality-assurance/find-services-for-children-teens-families/sda-grand-forks">Contact Grand Forks MCFD to connect with a Child and Youth with Special Needs Social Worker</a>Finding Service Providers<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/build-your-support-team/registry-autism-service-providers">Registered Autism Service Provider List</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/">NCAEP - Identifying Evidence-Based Interventions</a>Helpful Resources<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://library.aidecanada.ca/">AIDE Canada Online Library</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.autismbc.ca/">Autism BC</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://familysupportbc.com/">Family Support Institute of BC</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://autismoutreach.ca/downloadable-resources/">POPARD Resources</a>Parent Education Resources<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/">Free Online Videos - Autism Community Training</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://autisminternetmodules.org/">Autism Internet Learning Modules</a>Community Accessibility<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://access2card.ca/apply-first-time/">Apply for an Access2 Card</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bcferries.com/accessibility?redir=301">BC Ferries AFI Card</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/special-needs">Westjet - Guests with Special Needs</a>Adult Transition Resources<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actcommunity.ca/information/transition-to-adulthood-hub/">Transition to Adulthood Hub</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actcommunity.ca/information/transition-to-adulthood-hub/">Community Living BC - Planning Information</a>