October is Autism Awareness Month

October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada. Autism is a neurological disorder resulting in developmental disability that can create difficulties in communication and social understanding, and unusual patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities. Autism includes a continuum of disorders that differ in severity, which are sometimes called "autism spectrum disorders" (ASDs). For a more detailed description, see the Autism Society of Canada website.

Roughly 1 in 200 Canadians live with an ASD. The causes of ASDs are still being investigated by researchers. To learn more about autism and it's related disorders, take a look at some of the following resources:

Key Autism Organizations
Autism Ontario: Network of volunteer chapters throughout the province of Ontario, Autism Ontario offers information and referral resources on autism.
Autism Society of Canada: The Canada-wide provincial and territorial federation of autism societies.
Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network (OAARSN): This Guelph-based organization focuses on the needs and advocacy issues of adult with autism.

Online Tools
Autism Quiz (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention): Test how much you know about ASDs.
Communication Tips (National Autistic Society): Advice on how to interact with children with autism.
KPL_Autism (KPL HealthLink): KPL HealthLink's delicious account contains a list of librarian-selected websites relating to autism. 139 websites (and growing) have been bookmarked! New websites are always being added, so check back often.
Learn the Signs. Act Early. (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention): Learn about some of the symptoms that may indicate a child has autism and other developmental disorders.

For more information about ASDs, visit KPL's Autism Collection. Established with the generous support of Waterloo Wellington Autism Services, KPL's Autism Collection includes books and audio visual materials on the ASDs and related issues. Resources are available for individuals and families who work and live with autism, researchers, as well as education and health care professionals. Both genders, and all age and ethnic groups are represented in the collection.