World Autism Awareness Day celebrated April 2 in Muskoka
![World Autism Awareness Day Muskoka agency celebrates World Autism Awareness Day April 2, 2024. (Source: HANDS)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/3/27/world-autism-awareness-day-1-6824028-1711539806246.jpeg)
About 1 in every 50 Canadian children and adolescents has been diagnosed with autism, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
With World Autism Awareness Day just around the corner on Tuesday, Hands with the Family Help Network is celebrating with events at two regional sites in Bracebridge and Muskoka.
“We are excited to open our doors for everyone to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day with us,” said Paula Barnes, manager of Autism Services at Hands.
“People with autism have unique gifts and challenges, needs and wants, strengths and weaknesses. It is important that we are aware of and celebrate everyone’s individuality so we can accept people for who they are and help them grow,” said Barnes.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Hands will also share facts related to Autism Awareness on their Autism Facebook page during April in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication.
“Awareness is a step that helps to start conversations and open minds. Awareness brings acceptance, equity, access, and empowerment,” said Barnes.
“As an Agency working with people with autism, awareness helps us to advocate on an individual or family’s behalf to strive for equity, to provide access to important resources, and to empower them to live their best life,” Barnes said.
To learn more and see how our experience can support you and your family, email Hands.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977430.1721929538!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.