April 3, 2024, CTV News Calgary: Autism acceptance aim of World Autism Awareness Day
Acceptance and inclusion is what the Society for Autism Support and Services (SASS) is advocating for this World Autism Awareness Day. . . .
In the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, one in 50 Canadian children were diagnosed with ASD, and SASS says the number is increasing due to a combination of improved diagnosis, but also unknown factors.
SASS is a Calgary-based organization offering a broad range of intervention services for everyone from toddlers, to adults.
"Every Calgarian has a stake in ensuring awareness, acceptance, and appropriate resources and services for individuals with autism and their families," said SASS executive director Dr. Kim Ward.
"Autism acceptance is critical if we want to create a truly inclusive Calgary where autistic citizens are able to thrive."
Ward says, as ASD diagnosis' increase, additional resources from both the government and the private sector are needed.
"For example, government funding for autism treatment services has been frozen since 2014."
