AUTISM SOCIETY CANADA - ASC Today Newsletter, April 2008

Welcome to ASC Today
April, 2008

Thank you to our readers for your encouragement and support. ASC Today will keep you informed about ASC's activities and provide you with current information and links to the latest Canadian ASD community news.

On the Page: ASD Community Voices

	Meet Jackie Barrett When it comes to Autism treatment, I am very frustrated when I hear there’s a “cure” for Autism. I believe there will never be a cure for Autism, but it doesn’t mean that the person can’t have a successful life if he/she receives early intervention... [read more]
	Meet Jason Oldford I hope that one day people with autism will get all the help they need to succeed in society as people with autism. This includes the necessary treatments and services, but above all, what is needed is acceptance... [read more]
	Meet Georges Huard Pour un autiste, l'environnement doit être consistant, et prévisible et tout doit être cédulé comme à l'école. Planifier les activités de la maison peut être difficile pour une personne qui, comme ma mère, préfère être spontanée. [suite]

April 2nd, 2008
World Autism Awareness Day

Autism Society Canada joins other organizations around the world in welcoming this opportunity to celebrate the unique strengths of our Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community and to bring world attention to the critical and complex needs of individuals and families living with autism. Read ASC's Press Release: [eng] [fre]

World Autism Awareness Day: Nova Scotia Autism Support Groups Call Government to Action... [read more]

Avril, le Mois de L’Autisme au Quebec : Nicola Ciccone, Porte-Parole, Montréal, le 1er avril 2008 — C’est sous le thème Les multiples visages de l’autisme que la Fédération québécoise de l’autisme et des autres troubles envahissants du développement (FQATED) et ses seize associations régionales souligneront le Mois de l’autisme 2008 au Québec... [suite]

AutismConnects has recently developed an interactive Service Map allowing individuals and service providers to find available ASD services and information. Make your services known!

View promotional poster. [HTML] [PDF]

AutismConnects invites people with ASDs, their families and friends, educators, therapists, service providers, organizations, researchers, legislators and volunteers – anyone with an interest in autism and a desire to improve the health and quality of life of people with ASDs – to become a member.

View promotional poster. [HTML] [PDF]

Join AutismConnects

Research News

Miriam Foundation Releases Screening Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children: Canadian Best Practice Guidelines (2008).

See our website for more research news

Read all current ASD News Stories

What's New?

Hear Elyse Bruce's Podcasts on Autism and Bullying: http://mic.mypodcast.com/

Raising a Kid with Special Needs: The Complete Canadian Guide by Lisa Bendall (Key Porter Books).

Raising a Kid with Special Needs is a guidebook with a heart. It's full of helpful tips and resources for families dealing with all manner of disabilities, on topics from preschool to puberty, from marital stress to tax credits. But as important as the book's practical info are the stories of real children and parents who are navigating this amazing journey and finding joy along the way. Author Lisa Bendall delivers it all in a voice that's clear-eyed, compassionate and encouraging. – Caroline Connell, Editor-in-Chief, Today's Parent.

Upcoming Events

April 23 - 24, 2008: Stages of Autism: Adolescence and Beyond. Presented by Woodview Autism Support Services and The Offord Centre at McMaster University. For parents, educators, service providers, and healthcare practitioners. At the Hamilton Convention Centre, Hamilton, ON.

Le 7 avril 2008 à 19h : Première du film BEN-X à Montréal, une invitation à découvrir un adolescent autiste pas ordinaire. Cinéma Quartier Latin, 350 rue Émery à Montréal, Québec

See our website for autism events across Canada

Run the Dream!

On behalf of Autism Society Canada’s Board Members from across the country and our staff here at ASC, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Jonathan Howard and his support team for undertaking a courageous and exciting 2008 cross-Canada journey to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders and to raise funds to support the important work of Canadian autism organizations. Jonathan’s motto - "Dream as though you've never failed" is inspiring for all and a perfect fit with our mission to help all Canadians with Autism Spectrum Disorders reach their full potential.

Children, youth and adults with ASDs and their families from coast-to-coast will be watching and cheering Jonathan on as he Runs the Dream!

Kathleen Provost, Executive Director, Autism Society Canada

Big cheer from Come By Chance:
Cross-Canada runner gets warm welcome... [read more at The Packet]

Ontario Teacher with Aspergers Nominated for 2007-2008 Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence

Autism Society Canada would like to congratulate CaroleAnn MacDonald, B.A., B.Ed. who is a teacher with Asperger Syndrome at Greenbriar Public School in Brampton, Ontario. Ms. MacDonald has been nominated for a Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence in the category of Teacher of the Year.

A certified teacher in Ontario, currently teaching in a self-contained class with students diagnosed with high-functioning Autism. Ms MacDonald is working on her final course for completion of her Masters in Education at York University in the Faculty of Education, specializing in disability, children and the law. She also collaborated with Parashoot Productions Inc. in the production of the Autism Ontario DVD, What Do You See When You See me?, a DVD designed to promote autism awareness among elementary students and dispel common myths and stereotypes about ASDs.

Ms. MacDonald is a mother and is also an adult diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

In his congratulatory letter, Premier Dalton McGuinty acknowledges CaroleAnn's unique contributions: “When you bring out the best in your students and help them to uncover their talents and abilities, you are giving them an incredible gift.”

Let’s hope the Premier truly lives by his words and supports targeted education for students with ASDs across the province!

The Premier’s Award for Teaching was established to recognize exceptional educators and staff.

ASD Arts!

Autism Society Canada is compiling materials to showcase the creative work of people with ASDs. A new page on the ASC website (coming soon) will link to a range of artwork on the world wide web. If you would like to share your own work, or know of work that should be included on the page, please contact ASC.

Thank You to Our Generous 2007 Supporters

Don Hiltz and Sylvie Audet reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on October 12, 2007. As part of their challenge, Don and Sylvie generously supported children with ASDs by raising funds for Autism Society Canada during Canadian Autism Awareness Month.

ASC thanks all of its supporters.

Your support and partnerships help us to keep ASD issues in the public spotlight.

Raise Awareness

	Order Your ASC Puzzle Pin Today
	Order Your ASC Wristband Today

Donate Now!

ASC is committed to creating better lives and opportunities for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families and communities. We need your support to continue providing vital services to people affected by ASDs. You can make a difference by donating to ASC. Please help us so we can continue to help others.

Visit our Website

Autism Society Canada (ASC)
is a national incorporated non-profit charitable organization, founded in 1976. ASC is a federation of Canada-wide provincial and territorial autism societies or their equivalent. ASC represents the largest collective voice of the autism community in Canada. The Provincial and Territorial Autism Societies and their member groups in each region provide direct support to people with ASDs and their families.

More about ASC

Our Vision

That people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) achieve their individual potential and that they and their families have universal access to the resources they require.

Our Goals

Increase awareness and understanding of ASDs and participation of individuals with ASDs.

Promote federal policies, programs, and legislation that respond to the needs of the Autism community.

Promote evidence-based services/treatment, best practices and standards.

Promote ASD Research.