The prevailing perception of autism in the public's imagination has always been that of the idiot-savant. This perception was further enforced in the movie 'Rain Man' which depicted a person (played by Dustin Hoffman) who had an extreme case of autism. Autism is much wider in scope, however, and afflicts many children today. Autism deserves to be on our social agenda.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and occurs four times more with boys than with girls. It results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. Genetic factors are thought to play an important role in autism but no gene has yet been discovered. If not effectively treated, it can be an incapacitating lifelong handicap. Delayed social and language social skills, inability to interact with peers, lack of social recoprocity, repetitive play, unusual interests and motor mannerisms are common symptoms of autism. One in every 165 children in Canada is estimated to have an autism spectrum disorder. Intervention and educational and behavioral programs aimed at improving interpersonal skills and decreasing repetitive behaviours are common forms of treatment for autism. This costs money and the average annual cost per Canadian living with autism or a related disorder is $29 000 (based on a 70-year lifespan). This translates into a lifetime cost per person of $2 million. Obviously, our current system is mostly ineffective as it provides inaccesible treatments with little government support. Autism is on the rise and we are not in a position to help families who have to provide and care for children with autism.
Research and services for autism in Canada generally lags behind its counterparts in Europe and the United States. It is only with the appointment of world reknowned Dr. Eric Fombonne at the Montreal Children's Hospital, that Canada has begun to medically play a constructive and positive role.
What is a concern is that we allow for children to move along life with this condition. With proper early diagnosis and help we can help children manage with autism with a combination of proper medication and social treatments. Autism is a fascinating disorder but it is a nightmare for families as some can be severely strained with an autisitic child. They deserve proper services and help. Public awareness has to be increased and more importantly it has to evolve. Autism is a new frontier and we can most certainly make a difference.
Treasured Souls is a Foundation for Autism Spectrum Disorders. We are a volunteer organization based in Montreal committed to supporting research that will improve the health and quality of life of individuals living with autism spectrum disorders. Founded in 2004, the Foundation works in collaboration with the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Clinic at the Montreal Children's Hospital. Our goal is to increase public awareness of autism spectrum disorders, fund local research initiatives and expand services for individuals and families living with autism. Contact information will be available shortly.
Statistics provided by Canadian National Autism Foundation, Autism Society Canada and Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network
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