Prince Edward Island is the first province to contribute 2015 data to the national autism surveillance system, says Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Hal Perry.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is working with federal, provincial and territorial counterparts to build a comprehensive picture of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Canada,” said Minister Perry. “This data will be used to estimate how many Canadians are living with Autism Spectrum Disorders and support further initiatives to support these families.”
The Public Health Agency of Canada is planning to publish its first report of the state of ASD in Canada in 2016. The report will include estimates of the prevalence and incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Canada. These numbers can be used to estimate human resource, school services, social services and health program needs for those with ASD.
All four Atlantic provinces will be contributing to the National ASD report, and the Public Health Agency of Canada has reported that Prince Edward Island is the first province to contribute 2015 data to the initiative.
“The Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture has been working closely with Thinking Big IT Inc., an Island-based technology firm, to develop information gathering systems that ensure the collected information is accurate, secure and kept private,” said Minister Perry. “Our participation in this national network will enable us to identify Autism trends specific to Prince Edward Island, as well as nation-wide, which will have a positive impact on resource planning.”