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
What Is Autism (ASD)? A Complete Guide for Canadian Families
The word “spectrum” means that autistic people differ a lot from each other.
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What Is Autism (ASD)? A Complete Guide for Canadian Families ASD stands for autism spectrum disorder. The word “spectrum” means that autistic people differ a lot from each other. Autism is not an illness or disease. Only a qualified professional can make this diagnosis. Registration date determines OAP waitlist position, so registering promptly after diagnosis is important. Read the guide www.endthewaitontario.com/what-is-autism
Download English captions (WebVTT)The word “spectrum” means that autistic people differ a lot from each other. A short explainer with music and captions. 39 seconds.
Next
- Running time 0:52 Getting a diagnosis
ADOS-2 Test
A trained clinician sets up short activities and watches how a person communicates, plays and interacts. - Running time 0:54 Getting a diagnosis
Adult Autism Diagnosis in Ontario: Routes, OHIP, Wait Times
CAMH says a physician or a nurse practitioner makes the referral. - Running time 0:53 Getting a diagnosis
Autism and ADHD: Understanding Co-Occurrence in Ontario
Research shows that ADHD commonly co-occurs with autism.
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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