Message from the Minister of Health on World Autism Awareness Day

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recent report, autism is the most common neurodevelopmental condition in Canada, affecting 1 in 50 Canadians aged 1-17. Each autistic person is unique and will have different strengths, needs, and challenges throughout their life. Addressing the needs of Autistic Canadians, their families and supporters, requires a coordinated effort. Work is ongoing across sectors and all levels of government, to find better ways to support autistic people and their families.

April 2, 2022 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recent report entitled Autism Spectrum Disorder: Highlights from the 2019 Canadian health survey on children and youth, autism is the most common neurodevelopmental condition in Canada, affecting 1 in 50 Canadians aged 1-17. Each autistic person is unique and will have different strengths, needs, and challenges throughout their life.

Addressing the needs of Autistic Canadians, their families and supporters, requires a coordinated effort. Work is ongoing across sectors and all levels of government, to find better ways to support autistic people and their families.

The Government of Canada is working closely with the autism community to contribute to the shared goal of improving the health and wellbeing of Autistic Canadians. We are also working collaboratively with provinces, territories, families, Indigenous organizations, and other stakeholders toward the creation of a national autism strategy to better support Autistic Canadians, their families and caregivers. Autism affects people across their lifespan, which means that our goals must be comprehensive and inclusive of each stage of life.

Building on this work, as well as the engagement activities and the scientific review undertaken by the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, the Public Health Agency of Canada will hold a national conference in November 2022 to solidify the priorities for action under a national autism strategy.

The discussions during this conference will help further explore key issues around social inclusion, economic inclusion, and evidence-based supports. We will share more information on the conference as the planning gets underway. 

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Autistic Canadians, their families and caregivers and by working together we can help Autistic Canadians reach their full potential.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health

Contacts

Marie-France Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca