ABOUT ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition that impacts typical brain growth. As a spectrum disorder, ASD has a wide variation in how it affects each person (their needs, skills and abilities). However there are some common characteristics including difficulties with communication and social interactions, repetitive interests and activities, and stereotypic motor behaviours.

ASD occurs in approximately 1 in every 68 births, and may appear during the first three years of life. It is four to five times more common in boys than girls — affecting 1 in every 40 boys — and is the most common neurological disorder in children. Given the 1 in 68 prevalence rate, it is estimated that there are approximately 60,000 people affected by ASD in BC – 10,000 under the age of 19 and 50,000 adults.

The cause, or causes, of ASD are still unknown and, for now, there is no cure.

There are effective treatment and intervention methods that can help individuals, and their families, address the characteristics of the disorder. Early interventions based on best practices are intended to help children with ASD to develop skills, to learn to communicate effectively, to share in family life, and to enjoy success at school.

Children and parents can benefit from intervention and community supports and with this assistance an increasing number of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder may be able to live independently.

Autism Society of BC:
autismbc.ca

Autism Speaks Canada:
autismspeaks.ca

Autism Information Services BC (AIS BC):
autisminfo.gov.bc.ca

Autism Canada:
autismcanada.org

ACT-Autism Community Training:
actcommunity.ca

University of Washington Autism Center (Video):
depts.washington.edu/uwautism/resources

Autism Support Network:
autismsupportbc.ca

CASDA:
asdalliance.org/English/casda

Canucks Autism Network:
canucksautism.ca

Autism Okanagan:
autismokanagan.ca

Janus Academy (Calgary):
janusacademy.org

MSSNG
mss.ng