Autism

Did you know...

Health Canada is providing $1 million in support of a National Chair for Autism Research and Intervention at Simon Fraser University.

Studies show that signs of autism are usually present by three years of age and it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
ASD can be characterized along a spectrum, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and often including repetitive behaviour and difficulties with social interaction, communication and learning (in the usual settings).
International studies indicate that about one in every 150-160 children has autism.
Diagnosis involves a number of different measures and screening tools, many based on observation by a team of professionals

Many individuals with ASD have trouble communicating with others or difficulty with regular social interactions. Other signs include a tendency toward repetitive behaviours, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. ASD develops differently from person to person, and the effects can range from relatively mild to debilitating. Unlike some conditions, there is no "typical" person with ASD.

No one knows the cause of autism, although there is strong evidence that genetics plays a role. Ongoing research is investigating many possibilities including genetic influences, pre- and post-natal development, environmental factors and immune deficiencies. ASD is not infectious, cannot be caught and, is not caused by parents' behaviour or style of parenting.

Despite the frequency of ASD, there is much that is unknown about these disorders. More research is needed to better understand the incidence, causes, and most effective interventions.

What is Health Canada Doing?

To address Autism Spectrum Disorders, Health Canada:

Works with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to co-ordinate research and surveillance.
Supports Canada's capacity to address autism through efforts to enhance awareness and knowledge around the condition.
Supports Canada's health researchers in their efforts to better understand optimal treatments for spectrum disorders such as autism.
Fosters collaboration between partners and stakeholders to share expertise.

Federal Activities to Improve Autism Knowledge and Awareness

Health Canada is providing $1M in support of a National Chair for Autism Research and Intervention at Simon Fraser University.
Since 2001, Canadian Institutes for Health Research has invested $26.1M in autism-related research.
The federal government is hosting a National Autism Research Symposium in November 2007.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with partners and stakeholders to examine the feasibility of autism surveillance.

What is 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 key to ensuring the health of Canadians. Furthermore, because health is an issue which affects all Canadians, the federal government supports sharing of best practices and communication amongst partners, stakeholders, and the population at large. The management and delivery of health care in Canada is the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments.

View the Government of Canada's Response to the report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology Pay Now or Pay Later -- Autism Families in Crisis.

News and Announcements from the Health Portfolio

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.

Canadian Organizations

International Organisations

For other information on autism, visit the Canadian Health Network.

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