Frequently Asked Questions

What is autism?
What does it mean to be “on the spectrum”?
How common is autism?
How did my child develop autism?
Are vaccines to blame?
Is there a cure for autism?
How can I tell if my child has autism?
What do I do if I suspect my child has autism?
After a diagnosis, how do I get my child the help he needs?
How do I deal with this diagnosis?
Will my child be able to attend “regular” school?
What services and supports are available in my local community?
My “child” is an “adult” – what programs, services and supports are available for this age group?

What is autism?
Autism, part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. The disorder is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviours. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. One milder form of the disorder is known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Other developmental disorders that fall under the Autism Spectrum Disorders are Rett Syndrome, PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviours in their child or their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe a child who was developing normally and then lost skills. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait: speak to your family doctor or pediatrician about getting your child screened for autism.

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What does it mean to be “on the spectrum”?
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means it presents very differently in each person. A diagnosis can range from mild to severe, and though individuals who have it (i.e., who are “are on the spectrum”) are likely to exhibit some similar traits, they're also as distinct as the colours of a rainbow, each one managing a grab bag of symptoms that can vary across different time periods (morning, evening, night), age ranges or different environments (school, home, stores). Often you will hear parents, researchers or service providers say autism is a “heterogeneous” disorder or “you meet one person with autism and you meet one person with autism.” What does this mean? While one person with autism may rarely speak and have difficulty learning how to read and write, another can be so high-functioning he's able to attend classes in a mainstream school. Yet another child may be so sensitive to the feel of fabric that all tags must be cut off before he wears a piece of clothing, while his friend who's also autistic may not have any sensory issues at all.

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How common is autism?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, autism affects as many as 1 in every 150 children in that country. The statistics are the same in Canada. U.S. government statistics suggest the rate of autism is rising 10 to 17 percent annually. Unfortunately, the numbers appear to be continuing their upward climb. Studies suggest boys are four times more susceptible than girls to developing autism – so 1 out of 94 boys are now suspected of being on the spectrum, with perhaps more going undiagnosed to this day. That said, when girls are diagnosed, research suggests that on average, they appear to manifest a more severe form of the disorder than their male counterparts. Currently, more children are diagnosed with autism than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Rarely do you find someone who is not personally touched by autism or does not know someone through friends, family and work colleagues who is affected by autism in some way.

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How did my child develop autism?
No one knows for sure. This is one of the key research questions for Autism Speaks. Though it's understandable to expect that a disorder as common as autism would have a known cause, in many ways it's still quite mysterious. Recent studies suggest a strong genetic basis for autism – up to 20 sets of genes may play a part in its development. Genetics alone, however, can't account for all the cases, and so scientists are also looking into possible environmental origins, as well as other triggers.

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Are vaccines to blame?
Though the debate over the role that vaccines play in causing autism grows more heated every day, researchers have still not found a definitive link between the two. According to organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, there's just not enough evidence to support the contention that vaccines – specifically thimerosal-containing vaccines – cause children to develop autism. One study published in the medical journal Lancet faulting the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot has since been questioned by its own authors, and many others studies have also failed to pass scientific muster. Still, the accusations continue, largely from parents of children on the spectrum, and it's easy to understand why: There are still no answers to this day about what's causing a disorder that appears to be steadily expanding its reach. To read the Autism Speaks policy on Vaccine Safety and Research, please click here.

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Is there a cure for autism?
Unfortunately, experts have been unable thus far to come up with a cure for autism. Many treatments and therapies have surfaced since the disorder has grown more visible in the mainstream press, but reputable doctors have yet to agree on any that will reverse the diagnosis. But there's hope: Scientists are hard at work every day finding a solution for this growing problem. Until a cure is discovered, parents have been relying on early intervention programs such as applied behavior analysis, or ABA, and other therapies and interventions to mitigate the behaviours and other medical issues associated with autism. For some, these treatments have proven to be very successful, helping individuals on the spectrum lead full and active lives. Funding research into treatments and helping individuals with autism is a key element of Autism Speaks science portfolio.

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How can I tell if a child has autism?
No two children with autism are alike, but there are some signs that many of them share and that experts agree may be as recognizable as early as the toddler years, or even sooner. Children on the spectrum generally have difficulty relating to others; they may hardly speak, and if they do, they may not communicate in ways that other people can easily understand (they may screech loudly when they're upset, for example, instead of crying). They don't usually sustain eye contact and have trouble reading social cues. They're also prone to repetitive behaviours such as flapping their hands constantly or uttering the same phrase over and over again. They may also be more sensitive than typically developing children, or dramatically less so, to sights, sounds and touch. Click here to learn some of the early warning signs for autism. If you suspect your child may have autism, don’t wait! Speak to your doctor or pediatrician immediately.

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What should I do if I suspect my child may have autism?
Don't wait! Talk to your doctor about getting your child screened for autism. New research shows that children as young as 6 to 12 months may exhibit some of the early warning signs of autism, so recognizing early signs and knowing developmental milestones is important. Without a definite cure, early intervention is key for maximizing a child’s outcomes. For more information on developmental milestones, click here.

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After a diagnosis, how do I get my child the help he needs?
You can start by making sure he has a reputable healthcare team by his side. That means finding doctors, therapists, psychologists and teachers who understand and have experience with autism and can respond to your child’s shifting needs appropriately. Ask your child's pediatrician to recommend a developmental pediatrician or psychologist with whom you can consult about the next steps. She, in turn, can guide you toward various intervention programs and suggest interventions or therapies. The availability of government funding and programs varies significantly by province and accessing these entails significant wait times, so it’s important to get on the list for services or funding as soon as possible.

You may get information on provincial funding and services available through one of the following provincial government websites listed below. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Autism Speaks Canada at 1-888-362-6227 or via email at autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org

British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland/Labrador
Yukon
Nunavut
Northwest Territories

If you are comfortable doing so, it also helps to plug into an already existing network of parents facing the same challenges as you through local support groups.

Autism Speaks Canada is building a Family Services Database to first collect and then provide information on local programs and services. Click here to submit a service or search for programs in your area that have been submitted to date.

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How do I deal with this diagnosis?
First, be kind to yourself. A diagnosis of autism is often a shock and comes with worry and varying degrees of fear and frustration. Accept any and all feelings the diagnosis may elicit, and do your best not to blame yourself – you did not cause your child’s autism. The next step is to arm yourself with all the facts about the disorder. This website is a great place to start as the information presented to families is balanced and based on the most up-to-date science-evidenced-based practices. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the more capable you'll feel about helping your child and supporting your family. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need additional support, it’s important to speak to your own doctor who can direct you to professional help.

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Will my child be able to attend “regular” school?
Most likely yes. Some children require more support than others in a school setting and availability of supports and programs varies across provinces. For information on each province’s policies and/or programs with respect to children with special needs including autism, click on the corresponding links below.

British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland/Labrador
Yukon
Nunavut
Northwest Territories

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What services and supports are available in my local community?
Autism Speaks Canada is building a Canadian Family Services Database to collect and provide information on local services, programs and supports. We need your help to build this database. Please click here to submit a service or find out what is available in your area.

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My “child” is an “adult” – what programs, services and supports are available for this age group?
There is no question that services, support and programs for our adult populations are sorely lacking across Canada. Autism Speaks Canada is committed to making this a priority in the development of a National Autism Strategy. Please submit any services and programs that you are aware of to the Canadian Family Services Database so that others are informed about what is available and where. Click here to share your information.