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By Angela Brown

Support for autism

Spike in numbers a concern during Autism Awareness Month

Apr 1, 2019 | 6:01 PM

Autism Awareness Month in April takes on added significance this year with what appears to be an alarming increase in the prevalence of children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The latest data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows one in 59 children in North America is diagnosed with ASD. That’s an increase from one in 68 just two years ago. ASD is four times more likely to be diagnosed in boys.

“Autism is definitely on the rise; every year it is changing,” said Kim Kessler, an occupational therapist with the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s autism program, based out of the Don Ross Centre in North Battleford. “The biggest concern is they still don’t know what causes autism.”

She said experts know there is genetic link that can contribute to a diagnosis, but they don’t know exactly why.

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A further growing concern is trying to meet the increased demand for services for the growing number of those diagnosed, Kessler said.

She said experts don’t know why autism numbers are up. While doctors have gotten better at diagnosing the disorder, that doesn’t justify the spike.

Autism Services of Saskatoon describes ASD as “a complex lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder” that often appears in children up to the age of three. Individuals with autism will have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal social communication and social interactions.

“It’s a spectrum of different abilities. There are lots of people with autism who go on to have very successful careers. There are some people who also have that developmental delay,” Kessler said.

In North Battleford’s autism program, health professionals help referred children and youth on their social and life skills as well as with speech.

The 2019-20 provincial budget set aside $6,000 annually that will be available to families for children under the age of six with an ASD diagnosis for additional support.

Autism Awareness Day

The Saskatchewan Health Authority will hold a fun and informative autism awareness event on April 6 inside the NationsWEST Fieldhouse from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include free snacks, children’s activities and entertainment. Families can also access information about what programs and services in the community are available for families impacted by autism and speak with health professionals.

Kessler said many families participating in the program will also be enjoying the activities and hopes people from the community come to show their support.

One of the big issues for families and individuals dealing with autism is confronting the social stigma.

“There is still a lot of stigma around what autism is and how autism affects people,” Kessler said. “People will often judge parents for children in stores having melt-downs, but don’t really realize that autism can impact these things. It’s not just the kid is being bad.

“We try to raise awareness about what autism really is, and help support those in our community who are impacted by autism and face that stigma every day.”

—

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW