Autism
Autism is a complex, lifelong condition that affects a person's development, how his or her brain processes information, and his or her interactions with other people. Signs of autism are usually present by three years of age and it is more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Autism is a spectrum disorder. It is defined by certain behaviours which come in combinations and in degrees of intensity that vary in each child and adult affected. The main challenges of autistic children and adults are related to social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication, ability to learn (in the usual settings), repetitive behaviours, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. International studies indicate that about one in every 150-160 children has autism spectrum disorder.
The Government of Canada's Role
The Government of Canada's goal is to promote and preserve the health of all Canadians and for Canada to be among the countries with the healthiest people in the world. To achieve this goal, Health Canada promotes high-quality, scientific research as the basis for its work. Disease surveillance, prevention, control and research are also integral to ensuring the health of Canadians. As with all issues of national importance, Canadians also expect the federal government to facilitate sharing of best practices and expertise.
Management and delivery of health care in Canada is within provincial jurisdiction. Health Canada is responsible for bringing together parties to advance work on health issues of national and inter-provincial concern. Research and surveillance are important building blocks in the development of these best practices. In addition, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada communicate with Canadians about health promotion to enable them to increase control over, and improve, their health. Health Canada also conducts ongoing consultations with Canadians to determine how best to meet their long-term health care needs.
In regards to autism spectrum disorder, Health Canada will be working with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to co-ordinate research, surveillance and education. Health Canada will continue to support individuals with autism, and their families, in the areas of research and policy development. It will also continue to support Canada's health researchers in their efforts to find better treatments for spectrum disorders such as autism. Moreover, the federal government is working to help families and individuals affected by autism and other spectrum disorders to gain access to needed information on programmes, services and benefits for which they might be eligible.
Related Resources
Some of the following hyperlinks are to sites of organizations or other entities that are not subject to the Official Languages Act. The material found there is therefore in the language(s) used by the sites in question.
For other information on autism, visit the Canadian Health Network.
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