Week-long series takes an in-depth look at autism

Beginning Monday, April 26, CTV's Canada AM launches a week-long special series on autism.

Each day, Canada AM will examine different issues, treatments, perspectives and resources for Canadian families. Canada AM airs Monday – Friday beginning at 6 a.m. ET on CTV.

(if you click on the title, it will take you to the Canada AM site to watch the video clip aired that day)

Monday, April 26 – The Value of Early Diagnosis

Today Canada AM introduces Canadians to a family who believes that an early diagnosis changed the course of their son's autism. Beverly Thomson and Seamus O'Regan sit down with top experts for tips on how early to have your child assessed, signs to watch out for and why early diagnosis is crucial in an autistic child's long-term progress.

Tuesday, April 27 – Therapy

Today Canada AM focuses on a Montreal father who began communicating with his non-verbal son, through drawings. He has now broadened out his ‘discovery,' teaching his method to other autistic children and their families. In studio, Thomson and O'Regan speak with a behavioural therapist to talk about mainstream autism therapy, and a renowned autism researcher, who will cover alternative treatments and therapy, to focus on what works and why for children who are part of the autism spectrum.

Wednesday, April 28 - Day in the Life

Today Canada AM follows a family with an autistic daughter, from morning until night for a first-hand look at the challenges and the small daily triumphs each day brings, for a family living with autism. Thomson and O'Regan host a panel of parents from across the country – each with a different perspective on how an autism diagnosis changed their lives and how they cope with the challenges of raising autistic children.
(the mom's point of view)

Thursday, April 29 – Adults with Autism

Today Canada AM looks at the issue of adults living with autism, profiling a 30- year-old man, his boss and his co-worker. In studio, Canada AM will interview his parents and an expert on adults living with autism, to discuss the lack of support and resources for families and why so many Autistic adults seem to fall through the cracks when they leave high school. We will also cover the emerging trend of adult-diagnosis of Asperger's.

Friday, April 30 – Canada a Leader in Autism Research

Today Canada AM profiles Dr. Stephen Scherer, currently a world leader in autism research, relating to genetics. Thomson and O'Regan sit down with Scherer and his colleague Dr. Peter Szatmari, to talk about their pioneering research, which could lead to a diagnostic test for Autism. They will also announce the results of what they say is a major discovery regarding Autism and genetics, based on their latest research.

In addition, CanadaAM.ctv.ca will provide additional resources for parents/families including links to support groups, different types of therapy available in Canada, a province by province breakdown of funding, and an interactive element where Canadian families can send in photos of their families and share their stories about living with autism.

Group marks autism awareness month

as seen in the April 23 2010 Winkler Times and on the Winkler Times website!


A recently formed organization is helping to support families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The South Central ASD family support group involves people from all over south central Manitoba and meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Boundary Trails Health Centre.

The month of April is autism awareness month, and the group is planning a couple of events in conjunction with April 24 to 30 as autism awareness week.

The first is a family fun night with bowling at Valley Bowling lanes tomorrow. That will be followed by a fun fair and stick rodeo in conjunction with the Keen Ridge Equine Center May 1.

Everyone is welcome with all proceeds going to the South Central ASD family support group.

For more information, contact Celeste at 331-3357, Michelle at 822-5908 or Dianne at 822-4587 or e-mail southcentralasd@yahoo.ca. You can also go to their website at southcentralasd.intuitwebsites.com.

Their goal is to support, improve and enhance the lives of ASD children and their families in the Pembina Valley through information sharing, education, awareness and proactively supporting each other.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects a person's verbal and non-verbal communication, understanding of language, and socialization with peers. Other characteristics include: engagement in repetitive activities, resistance to environmental change and unusual responses to sensory experiences.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an increasingly popular term that refers to a broad definition of autism including the classic form of the disorder as well as closely related disabilities that share many of the core characteristics.

Article ID# 2546148

Group aims to raise awareness, support for autism

as seen in the April 23 2010 Morden Times and on the Morden Times website!

Posted By Lorne Stelmach


A non-profit group recently formed in the region to support families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The South Central ASD family support group involves people from all over south central Manitoba and meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Boundary Trails Health Centre.

The month of April is autism awareness month, and the group is planning a couple of events in conjunction with April 24 to 30 as autism awareness week.

The first is a family fun night with bowling at the Winkler bowling lanes this Saturday (April 24) then a fun fair and stick rodeo in conjunction with the Keen Ridge Equine Center May 1.

Everyone is welcome with all proceeds going to the South Central ASD family support group.

For more information, contact Celeste at 331-3357, Michelle at 822-5908 or Dianne at 822-4587 or e-mail southcentralasd@yahoo.ca. You can also go to their website at southcentralasd.intuitwebsites.com/

Their goal is to support, improve and enhance the lives of ASD children and their families in the Pembina Valley through information sharing, education, awareness and proactively supporting each other.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects a person's verbal and non-verbal communication, understanding of language, and socialization with peers. Other characteristics include: engagement in repetitive activities, resistance to environmental change and unusual responses to sensory experiences.

The range of severity can be from extremely mild to severe.

Autism is a behavioral disorder, not an illness or disease. It typically appears by age three and is a lifelong condition. There is no known cure, although there are documented cases of symptoms being reduced and even some children losing their diagnosis alltogether.

Although autism affects the functions of the brain, the specific cause is not known.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an increasingly popular term that refers to a broad definition of autism including the classic form of the disorder as well as closely related disabilities that share many of the core characteristics.

Although the classic form of autism can be readily distinguished from other forms of ASD, the terms autism and ASD are often used interchangeably.

Article ID# 2545984




Thank you to the Morden Town Council & Mayor for signing a proclamation declaring April 24th to 30th as Autism Awareness Week!

Don't forget about our bowling night!

Please let us know if you can make it, as we have little bags for all the kids and I rather have too much than not enough!!