1 in 50
According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about 1 in 50 children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
Primary source Public Health Agency of Canada (2024) Verified 2024-03-26
Autism Masking: Hiding Autistic Traits to Fit In
Masking can make it very difficult for clinicians to recognize autism
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Autism Masking: Hiding Autistic Traits to Fit In Autism masking, also called camouflaging, is the practice of hiding or suppressing autistic traits to appear neurotypical. The primary driver of masking is social safety. Masking is a survival strategy, but one that carries a significant cost to mental health, identity, and wellbeing. Masking can make it very difficult for clinicians to recognize autism Seeking assessors with specific experience in masked presentations is important. Read the guide www.endthewaitontario.com/autism-masking
Download English captions (WebVTT)Masking can make it very difficult for clinicians to recognize autism A short explainer with music and captions. 52 seconds.
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- Running time 0:56 Getting a diagnosis
Autism Screening Tools: What They Can and Cannot Tell You
Screening is a brief first step that identifies who should receive a full assessment. - Running time 0:47 Getting a diagnosis
CAMH Adult Autism Assessment in Ontario
A full adult autism assessment, wherever it happens, usually involves developmental history, diagnostic interview, and often standardized measures. - Running time 0:45 Getting a diagnosis
Find the autism diagnosis path in your province
Autism diagnosis involves a full developmental assessment by a qualified professional
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Evidence supports autism screening and intervention commencing in the first 2 years of life — earlier identification directly enables earlier intervention during the highest neural plasticity window
Primary source Zwaigenbaum L, Bauman ML, Stone WL, et al. (2015) Verified 2015-10-01
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism. Timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
Primary source World Health Organization (2025) Verified 2025-09-17
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Last system verification: 2026-11-03. Next scheduled update: 2027-02-01.
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Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
Lived experience: Parent of autistic child in the OAP system