|
|
|
2006 Recipients of the London Fire Fighters Valentines Gala Charity Fundraiser ASO Mission! "To ensure that each individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder is provided the means to achieve quality of life as a respected member of society." What is Autism? Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life: it is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. Autism and its associated behaviours have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals. It is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and includes persons from all racial, ethnic, social, family income, lifestyle, and formal education level sectors. Autism impacts the typical development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. They find it hard to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviour may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. It is estimated that over 20,000 people in Ontario today have autism or some form of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. It is one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism. What is Autism Society Ontario? The Autism Society Ontario is the leading source of information and referral on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. Members are connected through a volunteer network of 29 Chapters through the province of Ontario. The mission of Autism Society Ontario is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum and their families, to be fully included, participating members of their communities. ASO is guided by its Board of Directors, composed primarily of parents of individuals with autism, a host of volunteers and respected professionals who provide expertise and guidance to the Society on a volunteer basis. ASO is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. The Society and its chapters share common goals of providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services for the autism community.
Autism Society of Ontario |
|
