OVERVIEW

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are the most prevalent of developmental disorders, affecting as many as one in every 165 Canadian children and adolescents. This is more than double the number just 10-15 years ago, and services continue to be overwhelmed by the number of children in need of diagnosis and treatment.

Autism spectrum disorders, which include autism, Asperger syndrome, atypical autism and disintegrative disorder, share the same essential features, specifically, impairments in communication and social interaction combined with restricted interests and patterns of behaviour.

Clinical signs of ASD can be observed as early as 18 months, and can be distinguished from other atypical patterns of development. Yet the average age of diagnosis is approximately 4 years, more than 2 years after most parents first note symptoms.

Researchers at the Offord Centre for Child Studies are working to improve early detection and intervention so that children with ASD and their families can lead better lives. Their work includes investigating the genetic causes of autism, studies designed to track the development and outcomes of these children over time, and attempts to find the most cost-effective forms of early intervention that meet the varying needs of children with this condition.