October is Autism Awareness Month and to mark this occasion the Battlefords Autism Parent Support Group held its Walk for Autism Awareness Oct. 15 at the Centennial Park track in North Battleford.
The weather was great and a large number of families and friends came out. Some families walked to 100th Street to Tim Horton's and back and were supported visually by the local RCMP and other motorists passing by.
The purpose of the walk was to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The support of individuals and community partners is key to success in helping families living with autism.
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. ASD is a wide ranging disorder and develops differently in every individual. There is no such thing as a typical autism disorder, because there are wide differences from person to person in the number and kinds of symptoms, as well as the intensity, which can vary from mild to severe. These conditions are life long and have a significant impact on families.
While there is no cure for ASD, many children do benefit from a wide range of treatments. More research is needed to better understand the most effective interventions to help people with ASD reach their full potential.
According to international and Canadian studies, about one in every 150-160 children has autism. Studies also show signs of autism are usually present by three years of age, and it is found four times more often in boys than in girls.
Over the last few years the Saskatchewan Government has been investing in autism treatment programs. Early intervention has been shown to have a significant impact on the development of persons diagnosed with ASD, allowing them to lead normal lives within the community, attending school and leading productive lives.
The Autism Parent Support Group is a parent run organization that gives the parents of autistic children a forum to discuss the ups and downs of raising a child with ASD with other parents who are in the same position.
For more information about the Autism Parent Support Group please call Penny Hilsendager at 306-937-7472.
For more information of treatment programs and support programs contact your health provider.
