World Autism Awareness Day - April 2, 2018

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a significant impact on many Canadians and their families. World Autism Awareness Day is a time to recognize the unique challenges that people with autism and their families face, and how emerging research can advance our understanding of this disorder.

Our government is committed to assisting Canadians living with ASD, and their families, through data collection and investments in research. This World Autism Awareness Day, we are sharing the newly published National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System Report, providing – for the first time – national autism prevalence rates. The report identifies that ASD occurs in 1 in 66 Canadian youth ages 5-17, affecting boys at a rate five times higher than girls – consistent with findings from other countries.

Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, our government is funding research to explore the causes of ASD and discover new therapies. Additionally, Budget 2018 proposes $20 million over five years to support people with autism and their families. Proposals include an inventory of services, employment opportunities and local programming available in various Canadian communities, as well as a national network to support access to online resources. This proposed funding would also support innovative community-based projects that will integrate and strengthen health, social and educational programs while fighting stigma.

We are also working with partners and stakeholders to help those supporting individuals with autism and their families. For example, we are collaborating with the Canadian Paediatric Society to develop clinical assessment guidelines for ASD. These will help healthcare professionals who provide early detection, diagnosis and follow-up care for children and youth with autism.

I would like to recognize the many organizations and individuals across Canada dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians with ASD and their families. On World Autism Awareness Day, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about autism and how each of us can make a real difference to those living with it and the people who support them.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health