TORONTO, April 1, 2019 – Every day, thousands of Canadians living with autism and their families face challenges to increase awareness about their needs and experiences. World Autism Awareness Day, on April 2, 2019, provides an opportunity to improve understanding of the issues that surround the autism community.

Recent statistics show , indicating thatÌýare on the autism spectrum. Research can play a big role in understanding the causes and effects of autism and making sure that Canadians who are affected, and their families, receive the best possible support.

The following 91ÑÇÉ« experts are available to speak about the role of their research in the autism community:

is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Research Chair in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disability Mental Health at 91ÑÇÉ«

He can offer insight on the following:

• The impact parents have and why parents who are partners in therapy with their children experience improvements in their own depression and emotion regulation
• The role of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and how it can help children with autism manage not only anxiety but other emotional challenges, such as sadness and anger

Adrienne PerryÌýis aÌýprofessor in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, at 91ÑÇÉ«.ÌýÌýShe is aÌýclinical psychologist and board-certified behaviour analyst with over 30 years experience in autism diagnosis, treatment, and research.

SheÌýcan offer insight on:

• How is autism currently assessed and diagnosed?
• Why is autism considered a "spectrum" and how does it relate to developmental disabilities?
• How is the well-being of parents of children with autism affected?
• What current research shows about the evidence-base for applied behaviour analysis (ABA) andÌýintensive behavioural intervention (IBI)

91ÑÇÉ« champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91ÑÇÉ« students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91ÑÇÉ« U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91ÑÇÉ« is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.
91ÑÇÉ« U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:

Anjum Nayyar, 91ÑÇÉ« Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 44543,Ìýanayyar@yorku.ca

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