The numbers are staggering. According to the latest information, the rate of children being diagnosed with autism is soaring.
Across North America, one in every 68 children now has a form of the disorder, a 30 percent increase in just the past few years.
Today is World Autism Day, in a month set aside to raise awareness.
While there is still a lot we don’t know about autism, we are starting to learn a lot more. And we are starting to see a shift in how we think about this neurodevelopmental disorder as more and more families face a diagnosis.
Every morning, Janet Keall has to give her 11-year-old son the daily schedule, just one of the many things Harrison Chong needs to get through his day.
She also packs fruit on toothpicks so he doesn’t have to touch it, and anti-anxiety medication.
It seems to be working: Harrison has come a long way since he was first diagnosed with autism, anxiety disorder and ADHD.
Harrison now actively participates in school, with the help of a special education assistant and he interacts with his fellow grade 6 classmates.
Compare that to only six months ago, when he would throw things in class, run away from his teacher and act out.
Psychologist Glen Davies says we still don’t know what causes the neurodevelopmental disorder, which presents with a huge range of symptoms.
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But now, a family facing a diagnosis can have hope.
It has taken a lot of intense one-on-one therapy, intervention and medication to get Harrison to the point he is at today.
And for his parents, managing their younger son’s care is the equivalent of another full-time job, without any days off.
But to see their child finally enjoying life is the ultimate payoff.
Over the next month, reporter Elaine Yong will be looking at some of the issues facing families dealing with an autism diagnosis, starting from the lengthy delays in getting your child assessed, to the future, and just how will governments deal with this epidemic?
— with files from Elaine Yong, Global News
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