April 2, 2014
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition with a wide range of symptoms that can affect an individual’s behaviour, social interaction abilities, and communication skills. These symptoms may occur in combinations and in degrees of intensity that vary in each child and adult individual affected. Those who live with ASD can also have extraordinary abilities.
We know that better information is needed to help Canadians address the health, social and other impacts of Autism Spectrum Disorder. That';s why, through the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government is building a national surveillance system of developmental disorders, with an emphasis on ASD. This system will provide the important data needed to improve policies and programs for Canadians living with ASD, and their families.
The Government is also supporting a Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment and Care Research with partners at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Autism Speaks Canada, the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA), NeuroDevNet and the Sinneave Family Foundation. This Chair supports research and innovation in the treatment and care of children and adults with ASD. Since 2006, more than $33 million has been invested in ASD research through CIHR.
Most recently, the 2014 Economic Action Plan committed $15 million over three years to support the Ready, Willing and Able initiative of the Canadian Association for Community Living and CASDA to connect persons with developmental disabilities with jobs. An additional $11.4 million over four years was pledged to support the Sinneave Family Foundation and Autism Speaks Canada as they move to expand a network of vocational training programs in centres across Canada that will help to create employment opportunities for individuals with ASD.
These initiatives will help Canadians with autism, who face unique barriers, reach their full potential.
I would like to applaud organizations across Canada as well as my colleague Mike Lake, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont, for their dedication to raising awareness about ASD and supporting Canadians and their families living with ASD.
Today, on World Autism Awareness Day, I encourage you to learn more and raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
