TIMMINS - April 2nd marked World Autism Awareness Day and to celebrate North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) joined in Autism Ontario’s “Raise the Flag” campaign. The flag raising took place at the Wilcox campus which is home to NEOFACS’s autism programs with other campus locations including Hearst, Cochrane, New Liskeard and Kapuskasing following suit later in the week. Executive Director Richard Lambert Belanger, Board Member Robert Perrault, Director of Services: Children's Mental Health, Youth Justice & Community Based Programs Josee Belanger, Manager of Communications & Quality Improvement Catherine Simunovic and Autism Program Supervisor Sarah Robinson celebrated alongside staff and community supporters at the initial flag raising at the Wilcox site.
Counsellor Michael Duty was on hand April 2nd with City of Timmins who offered their support and recognition by proclaiming April 2nd as World Autism Day and by raising an Autism Ontario “Raise the Flag” at both city hall on April 2nd and Golden Avenue Public School on April 4th.
“It is important we recognize World Autism Day, it is increasingly important we work to promote an understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and what therapies are available. The most recent statistics from Autism Speaks has 1 in 88 children in Canada being affected by Autism and those numbers are on the rise.” Richard Lambert Belanger, Executive Director NEOFACS
Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. Autism disorders are characterized, in varying degcrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. In 2013, all previously sub-categorized autism disorders (autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome) were merged into one diagnosis of ASD.
NEOFACS offers a number of children’s mental health programs for children and youth with autism. Services include the Applied Behaviour Analysis Program (ABA), the Autism Intervention Program (AIP/IBI), and the Autism Resource Program (ARP). Two of the autism programs are offered in partnership with other agencies. The Applied Behaviour Analysis Program is offered in cooperation with One Kids Place and the Autism Intervention Program is offered in partnership with HANDS (The Family Help Network from North Bay). More information on these partnerships can be found by visiting http://www.onekidsplace.ca and http://www.thefamilyhelpnetwork.ca.
“Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. The most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve long-term outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key to identifying the need for early intervention and behavioral therapies to improving outcomes.” Sarah Robinson, Program Supervisor, Autism & Psychological Services, NEOFACS
Canadians officially recognized April 2nd 2013 as the first World Autism Awareness Day, with the passing of Jim Munson’s bill S-206 – An Act Respecting World Autism Awareness Day. With the support of Autism Ontario and BMO Financial Group, 500 Flags were raised across Ontario on April 2nd 2013 to create awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders which affect over 100,000 people across the province. NEOFACS works with Autism Ontario to promote understanding, awareness and provide support for children, youth and families with autism.
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Media Contact:
Brooke Ballantyne
Communications Coordinator
Telephone: 705-360-7100 ext 5217
Brooke.ballantyne@neofacs.org
For additional information, please contact:
Mr. Richard Lambert Bélanger
Telephone: 705-360-7100
Richard.lambert-belanger@neofacs.org
