Federal Government Pledges $1 Million To Fight Autism
Posted October 21, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s a disease that has baffled parents and scientists alike. It may or may not be on the rise in Canada. What causes it is unknown and uncertain. Funding for families whose children have it was hotly debated in the recent provincial election.
Finally, some good news about autism. On Saturday, the federal government pledged $1 million to establish a Chair in Autism Research and Intervention. The Chair will be created at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. That province is also contributing $1 million to the project.
The Chair is charged with finding the best ways to help children with autism. Children with autism can exhibit a range of symptoms along a spectrum, from repetitive behaviour to difficulties with social interaction.
Recently, alternative treatments to autism have become more prevalent. Former Playboy Playmate Jenny McCarthy’s son, Evan, was diagnosed with autism at age three. She has written several books about his diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent turnaround. McCarthy says that a change in diet, including removing gluten and casein, improved Evan’s eye contact and reduced his repetitive behaviours.
It is not known if the Chair will look at alternative therapies as part of autism treatment.
For more on autism, click here.
For a recent Canadian breakthrough on the cause of autism, click here.
