What Is Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobiological condition that can affect the normal function of the gastrointestinal, immune, hepatic, endocrine and nervous systems. It impacts normal brain development leaving most individuals with communication problems, difficulty with typical social interactions and a tendency to repeat specific patterns of behaviour. There is also a markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interests. Individuals on the autism spectrum tend to have varying degrees and combinations of symptoms and therefore treatment needs to be specific to the individual.

Autism Physician Handbook - Canadian Edition

Autism Canada is proud to present a Canadian Edition of the Autism Physician Handbook. We would like to thank Linda Lee from the Help Autism Now Society, who is the original designer and developer of this document and has allowed us to revise it for Canadians. The fully illustrated Physician Handbook, with over 100 illustrations showing the common characteristics of autism in toddlers, comes complete with the CHAT Checklist, a visual guide to behavioural symptoms and a comprehensive listing of provincial, national, and international websites and resources that your family may find helpful.

Click here to download a PDF version of the Autism Physician Handbook.