Toys R Us Canada in partnership with Autism Speaks Canada is proud to launch play packs, designed to encourage developmental milestones for children with autism

TORONTO, May 22, 2020 /CNW/ - Toys R Us Canada in partnership with Autism Speaks Canada is excited to announce the launch of their first developmental play packs, designed to encourage specific skill sets in children with autism. The launch celebrates a 10-year partnership between Toys R Us and Autism Speaks Canada, who have raised over $10 million and have made a significant impact by improving access to programs and increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism across Canada.

"Everyday challenges that affect the lives of individuals on the spectrum and their families vary and are only exacerbated by COVID-19. We are working hard and partnering with our friends at Toys R Us Canada to support the autism community during these times." said Jill Farber, Executive Director for Autism Speaks Canada. "We are so grateful for our partners Toys R Us Canada for launching the discounted developmental play packs designed for kids with autism, their in-store campaigns, and sponsoring our walks. Toy R Us Canada plays a pivotal role in helping us improve access to important resources and services for families. We couldn't ask for a better partner."

Designed in collaboration with the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA), each pack focuses on these developmental skills: cognitive development, fine and gross motor skills, play and sensory, social and emotional development as well as speech and language development. 10% of sales from all Developmental Play Packs will be donated to Autism Speaks Canada.

"Toys R Us is thrilled to offer play packs that help with key developmental skills," says Shelley MacDonald, Associate Vice President of Merchandising. "Every child deserves to have the opportunity to learn and develop through play."

Developmental Play Packs are now available for purchase online at https://www.toysrus.ca/en/toysrus/Deals/Developmental-Play-Packs. To donate directly to Autism Speaks Canada and help enhance lives today and build a spectrum of solution for tomorrow for individuals with autism and their families visit www.autismspeaks.ca/donate.

About Toys"R"Us (Canada) Ltd ("Toys "R" Us Canada")
Toys"R"Us Canada has been Canada's dedicated specialty retailer of toys and baby products since 1984. The company brings national brands, exclusive products and unique partnerships to Canadians at its over 80 stores across Canada and through its e-commerce sites Toysrus.ca and Babiesrus.ca. Committed to giving back to its communities, the company focuses its charity efforts on supporting children and their families ? whether enhancing resources and services, helping development through play or offering encouragement to seriously ill children. Toys"R"Us Canada is a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us are registered trademarks owned by Toys"R"Us (Canada) Ltd. All rights reserved.

About Autism Speaks Canada
Autism Speaks Canada is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families by supporting and working with community partners; enhancing resources and services; increasing understanding, acceptance and inclusion of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

Learn more and join the conversation

• Company Website: www.AutismSpeaks.ca
• Walk Website: www.ASCWalk.ca
• Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn @AutismSpeaksCanada
• Twitter @AutismSpeaksCan
• #ASCxTRUPlaypacks

About Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. Causes include a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and many are accompanied by medical issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects 70 million people globally. Approximately 1 in 66 children and youth are diagnosed with ASD in Canada.

SOURCE Autism Speaks Canada