Interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are best done at the earliest age so parents can help them thrive. Statistics show that one in 66 Canadian children will be diagnosed with ASD.
Interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are best done at the earliest age so parents can help them thrive. Statistics show that one in 66 Canadian children will be diagnosed with ASD. About three to four boys are diagnosed with ASD for every girl, but girls with ASD may be under-recognized.
"Autism can run in the family so younger siblings of children on the spectrum are at higher risk. By following these younger siblings, starting in infancy, we have learned about the earliest signs of autism and how to intervene," said Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, U of A professor of pediatrics.
Zwaigenbaum is a Distinguished Researcher within the Stollery Science Lab, the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation Chair in Autism and Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI) member. His research focuses on early detection and diagnosis of ASD, as well as factors influencing development and outcomes of children with ASD.
"Early behavioural signs of autism can be detected by the first birthday and parents, as always, are the experts. Interventions delivered by parents can help toddlers with early signs learn to better communicate and connect emotionally with their parents and others," said Zwaigenbaum.
He will be speaking during the Festival of Health's Rapid-Fire Presentations and Ask the Experts: Q & A Sessions starting at 1 p.m. The festival is a free event and open to the public. Event information and a link for tickets is below.
Festival of Health
Register here for your free ticket
May 25, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Edmonton Clinic Health Academy
North Campus, University of Alberta
Booths and Children's Activities Area
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Learning Session and Tours Block 1
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Barbecue and Entertainment
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rapid Fire Presentations and Ask The Experts: Q & A Session
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Learning Sessions and Tours Block 2
3 - 4 p.m.
More information available at uab.ca/healthfest.