A nationwide study on autism is currently seeking participants from Manitoba to take part in their research. The study, led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), aims to better understand the prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children across Canada.
According to the latest statistics, 1 in 66 Canadian children are diagnosed with ASD, making it the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in the country. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive data on the prevalence and characteristics of ASD in different regions of Canada.
The cross-Canada autism study, titled “Pathways in ASD: A Canadian Longitudinal Study,” is looking to fill this gap by recruiting 2,000 children between the ages of 2 and 18 from all provinces and territories. The study will follow these children over the course of five years, collecting data on their development, behavior, and health.
Manitoba is one of the provinces where the study is currently seeking participants. Families with a child who has been diagnosed with ASD or is suspected to have ASD are encouraged to take part in the study. The researchers are particularly interested in recruiting children who have not yet received a formal diagnosis, as this will allow them to track the early signs and symptoms of ASD.
Participating families will be asked to complete online questionnaires and interviews, as well as provide biological samples such as blood and saliva. The study will also involve assessments of the child’s cognitive, language, and social skills. All data collected will be kept confidential and will only be used for research purposes.
The ultimate goal of this study is to improve our understanding of ASD and its impact on children and families across Canada. The findings will also inform the development of better interventions and support services for individuals with ASD.
If you are a family in Manitoba with a child who has been diagnosed with or suspected to have ASD, you can contribute to this important research by participating in the cross-Canada autism study. Your involvement will not only benefit your own family, but also help advance our knowledge and support for individuals with ASD nationwide. To learn more about the study and how to participate, visit the CIHR website or contact the study team directly.
