Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
The number of Canadian children being diagnosed with autism is growing at an alarming rate.
Latest statistics show that autism now affects one in 88 children, according to Autism Speaks Canada. Just four years ago, that number was one in 150.
“Autism continues to be a really big issue,” said Elaine Rounds, organizer of the local Autism Awareness Walk to be held on Sunday. “You wonder if the numbers are going to change again, and be even more prevalent than it already is.”
Rounds is the grandmother of triplets who have autism, and knows first-hand the challenges that come with the disorder.
“Having one child with autism is a serious challenge, and having three is an even greater challenge,” Rounds said. “Our boys are all at different grade levels because of how autism has affected their abilities to learn. But we’re grateful because at this point all of them are integrated into a regular classroom.”
Rounds’ three grandsons are 14 years old and live in New York. She has taken it upon herself to volunteer with the Westman Autism Parent Support Group and help other families who are dealing with autism.
“Being involved in the support group, helping them with awareness, raising money and doing whatever I can to help is basically my way of contributing to the Westman community,” Rounds said.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the ability to communicate and interact with others to varying degrees and is considered a spectrum disorder. Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between two and three years of age.
According to Autism Speaks Canada, boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism.
October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada and the local support group is hosting an awareness walk on Sunday. The event is being held at the former Fleming School grounds at 1 p.m.
“Basically it’s families that have children with autism and anyone else who wants to join us,” Rounds said. “We’re all coming out and walking together.”
This event is simply for fellowship and awareness, not a fundraiser.
“We’re really doing it ... to have an opportunity for all the families to get together. Lots of families with children who have autism can’t go out in the public in the same way other families do because the children are over-stimulated or they’re very sensitive to noise,” Rounds said. “They have issues that keep them from participating in a lot of what we would call ‘normal’ activities.”
Families, friends and members of the public are invited to join.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition October 12, 2012
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The number of Canadian children being diagnosed with autism is growing at an alarming rate.
Latest statistics show that autism now affects one in 88 children, according to Autism Speaks Canada. Just four years ago, that number was one in 150.
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The number of Canadian children being diagnosed with autism is growing at an alarming rate.
Latest statistics show that autism now affects one in 88 children, according to Autism Speaks Canada. Just four years ago, that number was one in 150.
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