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
Do I Have Autism? Signs, Self-Check & Next Steps
Only a qualified health professional can diagnose autism.
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Do I Have Autism? Signs, Self-Check & Next Steps A self-check can help you decide whether a full assessment is worth asking for. A self-check cannot tell you that you are autistic. Only a qualified health professional can diagnose autism. Many autistic adults also experience anxiety and depression. Autism presents differently in adults than in children, and differently again across individuals. Read the guide www.endthewaitontario.com/do-i-have-autism
Download English captions (WebVTT)Only a qualified health professional can diagnose autism. A short explainer with music and captions. 45 seconds.
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- Running time 0:54 Getting a diagnosis
Family Doctor Autism Referral Guide (Ontario)
Ontario uses the M-CHAT-R/F (18-month and 24-month checkpoints) as a primary-care screening tool. - Running time 0:51 Getting a diagnosis
Find the next right step for an autism assessment
Ask who will complete the assessment and what credentials they hold. - Running time 0:40 Getting a diagnosis
How to Get an Autism Diagnosis Without a Family Doctor in Ontario
Ask the psychologist whether they take direct contact from families or need a referral.
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Facts 3
Sources 3
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