What is Autism?

The latest statistics indicate 1 in 200 Canadian children are affected by autism, an increase of 600% in the past 10 years. What was once viewed as a rare disorder is now recognized as the most common neurological disorder affecting children.

Parents are desperate for services and support, and overwhelmed by the lack of access to them. Geneva Centre for Autism is Canada's leading clinical, training and support centre for children with autism and their families. Ten years ago, an average of 40 new families came to the Centre annually for help with their children. Now 60 new families contact us each month.

Autism is a neurological disorder affecting communication, social interaction skills and behaviour. It usually manifests during the first three years of life. Impaired social interaction is its hallmark symptom as children with autism have serious problems relating to others and often avoid looking at people. Fifty percent are non-verbal and up to eighty percent are intellectually challenged, with only a few demonstrating the fantastic mathematical and artistic abilities exhibited by Dustin Hoffman's character in the film "Rainman". Many children with autism do not have even one friend. This is very stressful to them and to their families.

Individuals with autism may exhibit repeated body movements, unusual responses to people or attachments to objects, resistance to changes in routine, and extreme sensory sensitivity. This often includes severe reactions to noise and touch. This means that significant levels of supervision are required.

Although a specific cause of autism is not known, current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain. Research suggests there is a genetic base to the disorder and is currently focusing on several specific genes.

There is no known cure for autism but effective, structured intervention combining education, support and training provide children with autism with the skills necessary for successful integration, participation and acceptance in our society.

For more information on autism and Geneva Centre for Autism, please contact us at 416-322-7877, or visit our web site at www.autism.net.

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