• Autism Spectrum Disorder is emerging as one of the most pressing issues of our time; it’s now
one of the fastest-growing medical diagnoses affecting young people today
• It is the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder in Canada at approx 1 in 68 - a ten-fold
increase in prevalence in 40 years
• Autism can affect a person’s social relationships, communication, interests and behaviour which
significantly impedes their ability to learn, work, and lead a fulfilling life
• Has the ability to wreak havoc on society’s future potential, our quality of life, and the
prosperity of our communities
• Families often left to piece together their own treatment plans and must navigate silo’d systems
with no community support