Autism matters – to everyone Canadian Institutes of Health Research experts discuss the autism spectrum

ATTENTION: Assignment editors, health, research and science reporters

Ottawa, ON (March 25, 2013) – People on the autism spectrum stand out: they are different in how they act, how they move, and how they respond to others. Whether they are your child, your colleague or your student, from infants to adults, they may have both extreme difficulties and extraordinary achievements. In many ways, researchers are working hard to improve the lives of people on the autism spectrum across the lifespan.

In light of World Autism Awareness Day (April 2), CIHR-funded researchers are available to discuss autism and how it matters to everyone.Experts:

Who is responsible for my son’s behaviour? Uncovering the genetic causes of autismDr. Steve Scherer, CIHR-funded researcher (Toronto, Ontario)

No look, no smile? Detecting autism at an early age for better outcomesDr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, CIHR-funded researcher (Edmonton, Alberta)Dr. Jessica Brian, CIHR-funded researcher (Toronto, Ontario)

Autism spectrum disorder and mental health problems – Helping children who live with autism deal with emotional challengesDr. Jonathan Weiss, CIHR Chair in Autism Treatment and Care Research (Toronto, Ontario)

Changing perceptions – The advantages of people with autism and their integration in the societyDr. Laurent Mottron, CIHR-funded researcher (Montreal, Quebec)Dr. Jocelyn Faubert, CIHR-funded researcher (Montreal, Quebec)

Autism intervention research – The good and bad newsMichelle Dawson, autistic researcher (Montreal, Quebec)Raising children with autism – The parent’s perspectiveStephanie Pocock, mother of two children with autism (Ottawa, Ontario)-30-The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

Ce document est également disponible en français.

MEDIA CONTACT
Register for reporter access to contact details