Autism Awareness Day is tomorrow and Canadian organizations and charities are helping to support the cause.
Autism Awareness Day in Canada is recognized on Apr. 2, after the World Autism Awareness Day Act was passed in November of 2012.
Autism awareness month is acknowledged in many countries around the world in April, although in Canada it takes place in Oct.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), such as Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, is a complex and lifelong developmental condition, typically appearing in early childhood development that can impact a person’s communication, social skills, relationships and self regulation, according to the Autism Society.
“The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees,” the Autism Society says.
Although there is no single cause for Autism, early diagnosis are believed to help those with the condition receive supportive resources through choices and opportunities to each their full potential.
Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is a government-funded program where caregivers can register and receive funding and service opportunities.
However, waitlists for children experiencing autism have doubled under Ford’s administration after claims of revamping the program in 2019 to register and fund more families.
The Ontario Autism Coalition (OAC) reports over 50 000 children waiting for autism services and urges Ontarians to contact their MPP to answer for unmet commitments made by the government. The OAC accepts donations.
Autism Speaks Canada, is a charity founded in 2006 and works towards building inclusive communities where autistic Canadians can reach their full potential.
Autism Speaks Canada reports “approximately 1 in 66 children and youth are autistic,” in Canada, a figure also written in a report of the National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System in 2018.
Learn more about autism awareness in Canada here.
