Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present this petition with dozens of signatures that were collected by my constituent, Dee Gordon, as she walks twice a week from Etobicoke North to downtown Toronto to raise awareness of autism.
Autism spectrum disorders, ASD, are pervasive disorders that affect one person in 88. They are characterized by social and communication challenges and a pattern of repetitive behaviours and interests. They are lifelong, affect life experience, and exert emotional and financial pressures on families.
The petitioners call upon the government to work with the provinces, territories, and stakeholders to develop a pan-Canadian strategy for ASD, including awareness and education campaigns; child, adolescent, and adult intervention; and innovative funding arrangements for financial therapy, surveillance, respite care, community initiatives, and research.