New Initiatives On Autism Spectrum Disorders Announced By Canadian Health Minister

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Main Category: Autism
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Mental Health;  Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 22 Nov 2006 - 10:00 PDT

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Canadian Health Minister, Tony Clement, announced a package of initiatives to improve research and knowledge on ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders). He said the aim will be to help families and individuals who face the challenges of ASD.

Clement said "Canada's New Government recognizes that Autism Spectrum Disorder is an important concern and is committed to working with our partners - provinces, territories and other stakeholders - on this important issue."

Science has not yet pinpointed the exact cause of ASD. It is believed genetics is a factor, however, much more research is needed to better understand why it occurs and how.

The Canadian government has invested almost CA$15 million through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) since 2000. Minister Clement announced the following intentions:

-- To sponsor an ASD Stakeholder Symposium, 2007

-- To establish a research chair focussing on interventions and treatments for ASD

-- A consultation process to see how an ASD surveillance program could be set up through the Public Health Agency of Canada

-- A web page in the Health Canada web site with ASD information and resources

-- To designate the Health Policy Branch of Health Canada as the ASD lead for actions related to ASD at the Federal Health Portfolio level

Minister Clement said "We are confident that these initiatives will help to better address the many challenges individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families are facing."

-- Autism - Health Canada Web Site
-- Autism Canada Foundation
-- Autism Society of America
-- National Autistic Society (UK)
-- Autism Council of Australia
-- Irish Autism Action
-- Autism New Zealand Inc.
-- Asperger's Syndrome - Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis. Yale
-- Autism Network International

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today