Senators call for federal autism strategy: Senator Munson
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As I reflect on the past ten years, I am filled with wonder at how powerful people can be when they come together to effect change. They create movements. This movement is about the right of Canadians with autism to reach their full potential, to lead happier more fulfilling lives. They have so much to offer society.
Ten years ago, I launched an inquiry in the Senate that led to a study by the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. The report that followed, Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis, began to change the Canadian landscape for individuals, families and groups living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The passionate testimony the committee heard from those who shared their experiences of living with autism helped trigger the movement for the rights of ASD individuals.
I felt that the Senate and Parliament needed to do more. So, in 2008, I introduced An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day. There was strong support from every corner of the chamber, but it still took years of hard work to get the bill through Parliament. In 2012, it finally became law, officially recognizing every April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. Awareness is at the heart of meaningful change and the autism community in Canada uses this day as a rallying cry to raise awareness.
Rather than work in isolation, families, groups and communities began to exchange ideas and work together. It was obvious that one voice would be more effective in engaging governments and other stakeholders. The Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA) was born as that one voice.
The group represents the shared leadership of key ASD organizations in Canada, such as Autism Canada and Autism Speaks. It has developed strong partnerships with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to bring about real change. It works with leading scientific and academic researchers from major Canadian universities.
CASDA conducted a country-wide needs assessment survey in 2014 and created the Canadian Autism Partnership Project (CAPP) to mobilize people and groups toward addressing the complex issues of Canadians living with autism. Too many families are alone, struggling to overcome these issues without proper support or resources. We need to continue working toward a Canada where ASD individuals are empowered to reach their full potential and contribute to society.
Ten years later, much has been accomplished — but much remains to be done.
We know more about the human brain, about neurological differences, and the value of living with diversity. Many wonderful and innovative projects are underway but there are still vast disparities in services across the country.
So, on this year’s World Autism Awareness Day, let’s make our voices heard — join me and many other Canadians in lighting it up blue (#LIUB)!
Note to readers: The Honourable Jim Munson retired from the Senate of Canada in July 2021. Learn more about his work in Parliament.
As I reflect on the past ten years, I am filled with wonder at how powerful people can be when they come together to effect change. They create movements. This movement is about the right of Canadians with autism to reach their full potential, to lead happier more fulfilling lives. They have so much to offer society.
Ten years ago, I launched an inquiry in the Senate that led to a study by the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. The report that followed, Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis, began to change the Canadian landscape for individuals, families and groups living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The passionate testimony the committee heard from those who shared their experiences of living with autism helped trigger the movement for the rights of ASD individuals.
I felt that the Senate and Parliament needed to do more. So, in 2008, I introduced An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day. There was strong support from every corner of the chamber, but it still took years of hard work to get the bill through Parliament. In 2012, it finally became law, officially recognizing every April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. Awareness is at the heart of meaningful change and the autism community in Canada uses this day as a rallying cry to raise awareness.
Rather than work in isolation, families, groups and communities began to exchange ideas and work together. It was obvious that one voice would be more effective in engaging governments and other stakeholders. The Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA) was born as that one voice.
The group represents the shared leadership of key ASD organizations in Canada, such as Autism Canada and Autism Speaks. It has developed strong partnerships with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to bring about real change. It works with leading scientific and academic researchers from major Canadian universities.
CASDA conducted a country-wide needs assessment survey in 2014 and created the Canadian Autism Partnership Project (CAPP) to mobilize people and groups toward addressing the complex issues of Canadians living with autism. Too many families are alone, struggling to overcome these issues without proper support or resources. We need to continue working toward a Canada where ASD individuals are empowered to reach their full potential and contribute to society.
Ten years later, much has been accomplished — but much remains to be done.
We know more about the human brain, about neurological differences, and the value of living with diversity. Many wonderful and innovative projects are underway but there are still vast disparities in services across the country.
So, on this year’s World Autism Awareness Day, let’s make our voices heard — join me and many other Canadians in lighting it up blue (#LIUB)!
Note to readers: The Honourable Jim Munson retired from the Senate of Canada in July 2021. Learn more about his work in Parliament.