During October, autism awareness month, the Children's Therapies Program hope to increase knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the services available to parents and children in Sunrise Health Region.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, also referred to as autism, is a neurological disorder which causes developmental disability. Autism affects the way the brain functions, resulting in difficulties with communication and social interaction, and unusual patterns of behaviour, activities and interests. International studies now indicate that about one in every 150-160 children has autism. (Canadian Institutes of Health Research)
Since 2009, the Sunrise Health Region - Children's Therapy Program has implemented the Ministry of Health's Framework and Action Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorders Services in Saskatchewan. Sunrise Health Region recently enhanced support services to ASD to increase individual family support for children and youth who may be diagnosed or are suspect with an autism spectrum disorder. Services for families include screening for ASD, diagnostic support, individual autism intervention programs, respite and summer programming. Children's Therapies Program staff provide education, information, and assistance to families, schools and relevant community service organizations.
The Children's Therapy Program will host a come and go information event on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 in the lobby of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre from 1:00 to 3:30 pm and the pre-school social skills ("Come Sing With Me") group also begins on October 24, 2012. To register or find out more, call 786-0847, or 786-0188.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, in partnership with University of New Brunswick's College of Extended Learning, offered additional training to support the workers and consultants who provide services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The Sunrise Health Region team graduated the Autism Intervention Training program on September 16, 2012.
